Some of our collection

Crest and bearings

The armorial bearings of the company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames

By letters patent of Sir Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms, dated 18th September 1585 armorial bearings were granted to the Company. Though the original patent document may have been lost to time, a trick of the Arms remains at the College of Arms, and another finds its place in the Heralds’ Visitation of London from 1634.

The following is the recognised blazon of the arms and has been deduced from these tricks:

Arms: Argent, in base barry wavy of six azure and argent a boat proper, on a chief azure two oars in saltire or between two cushions argent fretted gules trimmed argent tasselled or.

Crest: On a wreath argent and gules a dexter arm embowed vested argent holding in the hand proper an oar erect or.

Mantling: Gules doubled argent.

Supporters: On either side a dolphin haurient argent finned, eyed and tusked or.

Motto: At commandment of our superiors.

The design of the arms reflects the activities and trade of the Watermenʼs Company at that date (before its amalgamation with the Lightermen in 1700). The boat symbolises the Watermen’s skiff, and the cushions emphasise the vessel’s role in passenger transportation.

More recently, Sir Colin Cole, Garter King of Arms, granted a heraldic badge by letters patent on 5th April 1983. This badge, blazoned as “In the front of an oar erect ensigned by a crown of gold, a dolphin naiant argent tusked finned and the tail also gold,” incorporates one of the dolphin supporters from our original arms, connecting our rich history to contemporary heraldic representation.

Doggett Coat & Badge Uniform

What is the Doggett’s Coat and Badge?

Doggett’s Coat and Badge stands as the revered prize for the world’s oldest continuous rowing race, a tradition that has endured since 1715. This prestigious honour is fiercely contested by up to six apprentice watermen of the River Thames in England. The challenging 4-mile 5-furlong (7.44 km) race navigates the upstream course from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea, passing beneath a total of eleven bridges.

Originally scheduled on 1 August against the outgoing tide, the race has evolved to accommodate spectators, now taking place in September with the incoming tide. The contemporary single sculling boats replace the traditional vessels used by watermen in ferrying passengers across the Thames.

Winning the Doggett’s Coat & Badge

The coveted winner’s prize is a traditional watermen’s red coat adorned with a silver badge, featuring the horse of the House of Hanover and the word “Liberty” in homage to George I’s accession to the throne. All participants completing the course receive a miniature Doggett’s Badge for their lapel in a ceremony at Watermen’s Hall – silver for the winner and bronze for the others. The Fishmongers’ Company extends monetary prizes to the rowing clubs involved, with £1,000 for the winner’s club, £600 for second place, £400 for third, and £200 for fourth.

While winning Doggett’s Coat and Badge in the 18th and 19th centuries had the added allure of attracting trade for talented watermen, the contemporary race continues to be regarded as exceptionally prestigious in today’s context.

Defaced Ensign

Celebrating a Historic Moment: Unveiling the New Special Red Ensign

On the 14th of January, a momentous occasion unfolded at Watermen’s Hall as Admiral Sir Alan West, the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, broke out the Company’s new Special Red Ensign. This captivating event, captured in the latest edition of Watermen Hoy, brought together Court Members, Freemen, and esteemed Guests who gathered outside the hall to witness the unfurling of the flag.

The Significance of the British Ensign

Explore maritime history dating back to the 16th century, where the Royal Navy’s squadrons were distinguished by the red, white, and blue ensigns. Before 1864, merchant ships shared the Red Ensign with the Royal Navy’s red squadron. In 1864, a pivotal decision reserved the White Ensign for the Royal Navy, the Red Ensign for the Merchant Navy, and the Blue Ensign for government and colonial vessels.

Defaced Ensigns – A Time-Honoured Tradition

The rich tradition of defaced ensigns emerged in the 19th century when Britain’s colonies adopted blue ensigns adorned with badges as their sea and land flags. This practice extended to civilian maritime organisations, including Trinity House, the RNLI, and the Maritime Volunteer Service, which embraced defaced Red Ensigns. Although rare today, the Ministry of Defence’s authorisation for a new defaced ensign is a cause for celebration at Watermen’s Hall. Long may it fly!