THE ST. MARYLEBONE BATHS AND WASHHOUSES.
The establishment has just been erected in the New-road, opposite Lisson-grove,
and immediately adjoining the District County Court. The design consists of one
façade, in the Italian style, with rusticated stone basement; the upper
story being of red brick, with stone quoins and window-dressings, cornice,
&c. The whole has a frontage of about 160 feet, of which the Baths and
Wash-houses have 100 feet, with a depth of about 230 feet, and are arranged in
four departments, with separate entrances for the different classes and sexes.
The front building comprises the check-clerks' offices and waiting-rooms, with
the superintendent's dwelling-rooms over; together with a board-room and other
conveniences. There are 107 separate baths - 24 of the first class, and 57 of
the second class, for men; 6 of the first class, and 20 of the second class, for
women: the charges for a hot bath being 2d. and 6d., and for a cold bath 1d. and
3d., In each class respectively, each supplied with clean towels, looking-glass,
and other suitable conveniences. There is also, in each class, a vapour and
shower bath. There are likewise two large swimming baths, with a constant supply
of tepid water, and dressing-boxes arranged around for first and second class
bathers.
The Wash-houses are not quite completed; they will contain 89
separate pairs of wash-tubs and boilers, supplied with hot and cold water, and
with a drying-closet to each compartment, and arranged in two classes. There is
also a large ironing room, plentifully supplied with hot irons. The whole
establishment is spacious, well lighted, and ventilated by means of a lofty
shaft (seen in our View), which also makes a good feature in the general effect
of the building; and will, when completed, accommodate 5000 persons daily. It
does great credit to the skill and ingenuity of the architect, Mr. C. Eales,
under whose direction the whole has been executed; and bears testimony to the
public spirit of the Vestry in adopting the Act of Parliament and carrying it
out so liberally - the cost being about £20,000, including the freehold site.
Illustrated London News, January 12, 1850