2-701-084 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

The Royal Waterloo Bath, pub. 1819 (colour engraving). This was a floating bath which was moored near Waterloo Bridge; consisted of a 'plunging bath' and two 'private baths' all of which were fed by the Thames so that the water was changed constantly; Each bath had its own changing facility; bathing was considered a necessity for good health and the water in the River Thames at the time was described as 'pure and wholesome'.