Background
From CPT
The Pools date from the beginning of the nineteenth century and, apart from a private pool at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, are believed to be the oldest surviving lidos in the country. The subscribers included John Pinch, the architect, who apparently gave his services for free, as did other supporters of the scheme to build the Baths. The Mayor and several of the Stothert family were among the subscribers listed in the Bath Weekly Chronicle of 20th July 1815.
An advertisement on 26th June 1817 stated that “The Pleasure Baths situated on the Banks of the Avon are now open”. The Pools and adjoining river provided opportunities for both swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy the water but were probably used solely by male bathers.
By 1827, the condition of the property had deteriorated and it was sold to the Rev. Dr Godfrey who spent £1200 on refurbishments to the Baths, including “a private bath for ladies, with a perpetual shower.” There were legal cases involving the Pools in the 1860s but not much else is known about them until the next century.
The city Mayor dedicated the Baths to the public as a free bathing place on 30th April 1901.
Fascinating photographs exist of early Bath Dolphins swimmers there and the Bath YMCA also used them. Other photographs exist of the council repairs in the sixties but the Baths were closed for swimming by 1985.
A brief spell as a trout farm followed and use as a private dwelling. This is the existing planning designation for these Grade II* listed buildings.
(B&W photos courtesy of Wessex Water Archive)
