In the Sizzling Sunshine

Hot and bothered Londoners find ways to cool off in the summer heatwave of 1929.

July 1929 was one of the sunniest on record: this newsreel item dramatically reports a whopping 125 degrees (51 centigrade) in London and 85 degrees (30 centigrade) in the shade. With the city sweltering, Topical Budget were out to capture the scene as residents tried to stay cool in the capital's parks and pools - watch for the kids paddling with rolled-up trouser legs. According to Met office data, the hot-spell was short-lived, with heavy rain fall by the end of the month.