The Boat Race 1863 The Boat Race 1863 The 20th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 28 March 1863. Oxford won by 15 lengths in a time of 23 minutes 6 seconds. It took the overall record to ten wins each, the first time since the 1836 race that the scores were level. The race was the third to be held on the ebb tide, along the Championship Course in reverse, from Mortlake to Putney. It was the first time since the race was held in the fashion since
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