HERE they stand forlorn and neglected, but the old Southampton Corporation Baths were not always in this sorry state.

The building’s official opening was a day of civic pomp and ceremony.

In August, 1964 the baths finally closed due to deterioration and their dangerous condition, and for the next few months the once splendid building was left forgotten and waiting for the arrival of the demolition team that would turn the site into a car park. It was the passing of another Southampton landmark.

The building’s foundation stone was laid in January, 1891 by the mayor Alderman E Bance.

In the March of the following year the brand-new baths, which cost £12,700, were opened with ceremonial flags, luncheon and aquatic events, including a water polo match.

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