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R E

 I N T R O D U C I N G

10 . 05 . 1913

BATHS & WASH HOUSES IN THE PAST

A Pool

Number of Slipper Baths 

A Laundry

In the early days, Manchester is one of the first city in the country to have facilities for bathing. A typical bath house consists of pool, slipper baths and laundry. It was necessary and essential to have bath house introduced in Manchester, as a way to improve the public sanitation situation and healthcare at that time. It is a place where people get to clean themselves as well as to do their laundry at low cost.

TIMELINE OF

STRETFORD AND PUBLIC BATHS

​

Alterations made to the baths. Additional swimming bath

Local authority purchased the baths 

Stretford Leisure centre opened.

Disastrous effect upon Cyprus Street Baths

1885/6

1912

1913

1977

1982

2017

First Public Baths were built situated on Dorset Street behind the hall 

HEALTH &

CLEANINESS

OPENED

TO PUBLIC

Public Baths were demolished. 

REINTRODUCING

PUBLIC BATHS

DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS OF BATH HOUSE

AROUND THE WORLD

Turkey

turkish hammam

extreme cleanliness where purifying the body went hand-in-hand with purifying the soul

Japan

​

onsen

healing, spirituality and rejuvenation stems back to when Buddhism spread to Japan in the 500s

Russia

russian banya

used to be the only place for villagers to wash and also visited as a spiritual experience, often on Sundays

Korea

jimjilbang

family affair which helps to relieve joint pain and stress, promoting 

detoxification and circulation

Finland

sauna

a method to keep warm in the cold climate which stimulate blood circulation

In 1945, public baths were available around Greater Manchester, allowing everyone to have easier access to the basic sanitary facilities. It also served to fulfil an important part in raising the standard of health.

 

Today, many of the public baths are replaced by swimming pools around the city. Less than 10 public baths are available and they are normally located near the city centre as part of spa centres.

REASONS FOR THE DOWNTREND IN 
PUBLIC BATH HOUSE

Proper sanitary facilities in every household

Swimming pool replaced public bath house

Bath house used as brothel 

Privacy creates opportunities for

crime-related activities

WHY INTRODUCE PUBLIC BATHS TO STRETFORD

1

STRICTLY

SOAKING

No swimming will be allowed. An undisturbed space where people get to take a bath at peace.

2

KEEP

WARM

Thermal baths and steam baths available to the public throughout the whole year. 

3

PURIFYING&

HEALING

Process of physical cleaning and emotional healing. A place where you leave feeling rejuvenated. 

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