Visitors are invited to explore Westbury Museum’s latest exhibition, which delves into the history of the town’s historic swimming baths.
Running until May, the exhibition showcases photographs and documents that have never been publicly displayed before.
The baths in Church Street, which opened in 1888, are among the oldest public swimming pools still in operation in the country. Today, swimmers continue to take the plunge beneath the original iron girders and historic coats of arms adorning the roof. The impressive Grade II listed building also features an image of Queen Victoria, along with the original separate entrances for women and men.
Free to visit, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the early days of the baths, from highlighting swimming strokes such as the Trudgeon to showcasing the attire worn by the first swimmers.
Westbury’s pool was once filled with water from the Bitham springs, and the exhibition includes the original admission prices for swimming and private baths with unlimited hot water—an essential facility at a time when many homes lacked bathrooms.
The pool has hosted school swimming lessons since the early 20th century, and artefacts on display include an original swimming aid and photographs of young learners. Also featured is the Victorian cash till that once rang as people paid for dips in the pool or for personal baths.
Visitors can view a photograph of one of Westbury’s first water polo teams and learn how the sport once relied on brute strength, with players wrestling and holding opponents underwater to gain possession of the ball.
The exhibition also explores how the pool was covered in winter to host events such as boxing matches, athletics, and dances.
Westbury’s swimming baths remain popular today, and the exhibition highlights the town’s thriving swimming club, which continues to operate. Among the exhibits is a cup donated by the Laverton family, which is still awarded today.
The exhibition runs until May, after which it will be replaced by a display marking the anniversary of the end of the Second World War, focusing on Westbury during wartime.
Westbury Museum, located on the first floor of the town library, is run by volunteers, and extra help is always welcome. Find out more at www.westburyheritagesociety.org.uk.
