400 BC
From prehistoric waterfalls to Egyptian ablutions, humans have always loved the sensation and effect of cascading water. Even the Romans, those lovers of baths, have left tangible clues to their showering culture, with the raised pipes in the spa complex at Bourbon-Lancy.
AD400-1400s
Though the fall of Rome put a dampener on spa activities, the medieval period is not entirely without showering stories. Look out for depictions of people bathing in fountains or having water poured over them.
1500-1600s
Interest in spas begins to revive, predominantly for their curative properties. Waters were supped and bathed in, and showers still seemed to have a place. Federico Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua, left, bemoans the bucket-of-water-over-the-head treatment.
1700s
A London stovemaker called William Feetham reportedly patents the first showering device. The pump action recirculates water so that the bather can get continually wet, albeit with cold and increasingly dirty water.
1800s
In France, Dr François Merry Delabost strikes upon the idea of using warm water – delivered through a showerhead – to keep prisoners clean. Improvements in public sanitation make bathing (and showering) more possible and widespread.
1900s
Shower designs begin to proliferate and are increasingly likely to be found in homes as well as spas and public bath houses. Domestic showers are increasingly attached to the wall and, sometimes, in their own modern cubicle.
Present day
The functions that emerged in the preceding century – such as temperature, power control and adjustable jets – have been raised to a fine art. This choice has given rise to endless debates about the best way to shower. How do you like yours?
Follow in the footsteps of the ancestors, and find out about installing a new shower, such as the Mira Sport Max. To give you complete peace of mind, Mira Showers offers a shower replacement service, using Mira approved engineers
