Charles Campbell (British rower)

Charles Campbell (1805 – July 1851) of Westminster was the first recognised professional world champion single sculler. At the time (1831), he became the Champion of the Thames which was effectively the Champion of England although the Tyne scullers might have disagreed (see English Sculling Championship). After the English title gained the world status in 1876, earlier winners were retrospectively given the World Champion Title.

Campbell was born in 1805 at Lambeth. During his racing career, he was stated to be 5 ft 7 in tall, and weighed 11 st 7 lb. His races included pair and four oar events as well as single sculls.