Sports and pastimes in River Towns.

The development of Bathing and Swimming.

River Towns and FestivalsPopular 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 SwimmingRationalisation

• 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)