Newquay’s oldest gig took part in historic celebrations along the River Thames to mark King Charles III’s coronation. 

The Newquay gig from Newquay Rowing Club was one of 12 boats invited to join the Coronation Pageant, which was held as part of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager and is believed to be the oldest sporting event in the world. 

The race was first held in 1715 to celebrate the coronation of King George I and has been staged ever since every time there has been a new monarch. 

Each boat carried a royal cypher and the Newquay gig was selected to represent King George 1 as it is the world’s oldest gig having been built in 1812. 

The Newquay gig rowers and a coxswain onboard had a combined age of 518 and included trustees of the rowing club. 

The pageant was led by MV Havengore, an historic vessel that carried Winston Churchill’s coffin for his state funeral, which had members of Newquay Rowing Club Committee on board.

Newquay Rowing Club representatives were also given a tour of the Waterman’s Hall and Architects Hall during the visit. 

Phil Trebilcock, the secretary of Newquay Rowing Club, said: “The event was first-class. We were looked after like lords.  

“We dropped off the Newquay gig near Twickenham and they towed her down to the start line. There was nice weather and massive support. The Newquay gig being rowed past the Houses of Parliament was particularly memorable. 

“It was a great day for gig rowing and Cornwall. People could not believe how old the Newquay gig was.”