The Boat Race 1857

Oxford rowed in a keel-less carvel-built boat, the first time in the history of the race that such a construction method was used for one of the vessels.

Umpired by Joseph William Chitty, the race was won by Oxford who triumphed over Cambridge by 11 lengths.

broad, in fact quite eclipsing in speed all boats turned out of late years by Searle or any southern builder.

[2] The race was first held in 1829, and since 1845 has taken place on the 4.2-mile (6.8 km) Championship Course on the River Thames in southwest London.

[10] Oxford "soon showed signs of good pace" in practice and set the course record with 19 minutes 50 seconds, a time which would remain unbeaten until the 1873 race.

[11][12] Oxford saw four crew members return from the 1856 race in Gurdon, Lonsdale, Thorley and the cox, Elers, while Cambridge welcomed back just two former Blues in Lloyd and Snow.