BATHS DEPARTMENT

Public baths

In January 1850 Chester Corporation decided to assume responsibility for public baths and washhouses under the Baths and Washhouses Act of 9 and 10 Victoria, c.74, 1846. In March 1850 negotiations were begun to purchase baths and washhouses situated near the Water Tower which had been erected the previous year by a private Baths Committee at a cost of £1,200 (see W. Whellan and Co., Directory of Chester..., 1854, p.1268). According to the Post Office Directory of Cheshire, 1857, p.67, the baths, 'commonly called the Chester Public Baths contain swimming and shower baths, varying from 3d to 1d'. However, Kelly's Directory of Cheshire, 1892, p.186, refers only to a public floating bath on the River Dee open during the summer.

The Markets and Baths Committee which was established by the Council on 9 November 1886 was responsible for building the Chester City Public Baths, which opened in Union Street on 25 September 1801. The architect was John Douglas (1830-1911), and the builder W M Freeman.