The Boat Race 1856

Typically held annually, the event is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

[13] Cambridge won the toss and elected to start from the Middlesex station, handing the Surrey side of the river to Oxford.

Cambridge's number six, M'Cormick, caught a wave with his oar by the Ship pub and lost his seat, allowing Oxford to extend their lead.

Although they nearly increased their lead to a length, the Light Blues encountered a barge at Corney Reach which caused them to change course and lose ground, enabling Oxford to draw level once again.

Despite a late surge from the Dark Blues, Cambridge passed the finish first, winning by half a length in a time of 25 minutes 45 seconds.