'Extraordinary Bathing Scene' at Deal
Deal Mercury 20 Sept 1879 EXTRAORDINARY BATHING SCENE. — An aquatic equine and elephantine display of a singular character took place at the south end of Deal on the mornings of Sunday and Monday last, which caused roars of laughter amongst a numerous crowd, whom curiosity quickly attracted to the unusual scene . Deal Beach, South End On Sunday morning about fifty horses belonging to Messrs. Sanger and Sons' circus, were brought out from Mr. Ewell's field in South Sandy-lane for the purpose of taking a bath in "the briny deep." On arriving at the boatmen's stage at the top of South-street, near the Skating Rink , they were about to go down the beach, when the boatmen protested against this (what they considered) encroachment on their grounds; and not only used words of strong import, but also threatened to send for a policeman to stop the threatened invasion of their premises.Undeterred by these threats, the circus men persisted, coolly remarking "It will ...