Over the last few weeks, we have taken a look back "Wayback" at rowing in the US. This week we are taking a trip across the pond to check out rowing in the United Kingdom.

The first known 'modern' rowing races took place in the UK, so it was a natural first destination outside of the US. The UK still boasts the oldest surviving regatta, the Doggett's Coat and Badge, which was first contested in 1715 and is still held annually from London Bridge to Chelsea (quick math, that is 68 years before America won its independence from England).

When one thinks of rowing in the UK, The Boat Race between Oxford University and Cambridge University, which first took place in 1829, is always top of mind. At its inception, The Boat Race was the second intercollegiate sporting event ever held. This week we included Boat Race photos from 1841, 1886, 1896, and 1953.

To go into the full depth and breadth of British Rowing history would require a Dickensian brick of a book; however, to wrap up this week's Wayback Wednesday, we have to mention Henley. Established in March 1839, Henley Royal Regatta is one of my favorite events to cover every year. Our featured Henley photo this week comes from the UK Photo Archive and shows The Royal Barge Bearing King George And Queen Mary in 1912.

In the near future our goal is to feature classic rowing photos submitted by row2k readers. If you have any photos that you have permission to share, please send them to us!