There have been Mens Baths at the side of the Thames certainly since the mid 1800s as there is reference to them existing before the G. W. R. the Great Western Railway opened in 1849. They were then run by Mr W. F. Taylor who was a man of many interests in Windsor he had a shop opposite the Parish Church and was also known to run Peep shows of the Royal Apartments. Photo of club members 1912 Old photo of headquarters Copy of advert from the Windsor and Eton Express 24th April 1858 To be open May 1st 1858. Windsor Subscription Baths. Season Tickets 8 Gentlemen under 17 years of age 6. Great improvements have been made. An experienced Waterman with a punt will be in attendance and swimming taught. W. F. Taylor. Library, Windsor. In 1870 the Baths were moved because of their proximity to the railway, this followed a complaint by Queen Victoria who thought it unseemly to see men bathing. A new site was found between Jacobs Island and the river bank. This was excavated by Halleys and finished by subscriptions from the Mayor and others interested in swimming in the town. The Annual Subscription was 6 plus an entry fee to new members of 1. These Baths were known as Boddys Baths and the Windsor Swimming Club was founded here in 1883. Relocation and opening of Ladies Baths At some stage after 1896 the Club ceased to operate but was reformed in 1909 at the new baths, built in 1904 and referred to as the Eastern Baths. This was on the site of the original Baths. Joe Boddys Baths were bought by the Corporation in 1903 and taken into the Alexandra Gardens Improvement. This reformation was instigated by F.G. Saunders who gathered around him persons interested in the sport in the town, and secured the services of W. H. Shardlow as Hon. Secretary. In 1909 the then Mayor, Mr T. Luff, a Vice President of the Club secured an additional bath, originally called the Ladies Bath but becoming known in later years as the Western Baths. 1912 saw the formation of the Windsor Ladies Swimming Club and within a few months, on 20th July, was staging its first Gala. The newspaper report of the time opens thus: Since the Windsor Ladies Swimming Club was formed, now only a few months, its path has been paved with prosperity. the members have displayed the utmost enthusiasm, with the result the members have increased until at the present time it is a really healthy club doing an excellent work in the cultivation of the art of swimming.

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Website: http://www.windsor-sc.org.uk/