Transcript No Slide Title

Sports and pastimes in River
Towns.
The development of Bathing
and Swimming.
River Towns and Festivals
Popular Recreation
• Many towns developed near rivers for
communications, protection and so there
was water for agriculture.
• In the Summer the festivals or wakes would
have swimming, boating, sailing and fishing
as well as the usual popular recreations.
• In Winter there would be ‘ice fairs’
including skating and bandey (type of ice
hockey). Activities on land too. Working
class also had more free time in Winter.
River bathing
• Bathing/swimming popular. Reasons: to
wash, for survival, for recreation and for
competition.
• Aristocracy liked to swim and would
patronise lower class swimmers to represent
them in wager races. 1st open air baths 1784
• 2 classes would use different parts of the
river or water meadow.
• Bathing stations were set up to protect
respectable citizens from being upset.
Public School Swimming
• Encouraged for reasons of hygiene and
cleanliness.
• Recreational only at stage 1 & 2. No
masters present. There were bathing stations
or places where water depth differed (Tom
Browns S Days).
• No costumes as boys only.
• Competitive swimming developed more in
stage 3. Galas, inter- school etc.
• Newer Public Schools would have pools.
Spa and Sea Bathing
• Spa bathing became popular in Regency
and Victorian times. Spa water was believed
to improve health and have curative
properties.
• Salt/sea water was also seen as a water cure.
More people were able to do, as there was
no cost.
• Cheap rail transport meant seaside holidays
became popular and resorts developed.
Victorian Bathing
Machines -
Pulled into the water
by horses then person
got out for a wash or
swim.
Queen Victoria used
one - it can be seen at
Osborne House on
the Isle of Wight.
Public Baths
• Wash House Act of 1846: Government
gave grants for building of public baths in
towns. Aim to clean up the labouring
classes and prevent epidemics.
• Also called ‘penny baths’ - cost a penny.
• There were clothes washing facilities and a
‘plunge pool’ for swimming.
• Middle classes had separate baths - they
cost more and facilities better. Also had
Turkish Baths.
Competitive Swimming
Rationalisation
• Availability of ‘plunge baths’ turned a
seasonal activity into a regular one.
• Swimming clubs developed and the ASA
(amateur swimming association) was
formed in 1884. By 1902 there were 550
clubs.
• FINA ( Federation International de Natation
Amateur) 1905.
• First European Championships 1926.
1896 Athens Olympics. Swimming.
In the sea!
1920 Antwerp. Swimming, outdoor pool
Question
• Explain why there has been a decline in
river/lake swimming in recent years?
Decline in River/Lake Swimming
• Swimming Pools cleaner. Indoor pools
warmer and used all year.
• Pollution.
• Safety, pools had lifeguards no currents etc.
• Facilities for washing selves and clothes
incorporated into homes.
Exam Question
Describe:
(a) The sort of summer festivals you would expect in a
waterfront town. (3 marks)
(b) Another type of festival that might have occurred in a
cold winter in this town. (3 marks)