Horse-drawn Bathing Box
Bathing boxes were a common sight at seaside resorts from the 1800s up until the early 1900s. They allowed bathers, usually women, to change into their swimming costumes in privacy. The bathing box was wheeled or slid into the sea, by horses or people, and the bather entered the water via the front door of the van, down a step ladder. This photograph dates from around 1900. It was taken at a resort in Ireland, possibly Bray.
© National Library of IrelandHorse-drawn Bathing Box
© National Library of Ireland
© National Library of Ireland
Horse-drawn Bathing Box
Bathing boxes were a common sight at seaside resorts from the 1800s up until the early 1900s. They allowed bathers, usually women, to change into their swimming costumes in privacy. The bathing box was wheeled or slid into the sea, by horses or people, and the bather entered the water via the front door of the van, down a step ladder. This photograph dates from around 1900. It was taken at a resort in Ireland, possibly Bray.
© National Library of IrelandAn important feature of the beach were the bathing machines, or bathing vans, which were essentially wooden huts with wheels that were used from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century. Inside each one there was generally was a bench, a flannel gown and towels.
The bather, generally a woman, would change into her bathing costume inside the van. Then the machine was wheeled or slid into the water either by horses or people.
Tramore Strand, c.1900
A group of unidentified people on the beach at Tramore. To the right of the photo are the changing huts on wheels.
© Waterford County MuseumTramore Strand, c.1900
© Waterford County Museum
© Waterford County Museum
Tramore Strand, c.1900
A group of unidentified people on the beach at Tramore. To the right of the photo are the changing huts on wheels.
© Waterford County MuseumIf the beach had pebbles, the trip was often an uncomfortable one for the occupant.
The bather entered the sea via the front door of the van, down a step ladder. If she was unable to swim, a chord was placed around her waist and attached to the van. Then the bather would immerse herself in the water for ten or fifteen minutes.
The purpose of the bathing machine was to preserve the modesty of the bather, who was generally female and from the wealthy classes.
Cricket on the Beach, Tramore
Families enjoying a day-out at Tramore Beach. Bathing boxes can be seen in the background.
© Waterford County MuseumCricket on the Beach, Tramore
© Waterford County Museum
© Waterford County Museum
Cricket on the Beach, Tramore
Families enjoying a day-out at Tramore Beach. Bathing boxes can be seen in the background.
© Waterford County MuseumAs social attitudes toward the body began to change, bathing machines gradually became obsolete. By the 1890s, they were often used purely as stationary changing rooms.