Thames Rowing Club was originally formed in 1860 for the purpose of "organised pleasure or exercise rowing". However, the Club's focus soon shifted to competition and, since then, its history is one of major success at club, national and international levels. Thames crews and scullers have at some time won nearly every national and international prize of note and have led in development of the sport of rowing.

TRC pioneered women's rowing when, in 1973, it absorbed the United Universities Women's Boat Club and became the first major rowing club to admit women members. Since then, TRC women have set the pace in women's rowing nationally and the Club is now generally recognised as one of the world's leading clubs for women's rowing. TRC women now regularly comprise the largest single group in the GB national squad and Thames women are visible leaders in all aspects of women's rowing in the UK.

TRC is has an established programme with coaching and other resources to assist and support selected women in making the transition from top club to international standard. Although this programme is invitational, it is not restricted to TRC members.

TRC also became one of the first clubs to develop junior rowing when it established links with local schools in the late 1800s. In 1972, TRC began its first junior coaching programme and, in 1979, initiated schemes to attract school leavers. Today, TRC provides facilities and coaching for Putney High School, whose rowing pupils join Thames and represent the Club out of term, as well as for an increasing number of unaffiliated juniors. The funding of junior rowing is assisted by the Thames Rowing Club Charitable Trust, which was formed by members to finance junior and under-23 rowing.

Apart from its seminal role in women's and junior rowing, Thames has played a significant role in the development and practice of British rowing. In 1879, TRC was one of the co-founders of the ARA, the sport's UK governing body, and is an active member of the ARA Council. Later, TRC Captain Steve Fairbairn's thoughtful and innovative approach to rowing transformed the nature of British sport and established the "English Style" of Rowing, the basic style of modern rowing and coaching.

Today, TRC has the largest active rowing membership of the three grand British rowing clubs (Leander, London and Thames).  Approximately 200 Thames members, plus over 50 juniors, are in active training for competition. Over half are women and almost 20% are veteran oarsmen and women.  The club also has a large number of House, Country, Overseas and Life members.

The Club also has an exceptional boat fleet and training facilities at its boathouse. The Club fleet comprises some 91 boats (13 eights, 28 fours, 22 pairs/doubles and 27 singles) plus 7 coaching launches. Racking is also provided for many members' scullings boats. The cluhbouse also now has a dedicated boat repair workshop.

Training facilities at the clubhouse include a specially designed rowing tank, a heavy weights room, ergo room and a gym along with changing and shower rooms for men and women. The social areas of the clubhouse feature a bar, long room and extensive kitchen and catering facilities.

The clubhouse itself, built in 1879, is a time-capsule of British rowing filled with commemorative blades, trophies, portraits, prints and other rowing memorabilia.