A Record of the CLASPER Family History
Durham Regatta 1843 - WON In The Boat FIVE BROTHERS
by EDW. CLASPER
Presented to his Uncle EDW. HAWKS as A Token of
Remembrance
Note: Edward died in 1845 at age 25 and was replaced in the boat by his
uncle Edward Hawks
Harry Clasper
'The Five Brothers'
A Film / TV Script based on the life of Harry Clasper
by John Bage
I have felt for some time now that the story of Harry Clasper should have been made into a film or a TV drama.
He must have been an amazing character to have gained the popularity and success that he did and he deserves the recognition that a film would bring.
I decided to begin writing a script about the life and times of Harry, and now it is finished, and awaits a really good Producer to turn it into a classic along the lines of the Catherine Cookson films. I've also included some fascinating local events which took place during Harry's lifetime. Anyone interested in a fabulous script which could be a huge success?
Contact me at;- jbne17514@blueyonder.co.uk
Here is the Logline;-
‘The Five Brothers’
(A Film / TV script based on the real-life story of Harry Clasper)
By
John Bage
Raised in the impoverished North-East of England at the dawning of the Industrial Revolution, young Harry Clasper’s love of boats and the river, leads him to form a boat racing team with his brothers.
With early success against local teams they look further afield for tougher competition and they send out a challenge to the Thames Watermen in London, who at that time, are the Champions of the World.
Harry has the foresight and the vision to realise that his team needs a much better type of race boat to beat the reigning champions.
He designs and builds a revolutionary new type of boat which will eventually become the standard for all future racing boats throughout the world.
They use the new boat to compete in many races, over a period of 20 years, and they win most of them.
Huge amounts of money change hands as people place bets on the teams in the races, which attract thousands of spectators.
Against a background of corruption, sabotage, murder, industrial unrest, disease and prejudice in the rapidly changing world around them, and after many hard-fought races they eventually succeed to become the Champions of the World, to the delight and admiration of their many followers and admirers.
Harry Clasper’s name goes down in history as one of the greatest rowers to have ever lived.
Copyright © 2005 - 2009 John Bage
The Trophies, Medals and
Memorabilia
of
Harry & John H. Clasper
inscribed (bow/side 1) H CLASPER, (bow/side 2) 29 SEPT. 1845
The sterling silver skiff presented to Harry Clasper by his supporters at a testimonial in Newcastle on 19 November, 1845, commemorating his recent victory on 29 September.
(Photos by permission of Bill Miller, Friends of Rowing History)