Brian Gautier's Family History Data

Address at 1861 Census

Address at 1871 Census where he is indicated as a scholar aged 14 years.

Swimming - Amateur Championship Race

The Times of 28th Jul 1879 reports on the Swimming Association Challenge Cup Contest on page 11. Included in the list of those taking part is J Gautier, Albert S C. (Presumably Albert Swimming Club).

Transcript of a report in The Times 7 April 1880 Page 4

Middlesex Sessions, Apr 6

The April Sessions for criminal business were held today at the Sessions-House, Clerkenwell, before Mr P H Edlin, QC, the Assistant Judge; Mr J D Fletcher, Chairman of the Second Court; Mr Hughes-Hughes, Mr Price, the Hon. G Greville Nugent, the Hon. Colonel Annesley, Mr D Hill, and Mr B Sharpe, Justices.

Jules Gautier, 23, pianoforte maker, was indicted for assaulting Harry Scarborough and occasioning him actual bodily harm. Mr Giffard prosecuted; and Mr Hibton defended the prisoner. On August 25 the prosecutor was in the Camden Head public house, in Somers-town, about 7 o' clock in the evening, and there met the prisoner, who was a stranger to him. As he was entering the house he thought he felt the prisoner's hand in his pocket, and said to him,"Take your hand out of that; there is nothing there for you." On coming out of the public house the prisoner followed him and wanted to fight him for having accused the prisoner of putting his hand into the prosecutor's pocket. The prosecutor declined, but the prisoner still continued to follow him until the prosecutor spoke to a police constable, who prevented the prisoner from following him any further. Scarborough then got upon an omnibus. The prisoner got up too but was pushed off by the conductor, who would not allow him to ride upon the omnibus. The prisoner ran along the side until the prosecutor got off and went towards a police station, when he went away. The prosecutor waited for about 20 minutes and was then proceeding in the direction of his home, when he was set upon by Gautier, who exclaiming,"I have got you now," attacked him and kicked him, breaking his leg. The prosecutor fell on the ground and lay there until he was found by a sergeant of police, who sent for Dr Rawlings of Highgate Road, who ordered his removal to the hospital, where he remained for six weeks. A description of the prisoner was circulated among the police, and he was apprehended on March 21. The defence was mistaken identity, but the jury, after a long deliberation, convicted the prisoner, but recommended him to mercy on account of the provocation which he had received in being falsely accused by the prosecutor. Mr Fletcher sentenced him to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for three months.

The source for this event is the 1881 census. There is an inaccuracy here in that Jules reports himself at the census as having been born in France which is not correct. In subsequent newspaper reports he is frequently referred to as "late of France" or "Jules Gautier of Paris" or "Champion of France" so it seems that this was a fiction he wished to perpetuate for some reason.

Transcript of a report in the The County Gentleman of 30th July 1881 on page 829

THE MILE PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - This event will be decided this Saturday evening, at the Welsh Harp, Hendon, starting at six o'clock. Prizes, presented by the proprietor of the «i»Sporting Life«/i» are as follows:- First, a silver challenge cup (weighing 60oz) and and £10; second, £5; third, £2 10s; entrance fees to be divided among fourth and fifth men. The following are entries:- W Beckwith, 500 yards champion; A S Robinson, Leed, ex 1000 yards and 750 yards amateur champion; W Dawe (late of Plymouth): S Abbott (late of Manchester), and Jules Gautier (late of France). The entry is certainly disappointing, but the number of our professional swimmers is now extremely scanty, the really first class men being represented by perhaps a couple , one of whom is absent from the above list. But it is to be hoped things will now look up, and that the professional club formed a short time since will bring to light some new blood, for there is plenty of room. We may mention that spectators will be admitted free.

Transcript of a report in the The County Gentleman of 6th August 1881 on page 847

THE MILE PROFESSIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP. - As was to be expected, W Beckwith had practically a walk over for this trophy, which was contended for at the Welsh Harp, Hendon, on Saturday. The other starters were A S Robinson of Leeds, S Abbott (late of Manchester), W Dawe, and Jules Gautier, and they finished after Beckwith in the order given. The following was the time occupied by each man:- Beckwith, 29 min 59½ sec ; Robinson, 31 min 51¾ sec : Abbott, 37 min 2½ sec ; dawe, 37 min 57 sec ; Gautier, 42 min 8¼ sec.

Transcript of an item in Bell's Life In London & Sporting Chronicle of 12th November 1881 on page 4:-

«b»SWIMMING«/b»
FIXTURES FOR THIS MONTH
15 - Jules Gautier's Entertainment, North London Baths.

Transcript of an item in Bell's Life In London & Sporting Chronicle of 19th November 1881 on page 4:-

«b»ENTERTAINMENT AT THE NORTH LONDON BATHS«/b»

An "aquatic gala" took place at these well known baths, situated at Pentonville Hill, on Tuesday evening , for the benefit of Jules Gautier, the champion of France, and the affair was well attended. As will be seen below the 100 Yards Handicap received a large entry.

witnessed by Arthur Wheeler & Henry Marshall

Occupation noted on marriage certificate.

Address at marriage.

The News Of The World of 24th October 1886 reported on the Professional Swimming Association's Handicaps at The Lambeth Baths. Jules swam and had some success:-

Professional 500 Yards Handicap: After winning the second heat Jules came fifth in the final.

Professional 100 Yards Handicap: There were 28 starters and six heats. Jules again came fifth in the final.

The Era of 12th May 1888 contained an advertisement for a «b»"Monster Day and Night Fete" «/b»at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. Amongst the many and varied attractions was included:-

SWIMMING RACES
Amongst the Professionals who will compete will be found J J Collier of Salford, F T Jones of Leeds, A S Robinson of Leeds, E J Reddish of Brighton, Slaney of Westgate, J Frost of Manchester, Jules Gautier of Paris, E J Kirk of London, Burt Skinner of London, Jarrad Harrison of Templeton, F Haggerty of Stalybridge, Serjeant of Portsmouth, and Others.

Medal inscription reads: From the NLSC (North London Swimming Club) to Professor Jules Gautier in recognition of his swimming three and a half miles in the Thames with his hands and feet tied Sept 16th 1888

Transcript of a report in The Licensed Victuallers' Mirror of 18th September 1888 on page 402:-

Our old enemies the French are at us again. This time Waterloo went the other way. For the "fight was fit" within a stone's throw of Waterloo on the South Western. It was a bloodless victory.
Professor Jules Gautier represented France on the occasion. And our artist has represented him as a central figure in our columns. A position he most assuredly deserves to occupy this week. He is the Champion Long Distance Swimmer of that gallant and impulsive nation.
He essayed the apparently impossible task of swimming from Westminster Bridge to Greenwich with his hands and feet tied on Sunday. What the reporters call "a dense concourse" assembled on the Embankment to witness the exhibition. The daring Professor had challenged all comers to try the feat with him. But all comers were no comers.
And amid cheers from the crowds on land and in boats the swimmist jumped from a skiff, took the water like a duck. Followed by the small boats an interested mob. Protected by a vigilant river police. And steering himself to a marvel. Reached Cherry Garden Pier as fresh as he started. An enthusiastic demonstration awaited him here, and he expressed a wish to go on to Greenwich. As, however, he had beaten the record his friends did not consider this advisable. So he reluctantly left the water - the hero of the hour.
Jules Paul Victor Gautier is a native of Normandy. He was born in 1856. He is 5ft 4½ inches in height. And he weighs ten stone. A wiry man who strips well. And though he has not a very powerful physique, looks capable of any amount of endurance.
He has shown us Londoners how to perform a feat not long since deemed as impossible. A feat too which has its uses. For it demonstrates the perfect facility with which an accomplished swimmer can make his way through the water, no matter how heavily handicapped. Gautier swims with a side stroke, bringing his bound hands around in a semi-circle.. It looks clumsy and awkward of course. But it is wonderful the pace the Professor can get on. He is a bold and skilful swimmer. And a modest and unassuming man. Good Luck To Him.

Transcript of a report in the Aberdeen Weekly Journal of 19th September 1888:-

EXTRAORDINARY SWIMMING FEAT - Professor Jules Gautier, long distance champion of France, and instructor to the North London Swimming Club, essayed the feat of swimming with hands and feet tied from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge on Sunday, and as Big Ben was striking a quarter to one o'clockhe took his dive from the boat amidst the cheers from an immense concourse of people assembled on the bridge pier and embankment. Swimming chiefly on his side he soon passed under Charing Cross Railway Bridge, up to which point, owing to the courtesy of the Thames Police, a clear course was kept. Going well within himself, he passed under Waterloo Bridge, which was crowded, but at this point the wind was dead against the swimmer, the water at times completely submerging him and greatly impeding his progress. Sticking to his work gamely, however, he reached Blackfriars Bridge, where he was joined by Mr A Knight, who kept him company for some distance. On reaching London Bridge a tremendous crowd awaited him, but, feeling as fresh as when he started, he decided to continue his journey, expressing a wish to go as far as Greenwich. On reaching Cherry Garden Pier, he was informed he had already performed an unprecedented feat, and, acting on the advice of his friends, he reluctantly left the water, little the worse for his undertaking. The time for the distance, about 3½ miles was 55 minutes.

Transcript of a report in Reynolds's Newspaper of 23 September 1888:-

«b»SPORTING INFORMATION
«/b»EXTRAORDINARY SWIMMING FEAT - Professor Jules Gautier, long distance champion of France, and instructor to the North London Swimming Club, essayed the feat of swimming with hands and feet tied from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge on Sunday, and as Big Ben was striking a quarter to one o'clockhe took his dive from the boat amidst the cheers from an immense concourse of people assembled on the bridge pier and embankment. Swimming chiefly on his side he soon passed under Charing Cross Railway Bridge, up to which point, owing to the courtesy of the Thames Police, a clear course was kept. Going well within himself, he passed under Waterloo Bridge, which was crowded, but at this point the wind was dead against the swimmer, the water at times completely submerging him and greatly impeding his progress. Sticking to his work gamely, however, he reached Blackfriars Bridge, where he was joined by Mr A Knight, who kept him company for some distance. On reaching London Bridge a tremendous crowd awaited him, but, feeling as fresh as when he started, he decided to continue his journey, expressing a wish to go as far as Greenwich. On reaching Cherry Garden Pier, he was informed he had already performed an unprecedented feat, and, acting on the advice of his friends, he reluctantly left the water, little the worse for his undertaking. The time for the distance, about 3½ miles was 55 minutes.

Transcript of an item in FUN of 26th September 1888:-

«b»A Tidy Feat
«/b»The long-distance swimming champion of France, Jules Gautier, has done rather a neat thing in natation, covering the distance from Westminster Bridge to Cherry Gardens Pier with his hands and feet tied. We don't admire big feet, as a rule, but Jules can certainly stand on his feat for bigness. Our good old national prejudice compels us to add, however, that, strange as it may appear, the "tied" was actually in his favour. «i»Vive la France!«/i»

Transcript of a report in the Ipswich Journal of 9th August 1889:-

CLACTON-ON-SEA
SWIMMING EXHIBITION - On Bank Holiday a very enjoyable treat was provided for the visitors at Clacton-on-Sea by the feats performed by Mr Jules Gautier, the champion swimmer of France, and the champion of the world for speed. Professor Gautier is a native of France, having been born at Caen, in Normandy; but he came to England at the age of about four years. His name has been brought prominently before the public by his unique exhibition of swimming in bonds, which he has several times performed in the Thames - on one occasion swimming with hands and feet tied a distance of over eight miles in the Thames in about two hours. His trick swimming includes smoking, singing, and writing; peeling, sucking, and eating an orange in the water, turning somersaults, the spinning wheel &c. He is instructor to the London Swimming Club, and also to the Cholmeley School, Highgate. He proposes to spend a week at Clacton in about a fortnight's time, when he will give daily rehearsals.

Transcript of a report in the Ipswich Journal of 23 August 1889:-

LOWESTOFT REGATTA
Although not so successful in the matter of sport as some previous events of this kind, Lowestoft Marine Regatta was held on Thursday under conditions highly favourable to the enjoyment of visitors. The central attraction was found in the swimming matches and other contests which took took place in the outer harbour. Blindfold swimming matches, boxing on a slippery craft, from which the pugilists were constantly knocking one another into the water - a fate that also befel the the pretended policeman who interfered - water polo, and astonishing feats by Professor Gautier (who recently swam three miles in the Thames with hands and feet tied) - these and other amusements kept the spectators in roars of laughter. The bands of the 20th Hussars and the PWO Artillery Militia played at intervals, and altogether a very merry afternoon was passed.

Transcript of an item in The Licensed Victuallers' Mirror of 1st October 1889:-

SWIMMING
On Monday, October 14th, at the Islington Baths, Professor Jules Gautier's annual costume entertainment. Among the items on the programme is a 44 yards' Ladies Race.

Transcript of a report in the Pall Mall Gazette of 16th September 1890:-

ANOTHER SINGULAR DIVE FRON LONDON BRIDGE
Shortly after four o'clock yesterday afternoon a man was seen to mount the parapet of London Bridge, near Fresh Wharf, and plunge into the stream. He was attired in a tight fitting bathing costume, and as he took the dive it was seen that his hands were bound together, as also were his legs just above the ankle. He quickly rose to the surface, and commenced swimming towards a boat which was in waiting for him. It afterwards transpired that the man's name was Jules Gautier, the champion French swimmer, who has accomplished some very good swims with his hands and feet bound.

Occupations at 1891 census.

Address at 1891 census.

Transcript of a report in The Licensed Victuallers' Mirror of 8th September 1891:-

OUR SPORTFOLIO
So far as aquatics are concerned, America seems to be in a bad way. J B Johnson, himself a worthy foe in natatorial feats, complains bitterly of the apathy existing on the other side of the fishpond. After many futile attempts to arrange a match, he says that the result goes to prove that affairs are not as they should be. To quote his own words: "I am thoroughly disgusted with all the swimmers in this country."
What the Americans think of J B would be equally interesting, wouldn't it?
If the condition of things in the States is unsatisfactory, it can scarcely be claimed that we are in a much better position here. Week after week we hear of extraordinary challenges backed up by the most astounding impudence. Marvellous feats are spoken of as being absolutely practicable, but the question to be asked is, "Do they ever come off?"
At last a gentleman has been found who intends to strike a death-blow at this. Jules Gautier writes that he will swim any man in the world from Dover to Victoria Pier, Folkstone, with hands and feet tied, and allow them thirty yards start.
This is not all. Gautier further undertakes to dive one hundred feet with hands and feet tied, and to take a clean header from the height of fifty feet with arms bound behind and feet tied. Jules, you see, is ready to face the foe. Is the foe forthcoming?

Transcript of a report in the Daily News of 28th July 1892:-

BATHS AND WASHHOUSES FOR BOW
The very attractive range of baths and washhouses erected by the Vestry of Bow to provide this much wanted accomodation for the inhabitants of a very crowded locality, was yestarday formally opened by the Chairman of the Commissioners, Mr Isaac James Booth.The buildings, which cover about half an acre, have a frontage of 50 feet to the Roman Road, in which they are situated....................................
....................everything should be of the best. The second class bath, which is within a trifle as large as the first class, would, he added, be available to the boys on certain days. - A vote of thanks was then passed to the architects, Messrs Harner and Pinches, and the clerk to the vestry, Mr Logan, after which a series of swimming entertainments were given under the direction of Professor Jules Gautier.

Transcript of a report in the Pall Mall Gazette of 3rd August 1892:-

PROPOSED SWIM ACROSS CHANNEL
Professor Jules Gautier is now in training at Folkstone preparatory to an attempted swim across the Channel. Gautier believes that if a time could be chosen to suit the Channel currents the passage could be made in about 14 hours and without any abnormal fatigue to the trained natationist. In order to test his powers of endurance he will shortly attempt a swim from Folkstone with with his hands and feet tied, and then either join Fisher in his proposed swim or enter upon the feat alone.

Transcript of a report in The Times 6 Aug 1892 Page 6

CHANNEL SWIMMERS

Mr Fisher, who last year attempted to swim the Channel, proposes to make another attempt to accomplish the feat, and with that object is about to begin training at Dover. At present however, the temperature of the water has not risen sufficiently to enable him to remain in the water for many hours. Professor Gautier, who also proposes to attempt the Channel swim, has definitely decided to swim from Folkstone to Dover on Wednesday with his hands and feet chained.

Transcript of a report in Trewman's Exeter Flying Post or Plymouth and Cornish Advertiser of 6 August 1892

SWIMMING THE CHANNEL

Professor Gautier, who proposes to attempt the channel swim, has decided to swim from Folkestone to Dover on Wednesday, with his hands and feet chained. Mr Fisher, who last year tried to swim the channel, also proposes to make an attempt during the present season, and with that object he is about to commence training at Dover.

Transcript of a report in the Reynolds's Newspaper of 7th August 1892:-

PROPOSED SWIM ACROSS CHANNEL
Professor Jules Gautier is now in training at Folkstone preparatory to an attempted swim across the Channel. Gautier believes that if a time could be chosen to suit the Channel currents the passage could be made in about 14 hours and without any abnormal fatigue to the trained natationist. In order to test his powers of endurance he will shortly attempt a swim from Folkstone with with his hands and feet tied, and then either join Fisher in his proposed swim or enter upon the feat alone.

Transcript of a report in The Belfast News-Letter of 11th August 1892:-

«b»EXTRAORDINARY SWIMMING ATTEMPT
«/b»
FOLKSTONE, WEDNESDAY. - Professor Gautier, who proposes to attempt the feat of swimming the Channel, started from the Victoria Pier, Folkstone, today, at half past twelve, to swim to Dover with hands and feet manacled. He started on the flood tide, but it ceased running before the professor could reach Dover. He was taken out of the water about a mile and a half or two miles west of Dover , although the water was moderately smooth. There was a cool easterly wind, and the temperature of the sea will render any attempt this year to swim the channel impossible.

Transcript of a report in The Pall Mall Gazette 11 August 1892 Page 14:

A Swim In The Channel In Chains !«b»

«/b»Professor Jules Gautier accomplished a remarkable feat yesterday in swimming from Folkstone to Dover, about eight miles, with his hands and feet manacled. Although the sea was somewhat rough and unfavourable, Gautier started from Victoria Pier, Folkstone, at 12.10 p.m., in the presence of a large concourse of people, reaching Dover at 4.10 p.m. The tide turned before the swim was completed, and Gautier had some difficulty in making any progress during the last half hour.

Transcript of a report in the Birmingham Daily Post of 12th August 1892:-

Professor Gautier, who proposes to attempt the feat of swimming the Channel, started from Victoria Pier, Folkstone on Wednesday, to swim to Dover with hands and feet manacled. He started on the flood tide, but it ceased running before the professor could reach Dover, and he was taken out of the water about a mile and a half or two miles west of Dover. Although the water was moderately smooth there was a cool easterly wind, and the water was very cold and trying.

Transcript of a report in the Belfast News Letter of 15 August 1892

On Saturday Professor Gautier, who proposes to attempt to swim the channel, saved the life of a man who had fallen off Victoria Pier, at Folkestone.

Transcript of a report in The Penny Illustrated Paper 20 August 1892 Page 14:

«b»A Swim In The Channel In Chains

«/b»Professor Jules Gautier accomplished a remarkable feat on Aug. 10 in swimming from Folkstone to Dover, about eight miles, with his hands and feet manacled. Although the sea was somewhat rough and unfavourable, Gautier started from Victoria Pier, Folkstone, at 12.10 p.m., in the presence of a large concourse of people, reaching Dover at 4.10 p.m. The tide turned before the swim was completed, and Gautier had some difficulty in making any progress during the last half hour.

Transcript of a report in The Pall Mall Gazette of 22nd August 1892:-

NORTH, EAST, WEST, SOUTH
"Professor" Gautier has just dived from Folkstone Pier - from a platform, making the distance to the water 71 ft. - with his hands fastened behind him and his feet chained together.

Transcript of a report in The Pall Mall Gazette of 24nd August 1892:-

CHANNEL SWIM TODAY
Professor Gautier proposes to attempt to swim between Folkstone and Dungeness today. The water temperature a mile from shore yesterday was 64 degrees, and 6 degrees less six miles out in the Channel. Experts agree that no person could swim the Channel with a temperature so low, shore swimming and cross-Channel swimming being very different things.

Transcript of a report in Jackson's Oxford Journal of 27th August 1892:-

A REMARKABLE DIVE. - Professor Jules Gautier, who is still training for the Channel swim, accomplished a remarkable dive from Folkstone pier on Saturday morning. Gautier was bound with 18 yards of rope, his hands being fastened behind and his feet manacled. A special platform was erected at the head of the pier, so that the distance to the water was 71 ft. He made a splendid clean dive, which was witnessed by some hundreds of people. In an interview Gautier states that he will attempt the swim from Dover to Calais at the latter end of September, if the weather continues favourable, but he will probably finish his training at Rhyl, North Wales. The temperature of the water in mid-Channel, he states , is 61 degrees, but he believes it will improve considerably by the time he proposes to swim. It was 66 degrees when Webb accomplished the swim.

Transcript of an item in Reynolds's Newspaper of 18th June 1893:-

An advertisement for Earl's Court included:-

«b»CAPTAIN BOYTON'S WORLD'S WATER SHOW, EARLS COURT
«/b»SHOOTING THE "CHUTES" SHOOTING THE "CHUTES" SHOOTING THE "CHUTES"
PROFESSOR JULES GAUTIER'S SENSATIONAL HIGH DIVE
CONN FREDERICK'S THRILLING BICYCLE ACT
EXHIBITION BOOTRACE (sic)
GEORGE BUBEAR versus WALLACE ROSS
and a HOST of STARTLING NOVELTIES
LOOK OUT FOR THE MONKEY'S BOATRACE
«b»CAPTAIN BOYTON'S WORLD'S WATER SHOW, EARLS COURT«/b»

Transcript of an item in The Era of 8th July 1893:-

Advertisement
TO PIER MANAGERS.-
Professor JULES GAUTIER, Champion Scientific High Diver and Trick Swimmer of the World, open for August and September. Performer of the Sensational High Dive with Shackled Arms and Legs, and other Natatorial Feats at the World's Water Show.
Address, 88, Westbourne-road, Barnsbury, London, N.

Transcript of a report in the Western Mail (Cardiff) of 16th August 1893:-

GALLANT RESCUE BY A PROFESSIONAL DIVER
On Monday afternoon James Sullivan accidently fell from the staging of the Victoria Pier, at Folkstone, into the sea. A strong tide was running out at the time. When it was seen that the man could not swim the excitement of the crowd assembled on the pier became intense. Fortunately the cries for aid reached Professor Jules Gautier, the champion diver, who promptly ran to the end of the pier and dived some 60ft or 70ft, and rescued Sullivan. Beyond a few bruises the latter seemed little the worse for his immersion. When Professor Gautier shortly afterwards appeared and went through his performance he received most enthusiastic applause.

Transcript of a report in the Birmingham Daily Post of 29th August 1893:-

ANOTHER CHANNEL SWIM. - Professor Jules Gautier, who has been training at Folkstone for the past few weeks, yesterday morning entered the water off Dungeness Lighthouse, with the intention to swim to Folkstone, a distance of twenty-one miles. Gautier made a similar attempt last year but failed. The weather was not favourable, a fresh wind blowing, with a choppy sea. A Folkstone correspondent telegraphs that Gautier had to abandon his swim yesterday afternoon. Shortly after passing Hythe he met with very heavy seas which covered him for a minute at a time, and yielding to the strong advice of his pilot, he reluctantly left the water. He was in good condition, although he ahd been battling with a rough sea and strong north-east wind for between three and four hours.

Transcription of a report in The Wide World (New Zealand) on 18 Nov 1893:-

"Professor" Jules Gautier, who is under an engagement with the Folkestone Pier Company, last month, made an attempt to swim from Dungeness to Folkestone, a distance of 21 miles. Last year he made a similar attempt but failed owing to want, of training. Yesterday he d ived into the sea from a lugger off Dungeness Point about 10 o'clock, and at once commenced to battle against a very rough sea and a strong north-east wind. The waves were running very high and Gautier was for minutes at a time completely lost to sight. It was nearly an hour and a half after the start before he breasted Littlestone, where some terrible seas were met with, and, although strongly advised by Weatherhead, his pilot, to leave the water he refused to do so. Matters, however, did not improve, and shortly after passing Hythe Gautie r, who for 55 minutes did not seem to move an inch, was persuaded to get into the boat although this was not accomplished without half an hours manoeuvring, so great was the stress of weather. When he got into the boat Gautier showed no sign of distress, although he had been in the water for about four hours.

Transcript of a report in The Penny Illustrated Paper 14 April 1894
Feature: The World Of Pastime

«b»Professor Beckwith «/b»the veteran ex-champion swimmer of England, has materially helped to entertain large gatherings of swimmers in the North and South of London. On the 5th inst. the well trained Beckwith troupe of divers and swimmers, including comical little Bobby Beckwith, exhibited their rare skill at the Hornsey Swimming Baths, where Mrs N. Easton and her clever young company of girl swimmers (some little more than babies) also sported themselves in the water. The feats of «b»Jules Gautier«/b» and the keen racing of the youths were also much admired; and Mr. Bartley M.P. presented the prizes. Last Saturday night Professor Beckwith gave an opening aquatic entertainment at the new Camberwell Swimming Baths. With our Editor, many years Hon. Sec. of The London Swimming Club, I am heartily glad to see Beckwith still to the fore, and to see swimming baths spreading all over town.
«b»BANSHEE«/b»

Transcript of a report in the Western Chronicle dated 27 July 1894

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7th 1894

A GRAND AMALGAMATED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES FETE
Will be held in NEWTON PARK, YEOVIL (kindly lent by Mrs Harbin and Mr Sawtell), on the above date.
A procession will be formed in the Borough at 12.15 pm and will parade the pricipal parts of the town, accompanied by the YEOVIL MILITARY and TOWN BANDS. Flags and Banners of each Society will be carried, and Members will wear their Regalia. The procession will reach Newton Park about 1.30 pm when a

PUBLIC LUNCHEON

will be held in a Large MARQUEE. Chair to be taken by Sidney Watts Esq Mayor, supported by gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood.
The Committee have much pleasure in announcing that at an enormous expense they have secured the service of the following:-

PROFESSOR JULES GAUTIER
(19th Century Wonder)
CHAMPION HIGH DIVER of the WORLD and TRICK SWIMMER (from the Aquarium), who will dive into the River Yeo from a hieght of 80 to 90 feet with arms and legs manacled and bound with eighteen yards of rope. Also

REX FOX
The Canadian Blondin .......................etc

Transcript of a report in The Illustrated Police News of 18th August 1894:-

«b»SWIMMING LESSONS FOR PAUPER CHILDREN«/b»

The Islington Guardians have acted wisely and well in accepting the generous offer of Mrs Easton and Professor Gautier, who have undertaken to give gratuitous instruction in the art of natation to the pauper children of the parish. The real value of a philanthropic measure of this kind - for such in truth it is - is to be found in the fact that many of these children will probably enter callings which will expose them in a special degree to the risk of drowning. Sailor and dock and waterside labourers of all kinds may be mentioned as a class to whom a knowledge of swimming would appear to be essential; and yet how few workers of this description take the trouble to learn the art? Sailors are notoriously deficient in this respect, not ten per cent. of the merchant seamen of the country knowing how to swim. In the Navy, of course, the men are compelled to learn, and very unwilling pupils many of them are too, as swimming masters find to their cost. Of the general advantages conferred by this art little need be said; lives are every day lost in the bathing season through inability to swim a few strokes, while, on the other hand, persons who feel at home on the water derive much enjoyment from a form of exercise of the most delightful and invigorating kind.

Occupation at death of Mary Martha

Address at death of Mary Martha.

Inscribed WISSA Half Mile J Gautier

Transcript of an item in The Era of 28th September 1895:-

LIVERPOOL
ROYAL ALEXANDRA.- Proprietors, Alexandra Vaudeville Company (Limited), Manager, Mr S B Cooper. - The sensation of the entertainment here during the week has been the serpentine dancing of La Loie Fuller, who made her first appearance in Liverpool on Monday, when her marvellous terpsichorean evolutions and kaleidoscopic dress colour effects roused the enthusiasm of the crowded audience, which recalled her again and again. The company likewise included Mr Arthur Corney, comedian; Miss Marie Elsie, comedienne; Ferris and Farnley, eccentrics;
Miss Ada Dell, serio; the Tissots, living marionettes; Misses Melville, duettists; Mr A Faber, mimic; and M. Jules Gautier, speciality artist. The troupe of wrestlers continued their exhibition throughout the week.

Transcript of a report in The Bristol Mercury & Daily Post of 8th August 1896:-

«b»SOMERSET NEWS«/b»
CLEVEDON
The monthly meeting of the Urban District Council was held on Wednesday, ............................ It was also agreed to re-engage Professor Jules Gautier for diving from the pier for another week.

Transcript of a report in The Bristol Mercury & Daily Post of 14th August 1896:-

«b»SOMERSET NEWS«/b»
CLEVEDON
On Wednesday night Professor Jules Gautier, in his diving and swimming entertainment from the pier, had an exciting adventure. He dives from a staging twice, the second time bound with about 30 yards of rope, and with hands and feet manacled. A buoy is moored with the tide for him to get to, and he accomplished his first dive all right. The second time, when bound, he performed several swimming tricks, but in the darkness missed the buoy, and, despite his strong efforts, the tide commenced to carry him rapidly away. So strong was the current that it almost tore the worsteds in which he was clad off. Seeing he could scarcely reach the pier, the Professor swam with the tide, carrying about 28lbs of rope &c, with him, and attempted to reach the shore. His disappearance gave rise to the greatest excitement among the 1000 people on the pier, and a boat put off after him. He was discovered on shore, over a mile away, where he had managed to scramble after a hard fight with the waves. After a stiff climb he got to Lover's Walk, and trotted back to the pier, where his reappearance was greeted with cheers, the spectators recognising the plucky efforts made by the Professor in a practical manner.

Transcript of an advertisement in the Portsmouth Evening News of 16 September 1897:-

CLARENCE PIER
September 13th to 18th 1897

SPECIAL RE-ENGAGEMENT OF
PROFESSOR JULES GAUTIER
WORLDS CHAMPION SCIENTIFIC HIGH DIVER AND TRICK SWIMMER
From the Worlds Water Show and the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, London

TWICE DAILY
Except Monday and Saturday afternoons
at 4.30 and 8.30
From High Platform 70 feet from Low Water, in Ropes and Manacles and a Girdle of Living Fire, with LIme Light Effects

Note: Professor Gautier Challenges any Man in the World.

ADMISSION TO PIER ...... TWOPENCE

Transcript of a report in The Era of 10th June1899:-

«b»MUSIC HALL SWIMMING CARNIVAL«/b»
To Mr Cecil Merrie and the Committee of the Music Hall Home Fund is due the happy inspiration of inaugurating a swimming carnival at the New Lambeth Baths, Kennington-road, for the purpose of adding to the funds necessary for the continuance of the good work carried on by that useful and benificent charity the Music Hall Home, ...................................... Between the heats Miss Aggie Beckwith (daughter of the late Charlie Beckwith, Miss Millie Cranwell, Professor Juffs, and Professor Gautier and his son submitted some graceful examples of variuos styles of swimming and of feats under water.

Address in Islington Directory 1900

Transcript from the News Of The World 25 March 1900 Page 8

LEARNING TO SWIM- Under this title a comprehensive little book will shortly be published, written by Professor Jules Gautier.

Transcript of a report in The Era of 25th August 1900:-

«b»DEAL«/b»
PIER, - Manager, Mr J E Lawrence. - Mr F Harrington's orchestral band, in conjunction with Miss Mabel Jarmer, soprano, and Mr Fielden Holt, humorist, succeed in nightly crowding the Pavilion. Professor Gautier's wonderful feats of natation and sensational diving performances are also attractions.

Occupation recorded on daughter Pauline's Death Certificate.

Occupation at 1901 census.

Address at 1901 census.

Transcript of a report in the Hawera & Normanby Star, a New Zealand paper, on 14 Sept 1904 Page 4

A REMARKABLE SWIM.

One of the most remarkable aquatic feats that has taken place for a long time was performed by Jules Gautier on July 16. He swam from Putney bridge to the Tower bridge with his hands and feet tied, his time being; 2h 13min. Gautier was born in England, although both his parents belong to Normandy. At a very early age he acquired the art of swimming, but it was not until 1878 that he won his first important event. This was the long-distance professional championship of France, which took place in the Seine. So easily did he win that race that objection was taken to his advanced overarm stroke. For a number of years he confined himself to trick swimming, but in 1888 he swam round all the London bridges with hands and feet tied, tho total distance being estimated at eight miles. He subsequently tried to swim the Channel, but after covering about 18 miles in 3h 35min he was forced to abandon the attempt through getting into contrary currents. Gautier's diving performances have even excelled those of the late Tom Burns, for he has dived from London bridge at low water with hands and feet tied. He works at his trade of pianoforte-making, in the winter he instructs at Muswell Hill and other schools, while in the summer he performs at numerous English piers. On the evening named Gautier dived from a boat just above Putney bridge a few minutes before seven o'clock, the conditions being very favorable. With hands and feet tied, he adopted a peculiar stroke, his clasped hands being drawn swiftly downward, while his bound legs performed a fin-like twitch. Tower bridge was reached shortly after nine o'clock. Gautier finishing as fresh as when he started. In order to prove this he performed a series of evolutions and somersaults immediately below the bridge.

Transcript of a report in the Lincolnshire Echo dated 23 August 1904:-

AMBITIOUS CHANNEL SWIMMERS
INCREASED NUMBER OF COMPETITORS

Professor Jules Gautier, the well known long distane swimmer and diver, is also traing at Hastings for a Channel swim which he says he will undertake early in September. A few days ago Gautier, as a test of endurance, swam from the Hastings Pier to St Leonards Pier, against a strong tide and a South West wind, with his hands and feet secured by manacles. On Sunday morning he dived from the stern of a Pleasure Steamer in mid channel and swam as far as St Leonards Pier, again with hands and feet tightly secured throughout the whole distance of nearly six miles. He was in the water two hours and a half, and completed the task with great ease, being quite fresh and warm at the finish. Gautier has already made several attempts to cross the Channel, at one time swimming 14 hours before giving up.

Occupation at this address in Islington Directory 1905

Feature - The Odds in Sport by "DUX"

25 Years ago today Jules Gautier swam from Richmond to Putney (9 miles) his arms and legs MANACLED in 2 hours 54 minutes.

Transcript of an item in Judy: The London Serio Comic Journal of 7th August 1907:-

«b»Jeu d'Esprit«/b»

An attempt is to be made by Professor Gautier to swim ten miles with hands and feet tied. It is not stated how many knots an hour he expects to do.

Transcript of a report in the Observer 25 August 1907, Page 5

M. Jules Gautier, ornamental swimmer and diver, who on Friday swam from Richmond to Putney, a distance of nine miles, with his hands and feet manacled, in 2 hours 52 minutes, will go on Sunday to Dover to attempt to swim the Channel

Feature - The Odds in Sport by "DUX"

Gautier (manacled again) swam from Blackfriars to Richmond (nearly 16 miles) in 5 hours 37 minutes 48 seconds.

This picture was taken near London Bridge which is behind the camera. The warehouse in the background, Pickfords Wharf, near the railway bridge is still there so gives a definitive location for the photo.

Transcript from the Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) 19 July 2010:-

100 YEARS AGO

A well-known swimmer, Mr Jules Gautier, swam the University boat race course from Putney to Mortlake with hands and feet manacled and towing a boat licensed to carry eight persons, the time occupied being 1 hour 30 minutes, 12 seconds.

By accomplishing this feat he won a wager of £100. Many people watched the progress of the swim.

Last year Mr Gautier swam with his hands and feet manacled from London bridge to Richmond railway bridge - a distance of 17 miles.

ODT, 20.9.1909

Transcript from a report in the Guardian on 13 August 1909, Page 2

SWIMMING

MANACLED SWIMMER TOWS A BOAT

At the West Harp (sic), Hendon, yesterday afternoon Jules Gautier, a professional swimmer, who is 53 years of age, accomplished a remarkable freak swim. With his hands and feet manacled and towing a skiff capable of carrying four persons, he swam a mile in still water in 1 hour 27 min 37 sec. He completed the quarter mile in 18 min 45 sec, the half mile in 44 min 51 sec, and the three quarters in 1 hour 11min 52 sec. A week ago he swam the four and a quarter miles championship course in the Thames under similar conditions, taking 1 hour 30 min 12 sec and his swim yesterday emphasises the great difference there is between still and tidal water. To mark his performance the "Sportsman" will present Gautier with a souvenir medal inscribed with a record of his swim.

Note: The location was the Welsh Harp, a public house now demolished on the edge of the Brent Reservoir. This stretch of water is now commonly known as the Welsh Harp and is a nature reserve. The image illustrates the earlier swim in the Thames, which is referred to in the report.

Transcript of a report in The Times Monday June 27 1910 Page 17

SWIMMING

Jules Gautier swam from Putney Bridge to Mortlake on Saturday afternoon, with his arms bound behind his back and his feet pinioned for a wager of £200. Gautier covered the distance - 4¼ miles - in 1 hour 31 min 4 sec.

Transcript of the Letters of Administration:-

BE IT KNOWN that Jules Paul Victor Gautier of 91 Hanley Road Islington in the County of Middlesex died on the 13th day of July 1919 at Northumberland House Green Lanes Harringay in the said County intestate and a widower

AND BE IT FURTHER KNOWN that at the date hereunder written Letters of Administration of all the Estate which by law devolves to and invests in the personal representative of the said Intestate were granted by His Majesties High Court of Justice at the Principle Probate Registry thereof to Jules Paul Victor Gautier of 21a Moira Road Well Hall in the County of Kent Corporal RAF the normal and lawful son and one of the next of kin of the said intestate.

Dated the 28th day of August 1919

Gross value of Estate £7891-13-6
Net Value of Personal Estate £7761-11-6

Transcript of a notice in the London Gazette of 7th November 1919 on page 13593:-

«b»JULES PAUL VICTOR GAUTIER, Deceased«/b»
Pursuant to the Law of Property Amendment Act, 1869

NOTICE is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons having any claims or demands against the estate of Jules Paul Victor Gautier, late of 91, Hanley-road, Islington, in the county of London, Pianoforte Manufacturer, deceased (who died on the thirteenth day of July, 1919, to whose estate letters of administration were granted to Jules Paul Victor Gautier by the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice, on the 28th day of August 1919), are hereby required to send the particulars, in writing, of their claims or demands to us, the undersigned, on or before the 24th day of December, 1919, after which date the said administrator will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased among the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims and demands of which he shall then have had notice; and he will not be liable for the assets of the said deceased, or any part thereof, to any person or persons of whose claims or demands he shall not then have had notice. - Dated this 5th day of November, 1919,
H B WEDLAKE, SAINT and CO., Bank Chambers, Finsbury Park, N4, Solicitors for the Administrator.