It was founded in 1856 by members of the long-disbanded Argonauts Club wishing to compete at Henley Royal Regatta.

A. Casamajor and Josias Nottidge for the purpose of promoting rowing on the river Thames and winning medals at Henley Royal Regatta.

Jess Eddie was in the Women's eight that won the Silver Medal at Rio Olympic Games in 2016 Sophie Hosking the Gold Medal winner and Rob Williams competed for Great Britain at the London Olympic Games in 2012 in the women's lightweight double sculls and men's lightweight coxless four.

The London lightweight four of 1994; Butt, Watson, Strange and Helm set a Worlds best time for Open and Lightweight fours of 05:48:86 (Paris, May '94) London Rowing Club began in rented rooms at Star & Garter Pub in Putney.

The design specification required a low carbon footprint resulting in a modern passive ventilation system among other items.