From: "Cross David - dcross" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> From: Simon Wistow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 10:15 AM
>
> > Cross David - dcross wrote:
> >
> > > <pedant>
> > > That's "Doggett Coat and Badge - a pint to the forst person to explain
> the
> > > name.
> > > </pedant>
> >
> > c.f previous mail
> >
> > The right to wear Doggett's Coat and Badge is the prize in a rowing race
> > held yearly since 1715 between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier, Chelsea
> > in London. It was initiated by Thomas Doggett to commemorate the
> > coronation of George I. The badge is silver and shows the white horse of
> > Hannover. The race is now held in July.
>
> Maybe I should have said "a pint to the first person WHO WASN'T IN THE PUB
> LAST NIGHT LEARNING ALL ABOUT THE HISTORY to explain the name".
>
> Btw, the coat is red.
"Doggett's Coat and Badge
one of the world's oldest continuing rowing races, held annually in England
along the River Thames from London Bridge to Chelsea, a distance of 4 miles
5 furlongs (7.4 km). The race is a sculling contest between skiffs
originally used to ferry passengers across the river. The boats are manned
by watermen who have recently completed their apprenticeship. The contest
was instituted in 1715 by Thomas Doggett, an English comic actor, to
commemorate the accession of George I in 1714. Doggett provided for a cash
prize and "an Orange coloured Livery with a Badge representing Liberty" to
be awarded to the winner. Although the colour of the uniform has changed
from orange to red and the cash prize is no longer awarded, Doggett's decree
continues to be fulfilled."
This internet thing is quite interesting really once you get the hang of it.
Do I get half a pint for knowing the coat was originally orange?
Barbie.
