The Boat Race 1869

[6] The decision to engage a member of the opposing university was greeted with consternation and considered by many Cantabrigians as "a disgrace to the Club".

[7] After the usual difficulty to agree arrangements, Cambridge eventually sent the traditional challenge and the date of the race was set for 17 March 1869.

[8] Cambridge arrived at Putney a fortnight beforehand and made several practice rows in variable conditions, the worst of which included heavy snow, three days prior to the race.

[11] Although the Light Blues made the faster start, Oxford soon pulled alongside them and by the London Rowing Club boathouse, held a lead of around 10 feet (3 m).

The winning time was the fastest ever, beating the previous record set in 1868 by 52 seconds, although some doubt was cast over the positioning of the finish which was believed to have made the course approximately 100 yards (91 m) shorter.