A Conversation for Swimming Costumes through the Ages
King George III damp and nude
Phoenician Trader Started conversation Sep 29, 2005
King George III swam in the sea at Weymouth without bathers on Sunday, 1 July 1789, with a band playing "God Save The King" (to keep things decent obviously). His wife Charlotte and various nobles often swam too. Apparently King George IV (1820-1830) swam nude at Brighton. With the opening of the railway line between London and Brighton in 1841, nude seashore bathing became quite popular.
Victoria was not amused by this and, with the help of the Established Church, caused the famous stripped bathing suit to be made compulsory. Not everyone joined in - if you read the delightful (Reverend) Kilvert's Diaries (possibly still in print), you can read about his response to the silliness.
King George III damp and nude
Recumbentman Posted Aug 24, 2007
>the famous stripped bathing suit
Hmmm . . . striped?
Yes indeed, a recent (2006) reprint of the Rev Francis Kilvert's diaries is advertised here http://www.kilverts-diary.com/
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King George III damp and nude
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