Bài Reading 5.5

1.​ (a)   Thomas Doggett, an Irish actor and comedian who managed Drury Lane Theatre, created the race. He relied heavily on Thames watermen, who were vital for transportation at the time. With poor roads and crowded city streets, the Thames served as the primary highway. Doggett frequently commuted via the river between his London work locations and his home in Chelsea.

• The easiest way to travel
• Result of a lucky escape
• Origins of what the winner receives
• A need for change
• Earning a reputation
• Generations of champions
• Not in it for the money

2.​ (a)   A popular story suggests that Doggett was saved by a waterman after falling into the Thames in 1715. To show his gratitude, he organized a race for six young watermen, offering a prize for the fastest rower on a 7.4-km course between two pubs named “The Swan” in London Bridge and Chelsea.

• Result of a lucky escape
• The easiest way to travel
• Origins of what the winner receives
• A need for change
• Earning a reputation
• Generations of champions
• Not in it for the money

3.​ (a)   Unlike typical prizes, Doggett awarded a traditional red waterman’s coat with a silver badge inscribed with “Liberty.” This badge commemorated the coronation of George I of the House of Hanover on August 1, 1714. Doggett chose August 1 for the annual race to honor this event. The badge today still includes “Liberty” and an image of the Hanover horse. Doggett managed the race and financed it himself until his death in 1721.

• Origins of what the winner receives
• The easiest way to travel
• Result of a lucky escape
• A need for change
• Earning a reputation
• Generations of champions
• Not in it for the money

4.​ (a)   After Doggett's death, the Fishmongers’ Company of London continued the race as specified in his will. However, the event now runs with the incoming tide, and competitors use racing boats instead of commercial vessels. In 1988, due to a decline in watermen, the Fishmongers’ Company allowed competitors three chances to win the race.

• A need for change
• The easiest way to travel
• Result of a lucky escape
• Origins of what the winner receives
• Earning a reputation
• Generations of champions
• Not in it for the money

5.​ (a)   The winner’s prize remains the traditional red waterman’s coat along with a silver badge featuring a horse and the word “Liberty.” Additionally, all competitors who finish the race receive a miniature version of Doggett’s badge for their collars at a ceremony held at Watermen’s Hall. The winner receives a silver badge, while other participants receive bronze ones. Historically, winning the Doggett’s Coat and Badge in the 18th and 19th centuries helped bring in more business for the successful waterman. Although this practical advantage is now somewhat outdated, achieving the Doggett’s Coat and Badge remains a highly respected honor.

• Earning a reputation
• The easiest way to travel
• Result of a lucky escape
• Origins of what the winner receives
• A need for change
• Generations of champions
• Not in it for the money

6.​ (a)   In 2012, six rowers competed, and the race was won by 23-year-old waterman Merlin Dwan. Dwan comes from a family of watermen; his father won the Doggett’s Coat and Badge in 1977, and his uncle and two cousins have also won the race. However, the Dwan family doesn’t hold the record for the most wins—that title goes to the Phelps family, with ten victories.

• Generations of champions
• The easiest way to travel
• Result of a lucky escape
• Origins of what the winner receives
• A need for change
• Earning a reputation
• Not in it for the money

7.​ (a)   The tradition of families winning the Doggett’s Coat and Badge highlights its enduring significance. Nowadays, being a waterman is likely viewed less as a career and more as a means of preserving a centuries-old family tradition. This heritage is upheld further by the exclusive group of watermen known as the Royal Watermen. Queen Elizabeth employs 24 watermen to accompany her on ceremonial occasions along the Thames. Each waterman earns a modest annual sum of £3.50 for this role, but the prestige of wearing the iconic red jacket and silver badge on important state occasions is invaluable.

• Not in it for the money
• The easiest way to travel
• Result of a lucky escape
• Origins of what the winner receives
• A need for change
• Earning a reputation
• Generations of champions