This children’s article, On this day in 1829, the first Oxford vs Cambridge boat race took place, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore an important part of British sporting history. Written by Mark Pulley, a writer and teacher who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
How the race began
The famous Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge universities began on this day, 10 June 1829. It all started when two old school friends, Charles Wordsworth from Oxford and Charles Merivale from Cambridge, met during a holiday in Cambridge. Both loved rowing and decided to challenge each other to a race.
Wordsworth, who was related to the poet William Wordsworth, and Merivale wrote to their universities to set up the race. On 10 February 1829, Cambridge officially challenged Oxford to a rowing contest in an eight-person boat.
The first race at Henley
The first race took place on the River Thames at Henley, a town in England famous for rowing. Oxford won the race easily. Their winning boat is now kept in the River & Rowing Museum in Henley, where visitors can see it today.
In the early years, the race did not happen every year. The second race was held in 1836 near London. It was not until later that the Boat Race became an annual event.
The modern Boat Race
Today, the Boat Race is a famous sporting event in the UK. It takes place every spring on the River Thames in London. The two university teams row side by side along a course from Putney to Mortlake.
By 2025, Oxford and Cambridge will have raced over 170 times. Cambridge has won 86 races, and Oxford has won 81, with a few draws in the early years. The event is watched by millions of people around the world on TV, as well as thousands more who line the river to cheer on the two teams.
The Boat Race is famous for its excitement, strength, and teamwork. It is a great example of how sport can bring people together and celebrate tradition.
If you want to learn more about the Boat Race, you can visit the official site here: theboatrace.org
Article vocabulary list
- Boat Race: A rowing contest between two teams in boats.
- Challenge: To invite someone to compete in a contest or race.
- Eight-oared boat: A boat with eight rowers, each using one oar.
- Henley: A town in England known for rowing events.
- Annual: Happening once every year.
- Tradition: A custom or practice passed down over time.
- Rowing: The sport of moving a boat using oars.
- Teamwork: Working together as a group to achieve a goal.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When did the first Boat Race take place?
a) 10 February 1829
b) 10 June 1829
c) 10 June 1836
Answer: b) 10 June 1829
2. Who were the two friends who created the idea of the Boat Race?
a) Charles Wordsworth and Charles Merivale
b) William Wordsworth and Charles Snow
c) Mr Snow and Mr Staniforth
Answer: a) Charles Wordsworth and Charles Merivale
3. Where was the first Boat Race held?
a) On the River Cam in Cambridge
b) On the River Thames at Henley
c) On the River Thames in London
Answer: b) On the River Thames at Henley
4. Which university won the first Boat Race?
a) Cambridge
b) Oxford
c) It was a draw
Answer: b) Oxford
5. How often is the Boat Race held today?
a) Every month
b) Every year
c) Every five years
Answer: b) Every year
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
