The Keswick Regatta
The first regatta at Derwentwater in Keswick was held in 1781 and was organised by Joseph Pocklington, a wealthy and prominent businessman, and Peter Crosthwaite, a local guide and museum owner.
Pocklington had bought the island in the middle of the lake upon which he built various follies and a mock castle. He endowed Crosthwaite with the title of “Admiral and Commander of the Fleet” and charged him with choreographing the spectacular mock-sea battles which were the regattas main event.
The mock-sea battle consisted of a siege upon Pocklington’s island by a fleet of rowing boats, crewed by muskets bearing men and commanded by Crosthwaite. The island’s fort was defended by cannon fire, the blasts of which echoed loudly amongst the mountains surrounding the lake.
These battles were rigorously organised and planned by Crosthwaite
who specified who was to die and when as well as how many rounds
were to be fired. The spectacle was conducted through a system of
flag-raising.
The scale of these mock battles is perhaps best illustrated by a list of the equipment Pocklington had at his disposal for use during these events: 8 cannons (6 large, 2 smaller), 90 iron balls, copper charges and flags as well as regimental drums.
Other events which took place at the regatta included rowing races, dog trials, horse races and wrestling. There were also some more idiosyncratic events, including the blindfold foot race, which in 1826 was won by Joseph Cockbain; William Bowe of Keswick won the blindfold boat race.
The event culminated in a firework display followed by a sit down dinner and celebratory ball.
Smirke, Keswick Regatta