3.9.09 Vusut to Victoria Baths

We had a very interesting visit to see all of the re-furbishments taking place an d to learn zome of the history of the baths which opened in 1902.

Many original features have been losr but the most important have been replaced.

When first opened, there were three swimming pools - men's 1st class and 2nd class and another for ladies. In men's 1st, if they wished, the men could have a hot bovril drink brought to their changing cubicle when they finished their swim session. Luxury indeed for the wealthy.

The entrance to the main baths is wonderful, with the original tiles on walls and floors and even on the balustrades on the imposing staircase.

Parts of the baths have been used as settings for some tv and film productions and this has given extra money towards all of the worl srill needing to be completed.

Coincidentally, the driver of the hospital transport I used the following Monday, used the baths when he was a young man up to the age of twenty two.

There are some superb stained glass windows which have been preserved, one in particular which is called an angel, but which experts say is a fairy, as angels have feathered wings.

The staff conducting our tour had gone to great lengths to accommodate visually impaired visitors and we sincerely thank them.

Many thanks also to our drivers and Mary for organising such a good trip and to Ann for her detailed descriptions of each of the sites we visited.

posted by Elaine