The swimming baths of London

"The swimming baths of London by R. E. Dudgeon" is a pamphlet-length public health essay and urban survey written in the late 19th century. The book examines swimming as a hygienic exercise, critiques London’s bathing facilities, and argues for purpose-built open-air freshwater swimming baths as a civic necessity. Dudgeon begins by explaining the health benefits, pleasures, and practical uses of swimming—especially in cool, open air, natural-temperature water—and clarifies common dangers and misconceptions (such as “cramp”) while urging prudent habits. He then surveys London’s cold plunge baths and numerous tepid indoor swimming baths in detail, noting dimensions, cleanliness, depth, lighting, ventilation, pricing, and shortcomings, and he criticizes the lack of secure changing spaces and true open-air options. Turning to the Serpentine and Victoria Park lakes, he describes their limited access and sanitary issues, before proposing large, well-designed open-air baths in several parks (including Hyde Park, Victoria Park, St. James’s, Regent’s Park, and Battersea), with ample depth, sun and air, constant water renewal, spring-boards, numbered lockable boxes, modest fees, and all-day opening. He calls for lifesaving instruction, urges proper provision for women swimmers, and challenges the automatic preference for sea-bathing, concluding that modern open-air freshwater baths would enhance health, recreation, and safety for Londoners.