Rest and relaxation are an essential part of our lives. Everyone loves to take a break, and it’s something we all need to do from time to time. After all, constant work and stress will eventually take their toll on our bodies. Relaxing by a river or the sea is a particularly pleasant experience, and the residents of Liverpool are incredibly fortunate to live near the beaches of New Brighton and Crosby. However, few people know that there was once a time when Liverpudlians didn’t need to travel far at all for a dip. The city of Liverpool itself had its own bathing facilities near Princes Dock, and was even home to what was once the largest swimming bath in the world, making the region a popular destination for tourists. Find out more in this article from liverpoolname.com.
The History of Liverpool’s Baths
In 1792, a public meeting of local merchants and traders was convened. Several resolutions were passed, one of which concerned the establishment of public baths. The reason was simple: every summer, tourists flocked to Liverpool to swim. The merchants argued that special attention should be paid to building bathing facilities on the waterfront, confident that Liverpool could become the leading seaside bathing destination in the country. They pointed to the city’s advantageous location, with its theatres, docks, and frequent concerts.
Subsequently, several baths were built in the city, complete with separate changing rooms for men and women. Each changing room featured its own private bath that connected to the main pool. For those who preferred to swim in the open waters of the River Mersey, steps were also provided for easy access.
Doctors Steered Clear of the Mersey
The baths attracted not only Liverpool residents but also visitors from all over the county of Lancashire. However, not everyone was impressed. Few doctors, for example, were seen taking a dip, likely due to the less-than-pristine quality of the water in the River Mersey. Nevertheless, many hotels operated along the waterfront, providing ample accommodation for holidaymakers.
In 1816, a local entrepreneur, Mr. Coghlan, launched a floating bath in the city. A subscription for merchants cost £20, which entitled them to four years of free bathing. The bath was moored near Regent’s Dock, allowing swimmers to venture further from the shore. Measuring 82 by 26 feet, it was considered the largest in the world. Interestingly, even when the Liverpool Corporation built new public baths in the 1820s, they couldn’t match the size of Coghlan’s floating marvel.
Unfortunately, Liverpool’s time as a resort town was coming to an end, primarily due to the expansion of the docks, which made the riverbanks inaccessible to the public. The floating bath began to interfere with shipping, and women on the ferries between Liverpool and Wirral complained about naked men running on its decks.
As Liverpool transformed into the busiest port in the world, a new resort was established on the other side of the river: New Brighton. The land there was purchased by James Atherton in 1830. Construction began, and in 1861, a pier was opened for holidaymakers.
New Brighton Beach: A Brief History
Back in the 19th century, the area now known as New Brighton beach had a reputation as a haven for smugglers. There are even persistent rumours of secret underground cellars and tunnels in the area.
As mentioned, Liverpool merchant James Atherton purchased 170 acres of this land in 1830. His vision was to create a resort dedicated to leisure and relaxation. He succeeded, and in the latter half of the 19th century, New Brighton became an extremely popular seaside destination. With Liverpool’s own resort business having ceased, the city’s residents flocked there for their holidays. Many private houses were converted into affordable hotels to accommodate the influx of tourists, and the area remains a popular destination for visitors today.
In 1901, the promenade connecting Seacombe to New Brighton was completed.
In 1934, the New Brighton open-air swimming pool was opened. Costing £90,000 to build, it was the largest outdoor pool in the country. This popular attraction remained in operation until 1990, when it was severely damaged by a major storm.
After the Second World War, New Brighton’s popularity as a seaside resort began to decline. However, the Tower Ballroom remained a popular venue, hosting many famous acts throughout the 1950s and 60s. Sadly, the ballroom was destroyed by a fire in 1969. Two years later, the Mersey Ferry service to New Brighton was discontinued and the terminal was later dismantled. The pier itself was finally dismantled in 1977.
Rest is essential for both children and adults; our bodies need time to relax and recharge. Relaxing by the water is especially beneficial. Our ancestors understood this, which is why they created bathing areas and recreational zones for locals and visitors centuries ago.
For a time, Liverpool had its own popular coastal resort because people were eager for a place to relax and improve their well-being. Of course, they didn’t have the modern technology, service, or comfortable hotel rooms we have today. But that didn’t stop our predecessors from enjoying quality rest and recuperation.
We hope you found this article interesting and learned something new about our city’s history. How often do you take a break? And do you prefer a relaxing or an active holiday? Let us know your thoughts on social media.