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Nudism in Oxford

I've practiced naturism a little bit on my own but I'm keen to find out if there are opportunities to meet up with others who are interested in this in Oxford. Let me know if youre interested too.

Reply 1

UWS

21

I'm interested, but not in Oxford. Perhaps try Brighton?

Reply 2

Jon24

OP

2

Is there anyone else in Oxford who is a naturist or is interested in trying it?

Reply 3

OxFossil

19

In my day, there was a spot on the Cherwell, known as Parson's Pleasure, where male naked bathing traditionally took place.

A well known anecdote has it that one day, as a group of dons were bathing there, a female student floated past in a punt. All the dons covered their genitals, except for Maurice Bowra (the erstwhile Warden of Wadham), who covered his face. "I don't know about you gentlemen," he said, "but around here, I am mainly recognised by my face".

Oxford wit.

There was a corresponding spot on the river for female bathing. I think both have since closed, but why not revive the tradition?*

*legal disclaimer here

Reply 4

Jon24

OP

2

Are you suggesting that you come and join me in reviving this tradition?

Reply 5

username402722

19

There might be a nude swim organised somewhere nearby- try the British Naturism website. Or when you are in London, visit the spa near Alexandra Palace.

Reply 6

Jon24

OP

2

Are you in Oxford barnetlad?

Reply 7

username402722

19

Original post by Jon24

Are you in Oxford barnetlad?

No, in Barnet. Hence the suggestion about when in London. One of the people I have occasionally spoken to at the spa in Alexandra Palace comes from Oxford and visits when in London.

Reply 8

OxFossil

19

Original post by Jon24

Are you suggesting that you come and join me in reviving this tradition?

I'm afraid not. Oxford is already replete with old ruins and wrinkled retainers.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 9

barbirolli

1

Original post by OxFossil

In my day, there was a spot on the Cherwell, known as Parson's Pleasure, where male naked bathing traditionally took place.

A well known anecdote has it that one day, as a group of dons were bathing there, a female student floated past in a punt. All the dons covered their genitals, except for Maurice Bowra (the erstwhile Warden of Wadham), who covered his face. "I don't know about you gentlemen," he said, "but around here, I am mainly recognised by my face".

Oxford wit.

There was a corresponding spot on the river for female bathing. I think both have since closed, but why not revive the tradition?*

*legal disclaimer here

Maurice Bowra was not the “erstwhile” Warden when this happened. He became Warden in 1938 (when he was 40) and retired in 1970 (at 72). He died on 4th July 1971, so he didn't enjoy much time as the erstwhile Warden of Wadham. This was only 3 months before I matriculated at the University, and Wadham was one of the adjacent colleges to mine, separated only by Holywell Street and the King's Arms. This story had been knocking around for years even then. Parson's Pleasure was a small plot sandwiched between the University Parks and the Cherwell. When used for innocent nude sunbathing or swimming, you had to be prepared to be propositioned. It was nominally for sun-worshipers, but also for worshipers of the (young) nude male body! Fortunately, I was not a handsome example. The female counterpart was on the other bank of the river, and called “Dame's Delight”; much less populated, because the male:female ratio at the University back then was 10:1!

Nudism in Oxford

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