About Our Club
Rowing Since 1871
Founded in 1871, Pengwern Boat Club stands as a testament to Shrewsbury’s rich rowing heritage. The name “Pengwern” was adopted, as the ancient name given to a post-Roman settlement believed to have existed in the Shrewsbury area.
In 1881, the club constructed its own distinctive brick and timber clubhouse on the River Severn, which remains a Grade II listed building today.
Pengwern Boat Club became a Community Interest Company (CIC) and Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) in 2024. This means the club is run for the benefit of the community, not for profit, and any surplus is reinvested to support rowing and related activities.
At the Heart of the Community
Throughout its history, Pengwern Boat Club has fostered strong ties with local institutions, including the Royal Shrewsbury School Boat Club and Harper Adams University. The club has been instrumental in promoting rowing at all levels, hosting events like the annual Shrewsbury Regatta since its inception in 1871.
In the early 1970s, the club amended its constitution to welcome female members, reflecting its evolving commitment to inclusivity. Today, Pengwern Boat Club continues to thrive as a hub for rowing enthusiasts, offering programs for juniors, seniors, masters, and adaptive rowers, all while preserving its storied legacy along the Severn.