Robert Bagnall

Robert Bagnall was a Tyne-based professional oarsman.

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 bridge to the 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.