BOURNEMOUTH, C. 1900
Enjoying the beach whilst retaining one’s dignity was no easy task in the Victorian era. Thankfully, bathing machines (such as the ones seen here) allowed beachgoers to change into bathing suits in privacy. The machines - and their occupants - were then wheeled into the sea, allowing those inside to enter the water shielded from view. Seabathing was a popular Victorian pursuit thanks to its alleged health benefits. Even Queen Victoria gave it her stamp of approval, taking her first sea dip via a bathing machine in 1847.