Ice skating on a frozen lake is widely considered a dangerous practice with charities, police and local authorities warning against the activity.

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries however, the popularity of ice skating surged before authorities began to fully recognize the potential dangers of skating on natural ice.

Accidents, such as people falling through thin ice, eventually led to increased awareness of the risks involved, however health and safety regulations were still not as they are today. 

Ice skating on the frozen lake of Barrow Park. Looking north across to Piel View House in 1925 (Image: Sankey) During the winter months in the early 20th century, frozen lakes, ponds and other bodies of water would often provide opportunities for ice skating.

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Barrow in particular  had an increased local enthusiasm for ice sports and skating was a popular recreational activity.

Although Barrow itself didn't have an indoor rink like larger cities until later, people in the town would relish the opportunity to skate on natural ice during suitable conditions.

Skating at Thwaite Flat, Dalton-in-Furness in 1908 (Image: Sankey) As early as 1908, Thwaite Flat in Dalton-in-Furness provided ample opportunity for people en masse to go and ice skate.

Barrow Park was also a popular icy destination with Sankey photos showing a competitive curling match taking place on a frozen lake in 1925.

The participants are all male with very few women pictured and only one child on the ice.

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All are wearing headgear, however not of the ice hockey variety, and many of the men are wearing overcoats and suits.

Ormsgill Reservoir was also another destination for curling matches with many ice skaters pictured there by the Sankeys in the early 20th century. 

Skating at Ormsgill Reservoir in the early 20th century with  P Hodgson & Co’s Soap and Candle Works in the background (Image: Sankey) Following World War II, as urbanization and industrialization increased, many natural ice rinks such as lakes and ponds became less commonly used for skating.

The icy scenes pictured by the Sankeys would likely never be pictured in modern times.

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Anyone wishing to use the Sankey photos in a book, online or in an exhibition need to ask permission to use the photos from Cumbria Archives and there may be a charge.

Downloading images for personal use is fine however. 

The full details on copyright are here: https://www.sankeyphotoarchive.uk/contact/.