For many of us, taking a daily shower is a regular part of our routine. In the UK, about half of the population showers or bathes at least once a day, and one in five people shower four to six times a week. This adds up to a significant amount of time spent in the shower. However, showers have not always been as straightforward as they are today. Let’s explore the history of the shower, from ancient waterfall showers to the modern electric and digital showers we use now.
In ancient times, our ancestors lived in caves and huts built from natural resources. Back then, waterfalls were the primary powerful source of water. Ancient tribal people would stand under these falls to cleanse themselves. Unlike today, where most households have showers, people had to travel long distances to find a waterfall, which was a more effective cleansing method than bathing in a pool or lake.
As society progressed, the Egyptians invented ceramic jugs, allowing them to replicate the waterfall effect by pouring water over themselves. This innovation marked the first man-made method of showering. Additionally, the Egyptians introduced a touch of luxury and comfort to bathing, with wealthy individuals having servants bring water to dedicated shower rooms.
The Greeks adopted the Egyptian idea and enhanced it by developing the first drainage systems. They created a system that transported water in and out of rooms via lead piping. This advancement was not limited to the wealthy; large communal areas were built where everyone could wash together.
The Romans, although not the first to build sewer systems, were pioneers in plumbing and public health. By 315 AD, Rome had 144 public toilets and sophisticated sewage systems for wastewater disposal. The Romans constructed large bathhouses across Europe, reflecting their high standards of cleanliness. However, the collapse of the Roman and Greek empires led to a hiatus in shower technology for several centuries.
In 1767, the first patent for a modern shower was granted to William Feetham, a stove maker from Ludgate Hill in London. These early showers, powered by a hand pump, used less water than baths. The development of the electric shower began with the English Regency Shower in the 19th century, which featured a metal frame painted to look like bamboo and was powered by a hand pump. The invention of indoor plumbing in the late 19th century allowed for free-standing showers connected to a running water source.
By the 1960s, tankless water heaters were invented, making modern showers, known as electric showers, accessible to the wider public in the UK. These heaters provided an instant supply of hot water without relying on a water tank.
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that showering became widely popular. Manufacturers began offering a variety of shower enclosures, showerheads, body jets, and LED lights. In the 21st century, digital showers emerged, revolutionising the showering experience. The future of showers promises further advancements, potentially creating the ultimate showering experience.
Norcros plc (LON:NXR) is a leading B2B producer of branded bathroom and kitchen products for its UK, South African and selected export markets. The portfolio of eleven operating companies (7 UK, 4 South Africa) is characterised by strong individual brands, together providing product breadth and channel diversity from a strong supply chain base.
