Clubs open, clubs close but the Swan is still swimming…and has been since 1880.
Our stories about the Swan Laundry in Norwich revived memories of the early days of the now famous Norwich Swan Swimming Club.
The idea of actually building a heated indoor swimming pool was a bold one but that’s just what the Swan Laundry did in 1879.
Then a group of youthful Victorians got together to form a club after the laundry used some of the spare steam to heat the pool beside the River Wensum.
Probably the only club to be named after a laundry.
Founder members included Professor James Carey, T J Gazely, J W Lemon, E T Fish (there is a question mark following the name!) and H F Ducker.
One young founder member was Charles R Oury, who was just ten years old. It was reported that Charles went on to become the the first man in England to receive a Gold Medal and Diploma of the Royal Life Saving Society.
He is also remembered for his underwater swim of 98 yards and two feet.
The club also made use of the chilly waters of the river itself and large crowds gathered to watch races on the Wensum.
Growing numbers of 19th century citizens got the swimming bug. Two water polo leagues were established with the Swan having a team in both of them.
Back in those days mixed bathing was frowned upon and there were separate sessions for men and women.
One of the most famous members was Billy Basher, who organised many events including life-saving sessions in the waters.
When the laundry closed the pool in 1933 the club moved to the privately-owned pools at the Lido (later the Norwood Rooms) and the Samson & Hercules and then to St Augustine’s before that closed.
Today the club continues to go from strength to strength and we can all be proud of the Swan which plays a leading role in so many lives thanks to the team of coaches, teachers and volunteers.
Our thanks to Bridget and Richard Belson for information and photographs.
Our thoughts are with everyone in the Norwich swimming community following the tragic death of swimming coach Jane Blackwell earlier this month.
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