Downstream

obtained a seven-year lease
and put up a canvas screen to
shield passers-by from nude
bathers, just as at other
Thames spots. It was for men
and boys only, and was said
to be deep with a strong
current. But locals had used
the river as a bathing spot
long before the floating
platform. In 1865 the
Attorney General went head
to head with the Mayor of
Kingston, Aldermen and local