7 Things The Victorians Loved To See Beside The Sea

7. Bathing Machines

In Victorian society, it was considered improper to be seen out in public in as little as a bathing suit. Naturally this caused problems when it came to going swimming or paddling while on holiday at the seaside. To counter this problem, Bathing Machines were introduced to Victorian seaside resorts. Bathing Machines were large wooden huts on wheels that could be rolled into the sea by horse, man or steam power. The machines were also equipped with a flag so that the bather using it would be able to signal to the driver when they were ready to return to the shore.

People who wished to go for a swim would enter the bathing machine fully clothed while it was stationary on the beach. They would then change into their bathing costumes in the privacy of the machine before the bathing machine would be rolled out into the sea. Once in the sea, a door would be opened to allow the occupant to descend a few steps into the water. The bathing machine would then serve to shield the bather from the view of the beach and protect their modesty. Umbrellas were also implemented if the bather required further protection. Often, a person of the same sex was employed to assist the bather in getting in and out of the sea. These people became known as dippers.