Its large base is on the longest reach of the non-tidal parts of the Thames,[2] at Wallingford, in Oxfordshire – about 6 miles (10 km) of easily rowable, little-congested river.

[3] From 1995 into 2007, inclusive, Brookes won its record 13 consecutive British Universities Sport Association (annual BUSA games) men's eight wins.

[6] Due to the rarity of two of these colours the cream is in some kit and/or blades left as white and the burgundy (13% blue, 50% red) made up as maroon.

In 2014, Brookes brought HRR's Temple back to Britain for the first time since 2006, winning against the freshmen crew from Brown.

They repeated this two years later – atoning their narrow quarter-final loss in 2015 (deemed 'the Temple final on the Friday') to eventual winners A.S.R.

This length, width and quality of the water has been a key factor in Brookes' success, allowing both men's and women's crews to train together, in an enjoyable but highly competitive environment.

The vision was to expand and update an outgrown, outdated building to produce a state-of-the-art facility, fit to support the demands of World and Olympic medallists and create an environment in which top-class athletes can shine.

The contemporary interpretation of local agricultural buildings, compliant with stringent environmental and ecological benchmarks, underpins the concept.

The simplistic gable form echoes a resplendent Tithe Barn on the banks of the Thames, a discreet silhouette within the landscape.

[8] The new facilities include land-based training areas, extra boat storage and large changing rooms.