Robert Chambers (oarsman)
| Robert Chambers | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born |
Robert Chambers 1832 St. Anthony's, Walker, nr Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | 1868-06-04 St. Anthony's, Walker, nr Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Cause of death | Tuberculosis |
| Resting place | Walker Cemetery |
| Nationality | British |
| Title | World champion sculler |
| Term | 1859-1865 & 1866-1868 |
| Predecessor | Harry Kelley |
| Successor | Harry Kelley |
Robert Chambers (14 June 1831 – 4 June 1868) was a famous Tyneside professional oarsman. He became the Tyne, Thames, English and World Sculling Champion.
He was one of three great Tyneside oarsmen, the other two being Harry Clasper and James Renforth.
Robert Chambers was born at St Anthony’s, a riverside area, east of Newcastle. His father worked as an iron moulder at the Losh, Wilson and Bell ironworks in nearby Walker and young Bob also began work there as an iron puddler, a job that involves stirring molten pig iron with a ladle to release the impurities. Although the work was hot and dirty, it developed his arm and chest muscles.
Chambers first appeared in a rowing contest at the age of 21, when he was beaten in a sculling race by a competitor named Hicks. However his performances improved until he was drawn against the veteran oarsman Harry Clasper in the second heat of the Tyne sculling championship, in 1855. Clasper, who at that time was 43, won the race, but he recognised that Chambers had great potential. He therefore invited him to join his Derwenthaugh crew. The new crew consisted of Harry Clasper (at stroke), his brother Robert, his eldest son John Hawks and Robert Chambers. The crew took part in the Durham Regatta of 1856 and won the main prize, the Patron’s Plate. Chambers took part in the sculling competition and lost in the final to teammate John Hawkes Clasper.
Chambers continued to be coached by Clasper, who was a very astute rowing coach, and his rowing improved immensely. In the Thames Regatta of 1856, Clasper and Chambers formed a crew with two Thames watermen and won the fours race. The following year, in the sculling competition, Chambers won the championship, beating the best of the Thames scullers. The Thames watermen were sensitive about outsiders winning races on their river. They therefore looked for a local sculler who could restore local pride by beating the Tyneside man. Tom White of Bermondsey was chosen. A race between the two men took place on the Tyne on 19 April 1859 from the High Level Bridge to the Scotswood Suspension Bridge for a stake of £200 a-side.
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