Swimming in the Thames: a fascinating history

Watch our interview with historian Dr George Townsend exploring the River Thames’ history of luring bathers to its shores

When it comes to swimming in the Thames, previous generations probably had it better than us. They had glorious swimming spots along the river, complete with diving boards and changing facilities. But it wasn’t always equal, with men hanging onto their single sex (and nude) bathing places into the 1970s.

We spoke with historian Dr George Townsend to find out more.

A history of swimming in the Thames: watch our interview with Dr George Townsend

Dr George Townsend is a writer, researcher and curator based in London, specialising in the history of freshwater bathing in the UK. He grew up swimming in the Thames in Oxfordshire and is now a regular at the Serpentine in London. Find more about his work at georgetownsend.co.uk

Image supplied by George Townsend