2-798-412 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Receiving-House of the Royal Humane Society, 1844. Boathouse and boatman of the Royal Humane Society, 'for the recovery of persons apparently drowned or dead', on the north bank of the Serpentine at Hyde Park in London. '....the crowded state of the river Thames, the wonderful increase of traffic by steam, and the numerous accidents - too many of which have been fatal - we shall find ample room for the employment of more men and boats by the Humane Sotiety...Indeed, it is stated that not less than 200,000 persons on an average annually bathe in the river and the neighbourhood of the receiving-house; and on one occasion, during a frost, twenty-five individuals were submerged by the breaking of the ice; but, by the exertions of men (who are required to be good swimmers) employed by the Society at such seasons, and the proximity of the receiving-house, no life was lost'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.