sports and pastimes in river towns. the development of bathing and swimming
Post on 11-Jan-2016
219 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
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)
top related