History Timeline
When it opened in 1906, Victoria Baths on Hathersage Road, Manchester, was described as "the most splendid municipal bathing institution in the country" and "a water palace of which every citizen of Manchester can be proud." Not only did the building provide spacious and extensive facilities for swimming, bathing and leisure, it was built of the highest quality materials with many period decorative features:- stained glass, terracotta, tiles and mosaic floors.
Victoria Baths served the people of central Manchester for 87 years and established themselves in the affections of all those who used the facilities.
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1902
Under construction
In 1902 Mr Henry Price was appointed as the first City Architect of Manchester and became responsible for the Victoria Baths building project. Building commenced in 1903 and a commemorative terracotta coat of arms was installed in the Males 1st Class / Gala pool.
Under construction, c.1903 -
1906
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1908
Water Polo and Swimming
Manchester boasted many leading swimmers in the early 1900's including Rob Derbyshire who lived at Victoria Baths as his father was the superintendent. Rob was a very successful swimmer and water polo player, competing in four Olympic Games.
Victoria Swimming Club Water Polo Team -
1934
John Besford wins the Eagle Trophy
The Olympic swimmer John Besford trained at Victoria Baths. Besford infuriated Hitler by winning the 1934 European 100 backstroke title. Hitler had commissioned a magnificent 1cwt bronze eagle trophy on the assumption that German favourite, Ernst Kuppers, would win.
John Besford with the Eagle trophy -
1938
Zilpha Grant travels to Australia
Zilpha Grant first swam at Victoria Baths with her school, St Paul's, Withington. She was taught by Mrs Eleanor Redfearn and encouraged to join South Manchester Swimming Club. Zilpha went on to win a silver medal in the freestyle relay at the 1938 Empire Games, Australia.
Zilpha Grant with some of her trophies -
1991
Swimming World Champion
James Hickman has had a long and successful swimming career spanning three Olympics, three Commonwealth Games and many World Championships. The Bax Shield that he won in 1991 is held in the Victoria Baths Archive. James is a patron of the Friends of Victoria Baths.
James Hickman, c.2004
Downloads
- Download Now Courtship at Victoria Baths
- Download Now Introduction to the VB History Group