It’s summertime here in the northern hemisphere. If you’re having hot, sunny weather where you live as well, perhaps you’ve cooled off with a visit to the beach. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the beach myself. Not in reality, but in researching a future novel set on the English seaside.
I’m guessing some of you may have watched the fairy recent miniseries, Sanditon (based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel). And if you have, you’ve already gotten a taste of the Regency seaside.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, more people bathed in the sea for the sake of their health than for pleasure, as sea bathing was reported to be useful in curing varying ailments.
No person could be really well…without spending at least six weeks by the sea every year. The sea air and sea bathing together were nearly infallible…for every disorder of the stomach, the lungs or the blood. Nobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing–fortifying and bracing.”
—Jane Austen, Sanditon
Seaside resorts became popular along the coasts and fashionable spa towns developed, which drew invalids and tourists alike. Often resort towns had separate beaches or bathing areas for men and women, in part because men usually swam wearing no clothing at all. (I know this might sound scandalous to some, but only 40 years ago when my husband was in school, guys swam au naturel during P.E. class!)
To preserve ladies’ modesty, vehicles called “bathing machines” were invented. These four-wheeled enclosed wagons had doors on either end and were like mobile dressing rooms.
Ladies would enter through one door fully dressed, take off their clothing and change into shapeless bathing costumes without being seen by those on the beach. Meanwhile, the wagon was drawn, usually by horse, into the sea. Once deep enough in the surf, the bather would exit the wagon using the door facing the water.
..the bather descending from the machine by a few steps is concealed from the public view, whereby the most refined female is enabled to enjoy the advantages of the sea with the strictest delicacy.”
—Margate Kent, 1805
Some machines even had a “modesty hood,” like a tent that could be lowered over the female bather, to shield her from prying gazes.
Since many people were inexperienced swimmers, a dipper—a strong person of the same sex—would escort the bather into sea. For a fee, the dipper would even dunk the person under the water, and eventually help them out again, exhausted and wet.
Now, doesn’t that sound like a relaxing day at the beach? 😉
How are you keeping cool this summer?
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Thank goodness for progress! Although I’ve seen some modern bathing suits that were pretty close to nothing at all!
Wow! I did not know that. Thanks so much for sharing. It’s fascinating to learn so much through reading.
That’s fascinating! But I would much rather haul myself out into the water. Going in those wagons seems all claustrophobia-like. Cool history. 🙂 I’m headed to the beach next month. Yay!
I loved this post! What a fun peek into beach trips of the Regency era.
I had to smile when I read this quote…. “No person could be really well…without spending at least six weeks by the sea every year.” I’d be really well, too, if I was able to spend six weeks by the sea every year. That would be heavenly!!
This is fascinating. If I could substitute Lake Superior for the sea, I would wholeheartedly agree with Jane about six weeks by the water!
This past winter/spring Sandition was a much anticipated treat on Sunday night.
This summer many things have returned to near normal with meetings and vacations. Going to see the children and grandchildren has been wonderful.
Thanks Julie, the historical background is very interesting!
6 weeks by the would be glorious! I will have to settle for 4 days at
Carmel-By_The-Sea later this month. It has a lo of charming cottages that
are very much like those found in an English village.
By the sea…
Wow, the information you shared about the bathing machines is very interesting. They do not sound very relaxing at all, lol! We had the pleasure of sailing on Lake Superior and it was a very relaxing summer event. It would not have been relaxing if I had to actually do any of the work of sailing. I just got to relax!
I could handle 6 weeks by the sea. I’d have felt very trapped in one of those covers. lol I miss a bit of the modesty we used to have. A bit. lol