Marlow

Marlow: The Rowing Capital Of Buckinghamshire

Everyone has heard of Henley-on-Thames in relation to rowing and just how big a deal the sport is there, but there are very few people who know that it is just as much a popular sport in the rest of the surrounding counties. In Buckinghamshire, Marlow is the town that hosts rowing and has a good many other attractions that can tempt visitors to the area.

Marlow, or Great Marlow as it was previously known, is in the very southernmost part of the county and is situated right on the River Thames, just as Henley-on-Thames is. It is the River Thames that actually put it on the map because it provided a way to transport goods from and to London as far back as the 11th Century, which was when the town first appeared in any records. It was actually in the Domesday Book in 1086, although it was not until 1324, almost 250 years later, that it received its market charter. Although it is no longer a market town as a result of losing that charter some years ago, it is still just as important as ever in Buckinghamshire as a result of the river.

Since 1855, Marlow has held its own regatta, usually two weeks before its counterpart at Henley every single year. It was revamped in 2001 and Sir Steve Redgrave, the Olympic rowing five time gold medallist, reopened it. The regatta is at Marlow Lock, which has been there since the 14th Century. The regatta is popular but is not quite as crowded as the one at Henley so if you want to experience one then this may be a better bet. After all, it is Justas fine an example of rowing but without the crowds. All you have to do is relax, enjoy your picnic and watch the river. What could be more simple than that?