Burnham Regatta 1854

In 1854 a group of Burnham people decided to revive the Regatta which has last been held in 1837.

On 12 July 1854 the town began to fill with visitors from Chelmsford, Maldon and the Dengie 100 who congregated along the Quay to watch the action.

The crowds were entertained by Pritchards band who played music all day and many traders.

The competitors were mostly drawn from local oyster merchants and other firms

There were three races for Cutter rigged boats under 20 tons.

Race 1

Mr Smith in William and Hannah

S Martin in Vision

W Lewis in Ada Jane

J Sweeting in Alpha

Race 2

J Hawkes in Lady Mildmay

F Wiseman in Coquette

P Patmore in Ellen

P Richmond in Tyro

Race 3

J Hawkins in Crouch

T Rogers in Tyro

D Hawkins in Agnes

C Wiseman in Eliza

J Sweeting in Rambler

Race 4 - race for skiffs sailing and rowing

Mr Patmore, Mr Sweeting, Mr Hawkins, Mr Rogers, Mr Allen and Mrs Smith

Race 5 - four oared rowing race

Won by Peter Richmond

Race 6 - two oared rowing boar

Won by William Kemp

race 7 - The duck race

The Duck was Mr Cundy who managed to elude all of his chasers for 20 minutes and so won a prize of £1

Dinner

In the evening a diner was held in a marquee to the rear of the Anchor Inn.

The food was provided by Mr Harris from the White Harte Inn.

Sir William Bowyer Smijth MP for the South of Essex presided

Diners included

J N O Parker -  Robert Davis - George Richardson - C Page - S T Gwynne - J Hawkins - J R McConnell - G M Whimper - T Rogers senior - T Rogers Junior - J Sweeting - J C Sweeting - W Clarke - Robert Page - James Page - W Page - John Page - P Patmore - J Maldon - T Maldon - James Gale - William Bushell - Walter Bushell - George Browning - John Rogers - A B Croxon - D Hawkins - W Laver - F Wiseman - Mr Richardson

At 10.30 pm fireworks were let off from the deck of the Amity by fireworks expert Mr Gyngell and it was agreed to make the Regatta an annual event.