Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club - London

Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club is based on the north bank of the Thames at Ferry Street on the Isle of Dogs, opposite Greenwich. It was founded in 1845 by watermen and lightermen who worked on the river and in the docks.

The organisation began as Blackwall Rowing and Athletic Club and adopted its present name in 1935. It moved beside its current site in 1937, initially using the former North Greenwich railway station ticket office and waiting room for changing.

The club entered Henley Royal Regatta for the first time in 1956 and reached the Thames Challenge Cup semi-final. It continues to target Henley and races at major multi-lane regattas, Thames regattas and winter heads.

Membership covers adults, students, juniors, retired rowers, veterans and associates. Beginners can take learn-to-row courses, while social rowers can join weekend outings without committing to a racing squad.

The club has a particular connection with the Doggett's Coat and Badge race, providing one-to-one coaching for apprentice watermen. It says about one-third of the race's winners over the past century have trained and rowed at Poplar.

Poplar organises the 2,000-metre multi-lane Poplar Regatta at the Royal Albert Dock for junior, women's and open crews. The docklands event reference does not replace the club identity; its address is 56 Ferry Street, Isle of Dogs, London, E14 3DT.