London - Dulwich Baths

Dulwich Baths was opened in 1892 and is London’s oldest public baths in continuous operation.  It is mentioned in a letter written by Belgian refugee, Alphonse de Ridder.

Charges were 6d for a 1^st class swim and 2d for 2^nd 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 the First World War.  The War Refugees Committee were allowed to use it for housing Belgian refugees.  However, a report in The Shoreditch Observer of 5^th February 1915 noted:  “After a heated discussion, the Borough Council, at its last meeting, decided, by a majority of 26 votes to 19, to serve notice on the British Red Cross Society and War Refugees Committee that, ‘in view of the necessity of preparing for the usual swimming season’, the Council regretted its inability to continue to place Dulwich Baths at their disposal after March 1^st.”

In 1915, the Baths did briefly return to public use but were then allocated for the use of the Camberwell Gun Brigades and later as troop accommodation for two brigades of the Territorial Artillery.

Public swimming resumed in 1917.  The baths were used as an unofficial shelter throughout the frequent air raids of 1917.