Public Baths Stalybridge
NEW PUBLIC BATHS AT STALYBRIDGE - The baths will occupy a space of ground about 900 square yards in extent, and will consist of a swimming bath for adults, twenty-one yards by eight yards; a swimming bath for boys, open to the sky but suitably enclosed and for use only during the summer month, twenty-four yards by eight; four private baths of the first and six of the second class, with a complete set of Turkish baths, and residence for the manager, engine house, and the usual accessories. The estimated cost is between ,4,000 and ,5,000, which will be bourne solely by Mr Platt (who is a local manufacturer and a native of the town) in conjunction with Mrs Platt. At a public meeting of the inhabitants, held on 21 August, presided over by James Kirk Esq, the mayor of Stalybridge, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Platt for their most liberal offer was passed. The architects are Messrs Paull and Robinson of this city. [Manchester Guardian 26 October 1868 page 3]
The foundation stone of a new public bathhouse was laid at Staleybridge on Saturday. The estimated cost is between ,4,000 and ,5,000. Messrs. Paull and Robinson, of Manchester, are the architects. [Building News 30 October 1868 page 742]
On the 24th ult. the foundation stone of the new baths, the gift to the town of Staleybridge of Mr and Mrs Robert Platt, was laid by that gentleman in the presence of a very numerous assembly. The usual ceremony of presenting the trowel could not be adopted, as Messrs. Hunt and Roskell, who are preparing it, had been unable to complete it in time, and a rough model of it had to do the work as deputy for the very beautiful one in course of construction, and which will cost about ,50. This has been subscribed for by some 5,000 inhabitants in sums varying from 1s. to 1d. each - a spontaneous expression of the people's appreciation of Mr and Mrs Platt's princely liberality. The building will front the church and market hall, and the centre of the entrance portico will be opposite the middle of Church‑street. There will be an enclosed swimming bath 70 feet by 40 feet, and an open one, 80 feet by 40 feet, for summer use. Private baths and Turkish baths are also provided, and all the latest luxuries in balneation* will be adopted. The style of the building is Italian and of simple character. [Building News 6 November 1868 page 763] * the act of bathing
On the 14th inst a handsome suite of public baths were opened at Stalybridge, near Manchester. The foundation stone was laid in October 1868, and the building has been erected from the plans of Messrs Paull and Robinson. The contractor for the artificer’s work has been Mr W Storrs, builder, of Stalybridge; the engineering works have been executed by Messrs Haden and Sons, of Manchester and Trowbridge; the gas fittings are by Mr J W Davey, of Manchester; the stone carving by Mr Bonehill of Manchester; and the execution of all the works has been personally attended by Mr Gregory Gill, the borough surveyor. The style adopted by the architects is unusual; the Greek element is its chief characteristic and all the mouldings, carvings, and ornaments generally are conceived in the spirit of pure architecture which preceded that of the Romans. The building contains two large swimming baths, four first class and six second class private baths, Turkish bath, lounging rooms, etc. [The Architect 21 May 1870 page 248]
STALYBRIDGE.CThe new public baths recently presented to the town of Stalybridge have been opened. The baths have been erected by Mr. W Storrs, of Stalybridge, from designs prepared by Messrs Paull and Robinson, architects, Manchester. They consist of swimming baths, private baths, Turkish baths, with dressing‑rooms, and the building also includes a residence for the bath superintendent. There are two swimming baths, one of which is not yet roofed. The covered swimming bath has a water area of 60 feet by 25feet and the building itself is 70 feet by 40 feet, inside measurement. The open bath has a water area of 82 feet by 28 feet. Four semi‑circular trusses on ribbed principals support the roofs. The dressing‑rooms, which are arranged along the sides of the baths, have been admirably fitted up and furnished. Galleries are erected over the dressing‑rooms for the use of spectators during swimming matches. [Building News 13 May 1870 page 365]
Funded by Robert Platt, a wealthy mill owner in Stalybridge and his wife. Prominent campanile style chimney tower to the boiler house. Italianate style with elaborate triple arched portico and entrance. Now demolished.
Reference Manchester Guardian 26 October 1868 page 3- foundation stone
Reference Building News 30 October 1868 page 742
Reference Building News 6 November 1868 page 763
Reference Manchester Guardian Saturday 20 February 1869 Page 6 (Contracts)
Reference Manchester Guardian Saturday 27 February 1869 Page 6 (Contracts)
Reference Manchester Courier Monday 9 May 1870 - opening with building description
Reference The Architect Volume III 21 May 1870 page 248
Reference Building News 13 May 1870 page 365
Reference J W March (ed) Stalybridge Cheshire Centenary Souvenir 1957 Page 97-8
Reference I Hayes Stalybridge Cotton Mills Richardson 1990 Page 28