Swimming was once commonplace in the Thames.

The old river swimming place on the river at Windsor Bath Island

Windsors old bathing place: Bath Island, lies to the rear of Windsor Leisure Centre.

Cuckoo Weir the old river swimming and bathing place of Eton College

Eton College constructed four swimming places on the river, with Cuckoo Weir (above) being made available for the younger boys. Fencing enclosed the area and a mound of earth running the length of the opposite bank screened the boys from view.

Very rare footage of swimming at Cuckoo Weir taken in the 1920's. Boys from Eton School camp by the river and swim throughout the day. more...

Athens river bathing place of Eton College

On the main river, opposite the Royal Windsor Race Course stands Athens.

This bathing place of Athens was presented to Eton College by Hiatt c. Baker in memory of his son John Lionel Baker a brilliant swimmer who spent here many of the happiest hours of his boyhood. He was killed in a flying accident in August 1917 while still a member of the school.

The inscription reads: This bathing place of Athens was presented to Eton College by Hiatt c. Baker in memory of his son John Lionel Baker a brilliant swimmer who spent here many of the happiest hours of his boyhood. He was killed in a flying accident in August 1917 while still a member of the school.

Bathing regulation at Athens - Fifth Form Nants in First Hundred and Upper and Middle Divisions may bathe at Athens. No bathing at Athens on Sundays after 8.30 a.m. At Athens, boys who are undressed must either get at once into the water or get behind screens when boats containing ladies come in sight. Boys when bathing are not allowed to land on the Windsor Bank or to swim out to launches and barges or to hang onto, or interfere with, boats of any kind. Any boy breaking this rule will be severely punished. From 'School Rules of the River.' 1921

On the side of the stone facing the river the inscription reads: Bathing regulations at Athens - Fifth Form Nants in First Hundred and Upper and Middle Divisions may bathe at Athens. No bathing at Athens on Sundays after 8.30 a.m. At Athens, boys who are undressed must either get at once into the water or get behind screens when boats containing ladies come in sight. Boys when bathing are not allowed to land on the Windsor Bank or to swim out to launches and barges or to hang onto, or interfere with, boats of any kind. Any boy breaking this rule will be severely punished. From 'School Rules of the River.' 1921 More...