Dulwich Public Baths
| Dulwich Public Baths | |
|---|---|
2010, being refurbished
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| 51°27′40″N 0°04′20″W / 51.460977°N 0.072284°WCoordinates: 51°27′40″N 0°04′20″W / 51.460977°N 0.072284°W | |
| Address | 2b Crystal Palace Road, London |
| Postcode | SE22 9HB |
| Opened | 25 June 1892 |
| Operator | Fusion |
| Architect | Spalding & Cross |
| Website | Official website |
| Facilities | |
| Gym, crèche, swimming pool | |
Dulwich Public Baths (Dulwich Leisure Centre) was opened in 1892, making it London's oldest public baths in continuous operation. It is based in Dulwich, South London, England.
The original sign of "Dulwich Public Baths" is on the front of the building though there has been significant, if sympathetic, redevelopment inside. There are two original entrances on the front separating men and women. The entrance is raised using steps up to the main doors in order to provide a high basement where a laundry was originally in operation.
The main pool was boarded over in 1982 (now the main gym area) leaving the second pool still in operation.
The Baths opened to the public on 25 June 1892. Dulwich was the first baths of seven baths designed by Spalding & Cross. The foundation stone was put in place in September 1891 but due to various delays including changes to drainage plans and a union dispute over the quality of lime being used in the concrete, on analysis found to be up to standard, the opening was not until well into the following year.
Charges were 6d for a 1st class swim and 2d for 2nd class (class being the choice between the main and second pools) with charges for schools varying between 3d to 1d depending on the agreement with each school. The basic swimming charge was to stay at 6d until 1957.
The Baths were available for hire for various functions including dances, indoor sports and functions.
The baths were closed in 1914 for hospital and Red Cross work during World War I. The War Refugees Committee were allowed to use it for housing Belgian refugees. In 1915 the baths briefly return to public use but were then allocated for use of the Camberwell Gun Brigades (33rd Divisional Artillery). The Brigade vacated in July 1915 and the baths then were used for troop accommodation and housed two brigades of the Territorial Artillery from September 1915. Public swimming resumed in 1917. The baths were used as an unofficial shelter throughout the frequent air raids of 1917 and the Council installed red and green lights to show "take cover" and "all clear" in addition to the sirens.
In 1937 two rinks for indoor bowling were introduced. Players were charged 6d an hour, or a rink could be reserved for 4s an hour.
War preparations in 1938–39 before World War II included laying floors over both swimming pools for use as First Aid posts and medical stores and equipment were brought in.
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Wikipedia