Address 1–11 Ironmonger Row Management Aqua Terra Leisure Opened 1931 Architect Alfred Cross | Country England Designations Grade II Listed Designation Listed building | |
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Type Public wash house
Turkish Bath Location St Luke's, Islington, London Similar York Hall, Marshall Street Baths, St Luke Old Street, Highbury Fields, Bunhill Fields | ||
Ironmonger Row Baths were built as a public wash house and later upgraded to a Turkish Bath. They are located at Ironmonger Row, in the St Luke's district, near Old Street, Islington, London.
Contents
Map of Ironmonger Row Baths, London, UK
Description
The baths include a steam room, a Victorian-style Turkish bath comprising a series of three hot rooms of varying temperature, marble slabs for massage and body scrubbing and an icy plunge pool. In addition there are two relaxation areas. The swimming pool is slightly over 30 metres long. There is a small sauna next to the pool, as well as a well equipped modern gym located within the building. There is also a communal laundry facility (launderette) in the building.
The whole building was undergoing extensive renovations starting May 2010. All areas of the building and all facilities are being improved, with the gym relocated to a much larger space within the building, and a more friendly swimming pool and children's shallow pool created. The Turkish Baths have also been renovated. The works finished December 2012
History
The baths were designed by architects AWS & KMB Cross, and built in 1931. They are now managed by GLL. From just after the Second World War until the new complex at Crystal Palace was built in the late 60s, the baths were the home of the world-famous Highgate Diving Club, who held their club night there every Friday and also met during the public sessions on Saturday mornings. The Olympic diver, Brian Phelps (Bronze medal – Highboard diving in 1960 Olympics) trained there regularly with his coach, Wally Orner, as did many of the club's international and Olympic divers, such as John Chandler, John Cooze, John Miles, Billy Wood, and Alun Roberts. It was listed grade II in November 2006 and is located within St. Luke’s Conservation Area.
Archival records
Islington Local History Centre holds plans, photographs and commemorative material related to Ironmonger Row Baths.