The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

The first ever Boat Race took place on 12th March 1829 when Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford to compete in a rowing race, the idea originating from two friends - Charles Merivale, a student at Cambridge, and his Harrow schoolfriend Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth), who was at Oxford.  So was born the tradition of a rowing race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge which has continued to the present day, the custom being the the loser of the previous year's race challenges the opposition to a re-match.

The Modern Boat Race continues this tradition but has now become a major international sporting occasion drawing millions of viewers from around the world. On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames from Putney to Mortlake to witness the University teams. Although Oxford won the 2008 race, Cambridge currently lead the series since 1829 by 79-74.

The Boat Race has been celebrated by Transport for London throughout the years by many poster commissions dating back as far as 1911.  A selection of these posters are now available for purchase.  To view all the TfL commissioned Boat Race posters please visit the London Transport Museum poster collection.