Grosvenor Rowing Club, Chester
Grosvenor Rowing Club is a historic, volunteer-led club based on the River Dee in Chester. Founded in 1869, the club is located in a distinctive boathouse on the Groves, leased from the Duke of Westminster. This setting gives the club a proud connection to Chester’s rich rowing heritage and a highly visible place within the local community.
It was created for the club's 'clerks and townspeople' and it's motto 'virtus non Stemma', translates as virtue not pedigree. To this day, we are still an inclusive and welcoming club, open to everyone regardless of background, age, or ability. Our membership includes juniors, seniors, masters, leisure rowers, and adaptive athletes. With over 200 members, the club is a vibrant community hub offering opportunities for all — from complete beginners on Learn to Row courses to experienced competitors training for national regattas. To evidence this variety, we have recently received over 100 enquiries for our recent learn to row courses and one of our athletes, Sarah McKay, has just been selected for the GB squad!
Grosvenor is more than just a rowing club — it's a space where people come together to stay active, learn new skills, support one another, and enjoy the river. We regularly host training camps for visiting clubs and support regional events including the Explore rowing series and Dee Autumn Head race; contributing to the sporting life and economy of Chester. We also provide outreach and development opportunities for young people and adult beginners, encouraging wider participation in rowing.
Our clubhouse is a vital facility used for training, events, and social gatherings. As part of our commitment to sustainability and in alignment with British Rowing’s reduced carbon footprint goals, we have already upgraded our lighting to LEDs and now aim to make further improvements to the energy efficiency of the building. Plans to repair and insulate the historic roof will help protect the building, reduce heat loss, cut carbon emissions, and ensure a warm, dry space for our members and community.
As we approach our 160th year, Grosvenor Rowing Club, we remain committed to fostering a lifelong love of rowing, improving access to sport, and creating a greener future for our members and the wider community.
