Baths and wash-houses for the labouring classes.

  • Baly, Price Prichard.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Baths and wash-houses for the labouring classes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    tations have been sent by the French and Belgian Governments to obtain such information officially. The benefit to be derived from Public Baths and Wash-houses is now so generally appreciated and their success is placed so far beyond a doubt, that the present time seems to be especially proper for the making of such a report. I shall therefore give, succinctly, a statement of such particulars as may be serviceable, under the following heads:— First—The progress made in the establishment of Public Baths and Wash-houses. Secondly.—A general description of the buildings, with plans showing their arrangement, and adapted to the wants of different localities. Thirdly.—A statement of ascertained and estimated working expenses. Fourthly.—Miscellaneous suggestions and information. Fifthly.—Remarks as to their social and moral tendencies. In drawing up this Report, I have availed myself of such of the papers and reports published or circulated by the Committee as have appeared to be applicable. I.— The progress made in the Establishment of Public Baths and Wash-houses. The first Establishment in the country was a very small one at Liverpool, which owed its origin to the generous and self-denying exertions of Mrs. Catherine Wilkinson, of that town, during the cholera. Its existence was not known to those who took up the subject in London till after their labours had commenced; but its success was of much use to them as a proof that their scheme was not altogether speculative. The first Establishment opened in London was that of the Free Baths and Wash-houses, in Glasshouse Yard, London Docks, which was opened, gratuitously, for the very poor, in May 1845. That Establishment was, for a time, assisted by the Committee; but it was only kept open for a few years.
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