The name "Pengwern" (recalling the lost early seat of the kings of Powys) was chosen because a "Shrewsbury Rowing Club" was already in existence by 1871, when the club was founded; the latter club was found to be so socially and culturally elitist - strictly applying an 'armature ethic' - that a more cosmopolitan club was required to promote an inclusive community for boating enthusiasts in Shrewsbury. Over time, this more diverse club was so successful in attracting and keeping members that the former club was totally supplanted by the turn of the twentieth century.