Tommy Burns dive from Southwark bridge

The Hull Daily Mail (14th January 1896) carried the following brief report:

Tommy Burns, who has made a name both in the aquatic and pedestrian world, yesterday dived off Southwark Bridge.

According to the Dundee Courier on 30th January 1897, Tommy had 'remained under the water 4 minutes 2 seconds in the open sea at Port Scillion, Douglas, Isle of Man, and 3 minutes 58 seconds in a similar contest at Liverpool'.

Read the wonderful story of Tommy's joint attempt to set a long-distance swimming record in the Mersey. The account titled A Long Swim was published by Thomas William Sheffield, former captain of Birkenhead Swimming Club and a world authority on swimming.

A very interesting site, there should be sites like this that keep the memories alive of people like Tommy. Excellent work - Pete Blackmore, chair, Runcorn & District Historical Society

.. new information and old photos to add to Tommy's story. If you can help, please use this link to send an instant message.