Turkish bath in Leeds

Urquhart · Post by **Urquhart** » Sun 09 Sep, 2007 6:33 pm

I believe that the International Leisure Pool used to have a Turkish bath when it opened in 1967, but that it was closed in 1979. Does anyone know anything about it, where any information about it can be found or, even better, does anyone remember using it and can tell me something about it? Any info gratefully received.

wiggy · Post by **wiggy** » Sun 09 Sep, 2007 8:51 pm

Urquhart wrote: I believe that the International Leisure Pool used to have a Turkish bath when it opened in 1967, but that it was closed in 1979. Does anyone know anything about it, where any information about it can be found or, even better, does anyone remember using it and can tell me something about it? Any info gratefully received. there were turkish baths in the union street swimming bath building,pictures are on leodis.i remember the prices for turkish baths been on the tarriff board at the international pools.

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Sun 09 Sep, 2007 9:51 pm

There was certainly a sauna downstairs as I had my very first one there.I remember the cold shower for it had 2 possibly 3 mains supplies coming into it. So powerful, it had rails around it to hold on to.

JanCee · Post by **JanCee** » Sun 09 Sep, 2007 11:49 pm

Urquhart · Post by **Urquhart** » Mon 10 Sep, 2007 12:48 am

Thanks for your answers so far, but it really is the Turkish baths at the International that I'm specially interested in. What did they look like? Thank you for the (sad) part about them being ripped out. But why did they close so long before the rest of the building? Does anyone have parents who remember using them? Of course, I'm interested in the other baths as well but the history of those at the International pool really do seem to be part of Secret Leeds. Why?

wiggy · Post by **wiggy** » Mon 10 Sep, 2007 1:45 pm

JanCee wrote: There's reference to the Turkish baths being ripped out and much more information here: http://tinyurl.com/2k8zffSome bloke tried to chat me up once by telling me about his job as a masseur at the pool. Erm, yeah. Righto. Next! On Turkish baths in general, this infomation is on Leodis: '....Also known as Oriental or Central baths, the Cookridge Street Baths were opened in 1867. Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick for £13,000, the baths (with some alterations in 1882), remained in use until finally closing in 1965. They were demolished in 1969.The site is now part of Millennium Square. This view shows the central entrance with a notice for 'Ladies Turkish Bath'. There are separate entrances for men on the right, and women on the left. Posters extol the benefits of 'sunbaths' for health. Facilities included Turkish Baths, vapour baths, needle and douche baths and a large swimming bath...'Needle baths? What the hell...?Meanwood Road baths had 'slipper baths'. When I was wee I used to think that meant people lounging around in their nightwear but um, probably not. when we lived up elland road in the 60s,we had no bath in our house,i used the tin one,but my dad used the local slipper baths.

JanCee · Post by **JanCee** » Mon 10 Sep, 2007 4:05 pm

wiggy wrote: when we lived up elland road in the 60s,we had no bath in our house,i used the tin one,but my dad used the local slipper baths. Yes, yes, but what did they do there? Was it the custom to take one's hot water bottle and teddy along? I think we should be told. To the OP, I can't find any more information on t'internet but hopefully someone will remember some details if they see this thread.

wiggy · Post by **wiggy** » Mon 10 Sep, 2007 4:52 pm

JanCee wrote: wiggy wrote: when we lived up elland road in the 60s,we had no bath in our house,i used the tin one,but my dad used the local slipper baths. Yes, yes, but what did they do there? Was it the custom to take one's hot water bottle and teddy along? I think we should be told. To the OP, I can't find any more information on t'internet but hopefully someone will remember some details if they see this thread. found lots of pictures of slipper baths,one can only asume the name comes from the shape,a slipper bath having a high back,looks a little like a ladies slipper.the sort of baths one would expect to see on a western movie.description is that they are traditional? well not in holbeck, harehills,gipton or croggy they aint!

JanCee · Post by **JanCee** » Mon 10 Sep, 2007 4:57 pm

Oh. How disappointing.

wiggy · Post by **wiggy** » Tue 11 Sep, 2007 3:59 pm

JanCee wrote: Oh. How disappointing. i hear that a lot from the ladies!