James Arthur Messenger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 26 February 1821 |
| Nationality | British |
| Title | World Champion sculler, Professional |
| Term | 1854–1857 |
| Predecessor | Tom Cole |
| Successor | Harry Kelley |
James Arthur Messenger (26 February 1826 – 21 June 1901) was a British sculler who was the world champion from 1854 to 1857. He served as the Queen's Bargemaster from 1862 to 1901. He resided in Teddington. In 1854 he became the Champion of the Thames which was effectively the English Sculling Championship and the World Sculling Championship. The English title gained the world status in 1876, earlier winners were retrospectively given the world champion title. In 1862 he won the famed Doggett's Coat and Badge, which claims to be the oldest sporting championship in the world.[1] There is some confusion as to whether James Messenger who won the World Sculling Championship in 1854 is the same person, recorded as John Messenger of Cherry Garden Stairs,[2] who won the Doggett's Coat and Badge in 1862.[3]
- ^ The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames, 1982 Diary, London, introductory pages.
- ^ "The Thames from Cherry Garden Stairs". A London Inheritance. 30 May 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ "Past Winners". Watermen and Lightermen. Retrieved 24 October 2021.