Tom Cole (Oarsman)
Encyclopedia
Tom Cole was the Professional Single Sculls World Champion from 1852 to 1854. He resided in Chelsea. At the time, he became the Champion of the Thames which was effectively the Champion of England. After the English title gained the world status in 1876, earlier winners were retrospectively given the World Champion Title.
on 1 August 1849. His father, also Tom, had won the Coat and Badge in 1821. In a scratch match on the 25 June 1850 the younger Cole was beaten by A Chitty for £25 a side over the Championship Course, that is on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake.
with the match taking place on the 24 May 1852. The stake was £200 a side. By this stage Coombes was about forty-four years old and past his prime and although he put a gallant fight to lose by only half a length the much younger Cole took the prize. The course was the usual Championship Course and the time was 25m.15s.
which was raced on the 20 November 1854 on the usual Championship Course with a stake of £200 a side. The day was cold and foggy. Cole took the early lead and retained it to the Crab Tree at which point Messenger began to gradually overhaul him. By Hammersmith Bridge Messenger had obtained a good lead which he maintained with ease to the finish. The time was 24m.45s
See also World Sculling Championship and English Sculling Championship
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Early Races
Cole won the Doggett's Coat and BadgeDoggett's Coat and Badge
Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize and name for the oldest rowing race in the world. Up to six apprentice Watermen of the River Thames in England compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715. The 4 miles 5 furlongs race is held on the Thames between London...
on 1 August 1849. His father, also Tom, had won the Coat and Badge in 1821. In a scratch match on the 25 June 1850 the younger Cole was beaten by A Chitty for £25 a side over the Championship Course, that is on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake.
First Title Match
Cole’s first attempt at the Championship was when he challenged Robert CoombesRobert Coombes
Robert Coombes , celebrated professional oarsman and Champion Sculler, was born at Vauxhall, Surrey.-Early life:A waterman from an early age, Coombes spent his life on the river Thames...
with the match taking place on the 24 May 1852. The stake was £200 a side. By this stage Coombes was about forty-four years old and past his prime and although he put a gallant fight to lose by only half a length the much younger Cole took the prize. The course was the usual Championship Course and the time was 25m.15s.
Second Title Match
Coombes was still of the opinion that he could again be the Champion and challenged Cole to another match. This took place on the same course on 14 October 1852 and although the time was faster than the previous race at 23m.35s the men crossed the finish line in the same order as the last time.Third Title Match
Cole’s final Title match was against James MessengerJames Messenger
James MessengerJames Messenger was the Professional Single Sculls World Champion from 1854 to 1857. He resided in Teddington. At the time, he became the Champion of the Thames which was effectively the English Sculling Championship...
which was raced on the 20 November 1854 on the usual Championship Course with a stake of £200 a side. The day was cold and foggy. Cole took the early lead and retained it to the Crab Tree at which point Messenger began to gradually overhaul him. By Hammersmith Bridge Messenger had obtained a good lead which he maintained with ease to the finish. The time was 24m.45s
See also World Sculling Championship and English Sculling Championship
English Sculling Championship
The English Sculling Championship developed out of informal competitions between working watermen on rivers such as the Thames and the Tyne. Various matches were made on a casual basis but in time these were more formalised. The first recognised Champion was Charles Campbell who beat John Williams...
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