UK – London – The Serpentine Swimming Club
By Tessa Bunney on 6 November 2014
Portrait of members of the Serpentine Swimming Club after swimming, Hyde Park, London, UK. The Serpentine Lake is situated in Hyde Park, LondonÕs largest central open space. The Serpentine Swimming Club was formed in 1864 Ôto promote the healthful habit of bathing in open water throughout the yearÕ. Its headquarters were beneath an old elm tree on the south side of the lake, a wooden bench for clothing being the only facility. At this time London was undergoing rapid expansion and Hyde Park was now in the centre of a densely populated built up area and provided a place of relaxation to its urbanised masses. Now, the club has its own (somewhat spartan) changing facilities and members are permitted by the Royal Parks to swim in the lake any morning before 09:30. They race every Saturday morning throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
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