University Boat Race Stones University Boat Race Stones The University Boat Race Stones are two small stone markers on the southern bank of the River Thames in west London, one 129m upstream of Putney Bridge and the other at Mortlake, 112m downstream of Chiswick Bridge. The stones define the start and finish points of the Championship Course (4 miles and 374 yards (6,779 m) from Putney to Mortlake, as measured along the centre of the river). The course is used for rowing races including the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, Women's Boat Race, Head of the River Race and other races. The stones are
Putney Vale II listed. A 1928 copy of Punch magazine published an advertisement for KLG "'fit and forget' sparking plugs", with the manufacturer's works being in Putney Vale, with its telephone numbers being Putney 2132 and 2133. Founded by Kenelm Lee Guinness, part of the famous brewing dynasty, he was a noted early motor racer before developing highly reliable auto and aero spark plugs. The company grew from the disused Bald Face Stag pub in Putney Vale into works reputedly employing more than 1,500 people. The site is now the Asda supermarket. After a serious motorsport accident Guinness committed suicide by gassing