Dulwich Public Baths facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dulwich Public Baths
51°27′40″N 0°04′20″W / 51.460977°N 0.072284°W / 51.460977; -0.072284
Address	2b Crystal Palace Road, London
Postcode	SE22 9HB
Opened	25 June 1892
Operated by	Fusion
Architect	Spalding & Cross
Facilities
Gym, crèche, swimming pool

Dulwich Public Baths (also known as Dulwich Leisure Centre) is a popular swimming pool and gym located in Dulwich, South London. It first opened its doors in 1892. What makes it special is that it's London's oldest public swimming baths that has been open continuously since it started! This historic building is so important that it's a Grade II listed building, which means it's protected by law because of its special history and architecture.

About the Building

The original sign, "Dulwich Public Baths," is still proudly displayed on the front of the building. Inside, the centre has been updated quite a bit, but in a way that respects its old design. When it first opened, there were two separate entrances at the front, one for men and one for women. The entrance is raised, with steps leading up to the main doors. This was done to create a high basement area where a laundry used to operate.

Originally, there were two main pools. However, in 1982, the largest pool was covered over and is now used as the main gym area. This means only the second, smaller pool is still used for swimming today.

A Dip into History

How It All Started

Dulwich Baths in 1896, looking very grand!

Dulwich Public Baths first opened to the public on June 25, 1892. It was the first of seven public baths designed by the architects Spalding & Cross. The first stone for the building was laid in September 1891. There were a few delays before it could open, including changes to the drainage plans and a disagreement about the quality of the concrete. But eventually, everything was sorted, and the baths welcomed their first swimmers.

Old Prices and Fun Times

Back then, swimming cost 6d (six pence) for a "1st class" swim and 2d for "2nd class." The class depended on whether you used the main pool or the second pool. Schools could get even cheaper rates, from 3d down to 1d, depending on their agreement. Interestingly, the basic swimming charge of 6d stayed the same for a very long time, until 1957!

The baths weren't just for swimming. They could also be rented out for different events like dances, indoor sports, and other gatherings.

Dulwich Baths During Wartime

First World War

During the World War I, the baths had to close in 1914 to help with hospital and Red Cross work. The War Refugees Committee even used it to house Belgian refugees. For a short time in 1915, it reopened to the public, but then it was used by the Camberwell Gun Brigades. Later, from September 1915, it housed two brigades of the Territorial Artillery. Public swimming finally started again in 1917. The baths also became an unofficial shelter during the frequent air raids of 1917. The local Council even installed red and green lights to signal "take cover" and "all clear" during these raids.

Between the Wars

In 1937, two indoor bowling rinks were added to the baths. Players were charged 6d an hour, or a whole rink could be reserved for 4 shillings an hour.

Second World War

Location map for East Dulwich Baths. Before World War II started, in 1938–39, both swimming pools were covered with floors so they could be used as First Aid posts. Medical supplies and equipment were brought in.

In late 1939, there was a shortage of fuel, so the pool had to close for the winter. In 1940, there were plans to close the pools again for winter. However, the Auxiliary Fire Service asked for the pool to be kept full so they could use the water if there was damage from air raids. Because of this, the Council decided to keep the pools open and even adapted them for Fire Brigade pumps.

During the war, there was also a shortage of towels, and many were going missing. To help with this, a 5-shilling deposit was introduced for each towel.

After the Wars

On March 13, 1946, the Council made a big decision: they allowed mixed bathing in all the Borough's pools. This meant men and women could swim together for the first time.

After 1945, dances became popular again at the Baths. Many famous bands played there, including the Ted Heath Band. In 1949, the old grand piano was replaced with a second-hand Welmar boudoir grand. In 1950, the Council even promoted official 'Carnival' dances for special holidays like Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, limiting the number of people to 550 for each event.

Modern Updates

In the 1990s, a group called the "Friends of Dulwich Baths" worked hard to get Southwark Council to make repairs. As a result, £250,000 was invested in various updates, including removing the women's slipper baths. Then, in 2007, a much bigger renovation plan of £5 million was agreed upon. Fusion took over running the building as a modern leisure complex.

From May 2009, the redevelopment, which ended up costing £6.2 million, began. This meant the pool had to close, and a temporary gym was set up. The big refurbishment was finally finished on June 25, 2011, taking five years from start to finish. The official reopening event was attended by local MP Tessa Jowell and East Dulwich councillor James Barber.