John Bright

John Bright was a professional rower from the North East of England

25th August 1866:
Bell's Life reported: "The sculling contest between John Bright and H. Clelland of Newcastle, who were matched to row a couple miles on the Tyne in Clasper's open boats for £25 a side, came off on Monday morning last, from the High Level Bridge to the Meadows House. Though little was known of the men, the match created considerable interest and a strong muster of aquatic admirers gathered on the occasion to witness the race. Bright from the first appears to have had the call of the betting and at the start on Monday forenoon odds of 6 to 4 was freely laid on him. About half past ten the men put off from the Mansion House and rowed down to the bridge, where they quickly got in line and were soon off at a slashing pace. Bright, who had the north side was the first to show in front, but before 200 yards had been rowed, Clelland collared his man and an exciting race ensued to the Bottle Works, both rowing to this point strictly level. On passing the Skinners Burn, Clelland improved the pace and changed the state of affairs, his party accepting even money. Approaching the Grindstone Quay, Clelland's chance appeared more secure as he led by a length and was pulling much better; but no sooner had they left this place and were making for the shot tower that Bright put on a spurt and as Clelland flagged drew level with him again. The pair then rowed on even terms to within a short distance of Cooper's stairs when Bright assumed the lead, and on passing the mile was two lengths in front. The race was now virtually over, Bright, despite the exertions of Clelland, gradually widened the gap and at the Meadows House was leading by half a dozen lengths. Mr Walker officiated as Referee while as Umpire J. Percy did the needful for Clelland and J. Adams for Bright"

25th August 1866:
Bell's Life reported: G. Wakefield and J. Bright – A match has been arranged between these men and £5 a side deposited and they are to meet this evening at Mr. Bagnall’s, Cloth Market, to sign articles. The distance has not yet transpired, but it is generally understood to be over the tow mile course viz. From the High Level Bridge to the Meadows House and Sept 10th will probably be the day fixed for the race.

10th May 1870
Cheltenham Chronicle reported: Open Boat Race on the Tyne - On the 2nd inst, the great boat race in open boats for £200, and a level bet of £100, came off on the Tyne between Harry Kelly, ex-champion, and John Bright of Newcastle; the distance was from the High Level Bridge to Scotswood Bridge. The Londoner was the favourite at the start, the betting being 5 to 4 on him. A good start was effected and at Redheugh Bridge the men were on equal terms. opposite Armstrong's Factory Kelly took Bright's water and a foul took place. Kelly led to the finish and won by three boat lengths. The Referee gave his decision in favour of Kelly in the matter of the foul.

15th July 1871

Cheltenham Chronicle reported: The English Champion Four, which are matched with the St. John (New Brunswick) crew on the 23rd of next month, left Newcastle for America on Wednesday last. About 3,000 people assembled to bid them farewell. James Percy (bow), Robert Chambers (2), Henry Kelly (3) and James Renforth (Stroke) is the present arrangement of the crew, while John Bright accompanies them as spare man. All seemed very well and confident.

9th September 1871

Illustrated London News reported: The body of the late James Renforth arrived at Newcastle on Wednesday last, and was met by several thousand people. The funeral will probably take place on Sunday. No traces of poison were discovered in the stomach, and there can be little doubt that his death arose from natural causes. The misfortunes of Renforth’s crew do not seem to have terminated with the death of their leader, for they lost the great four-oared race at Halifax Regatta owing to a most provoking mistake. Chambers had taken Renforth’s seat as stroke, and John Bright, the spare man, filled the vacant place as No. 2; and this arrangement answered so well that at half distance (the race was six miles) they held a lead of 150 yards. After rounding the turning point, however, they got out of the course, losing at least 200 yards, and enabling Winship’s four to go to the front; and, in spite of the most desperate exertions, Chambers’s men could never recover their lost ground. The great sculling prize was won pretty easily by Joseph Sadler, Kelley being only third, and it is now clear that the former will be the future sculling champion of England.

5th October 1871
Illustrated London News reported: Arrival of the late Champion of England's crew at Newcastle - Henry Kelly, London; Robert Chambers, James Percy and John Bright, Newcastle, the late Champion of England Renforth's crew, arrived at Newcastle from Canada yesterday afternoon. They were met at the railway station by crowds of people who gave them a very hearty welcome. Prior to leaving Quebec on the 23rd ult., a match was almost completed between the English and the St. John crew; the articles were not satisfactory to the Englishmen and as they had arranged to leave the country, the match was not made. Not having had an opportunity of meeting the the St. John crew at any of the late regattas in Canada, the English have issued a challenge to row any crew in the world a four-oared race for £200 a side, in five weeks from the first deposit. It is exceedingly likely that this challenge will be accepted by the second Tyne crew (the victors at Halifax Regatta), namely James Taylor, Joseph Sadler, Robert Bagnall and Thomas Winship. If a match is made, it will be rowed on the Tyne.

19th April 1873

On Wednesday last, a most important race in open boats took place on the Tyne, between Robert Bagnall and John Bright. The course was from the High-Level ridge to Scotswood Suspension Bridge, and the former started a very hot favourite at 3 to 1 on him. The result by no means justified these odds, as, after a terrific struggle, the men actively passing and re-passing each other three or four times in the last half mile, the favourite won by a bare length. Both men were completely rowed out at the finish.

16th November 1880
The Times reported: on the race professional sculling race held on the Thames between Hanlan of Canada and Trickett of Australia that each man was was attended by an eight-oared cutter. John Bright, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, acting as pilot to Hanlan, while Henry Kelly officiated in like manner for Trickett. Hanlan was clearly the better sculler; on five occasions he lay on his back in the boat and allowed Trickett to catch up, then he was off again - an easy winner.

9th April 1881:
Bell's Life reported: "A movement has been set on foot in Newcastle to present John Bright, of The Mushroom, with a testimonial in appreciation of his skill as a sculler, an oarsman and a trainer. Bright's friends think he was hardly dealt with in receiving no pay for his services to Edward Hanlan of Toronto, the present Champion of the World, whom he trained for most of his engagements in England. Messrs W.R. McKenzie of the Black Bull Inn, High Bridge and Christopher Barrass of the Bee Hive Inn, Cloth Market, Newcastle are the joint treasurers to the fund".