IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Hathersage Road, MANCHESTER, M13 0FG

Although the Victoria Baths opened in 1906, construction work began in 1903 and that is the date inscribed at the foot of this commemorative terracotta coat of arms which was installed in the Males 1st Class/Gala pool.

Stained glass window at the end of the 'First Class Males' (Gala) pool at Manchester's Victoria Baths.

This terracotta crest is installed at the northern end of the 1st Class Males/Gala Pool. Although the Victoria Baths opened in 1906, the date inscribed is 1903. This marks the year when building work commenced.

The widest of the three Olympic-length pools at Victoria Baths was the Males 1st Class pool, also known as the Gala Pool because it was used for special events such as swimming galas etc. Segregation in swimming and bathing both by gender and by class was normal procedure at the beginning of the twentieth century. Where an establishment had only one or two pools, segregation would take place by giving each class of user a different day of the week. At Victoria Baths, there were three separate entrances, separate swimming pools and separate wash baths for Males 1st Class, Males 2nd Class and Females. In 1906, it cost 6d to use the 1st Class facilities compared to 4d for the 2nd Class. As well being used for swimming competitions, the main pool was emptied and a protective floor installed every year when dances were held during the winter months.

The baths opened to the public in 1906 and were closed in 1993 and the building left derelict. In September 2003, the Baths won the first series of the BBC's 'Restoration' programme and has also been awarded £3.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The restoration project is on-going.

As well being used for swimming competitions, the main pool was emptied and a protective floor installed every year when dances were held during the winter months. In this photo, the pool floor has been covered for an art exhibition.

The widest of the three Olympic-length pools at Victoria Baths was the Males 1st Class pool, also known as the Gala Pool because it was used for special events such as swimming galas etc. Segregation in swimming and bathing both by gender and by class was normal procedure at the beginning of the twentieth century. Where an establishment had only one or two pools, segregation would take place by giving each class of user a different day of the week. At Victoria Baths, there were three separate entrances, separate swimming pools and separate wash baths for Males 1st Class, Males 2nd Class and Females. In 1906, it cost 6d to use the 1st Class facilities compared to 4d for the 2nd Class. As well being used for swimming competitions, the main pool was emptied and a protective floor installed every year when dances were held during the winter months. In this photo, the tiles on the pool floor have been covered for an art exhibition.

Flats in Rusholme.