Skating on a frozen pond on Wimbledon Common
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1888 |
|---|---|
| Area | Wimbledon Village |
| Copyright 1 | D C Harrod |
| Picture Reference | Wim_20_5-89 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | Harsh winters have often caused local ponds to freeze over, creating temporary skating rinks which were particularly popular with people from varying backgrounds during the Victorian period. However it could be extremely dangerous. Skating on thin ice risked fracturing the frozen surface and plunging the unsuspecting skater into the icy waters below. It was then possible to get caught under the ice layer before rescuers arrived – a number of local people have died in this way. |
