SCH BBH

Reference code

SCH BBH

Title

Brocas Boat-House Ltd.

Level

Series

Administrative / Biographical history

Successive Captains of the Boats had suggested that the school should have its own boats and boathouse for the benefit of the boys. In November 1894 masters and interested Old Etonians formed a company - the Eton College Boating Co. Ltd. - and acquired premises along the Thames. Early in 1895 the company was renamed the Brocas Boathouse Ltd. It owned not only freehold adjoining the Bridge House Hotel but also two leasehold properties, owned by Strugnell and by Watkins; the three premises together being known as Rafts. However, the company was not a financial success. It had paid too much for premises in poor condition and for a poor stock of boats and many boys continued to patronise Winter's boatyard. The company was nearly wound up but survived through the generosity of Old Etonians and gradually improved its position. In 1908 the College purchased Watkins' freehold and in 1910 the remaining two parts of Rafts as well as Winter's, and the Brocas Boathouse Ltd. was wound up and replaced by a new association, the Eton College Boat House.