|
The new swimming baths opened in 1878.
In the early 19th Century sea bathing became
fashionable for its supposed health giving properties. By
the 1840s there were two bathing establishments at Dover,
situated between Waterloo Crescent and Marine Parade on the
Sea Front. Here patrons could
bathe in baths filled with hot or cold sea water.
For the more adventurous souls there was
always the sea itself. Bathing machines were used by Victorian
ladies to preserve their modesty, even though they went into
the sea in voluminous bathing costumes. The bathing machines
were little huts on wheels. The lady changed into her bathing
costume in the hut, which was then wheeled down into the sea,
where the lady could descend the steps straight into the water.
In 1878 new swimming baths were opened at
the far end of Marine Parade and the old baths demolished
to make way for the Granville
Gardens. This new establishment had a large swimming bath
in the basement and a second bath was added a few years later
to cope with demand. Both baths were filled with sea water.
On the second floor there were private baths and baths for
medical purposes.
The swimming baths were destroyed in the
Second World War
and the residents of Dover had to wait until the opening of
the new swimming pool in 1972.
Bathing machines on the beach in the late 19th Century.
|
