A lost swimming baths that is said to have had once "filtered water in from the River Mersey" was at the heart of one community for generations.
Located on Balliol Road in Bootle, the swimming baths first opened in 1888 and was at the centre of recreational life in the town for decades. A place where thousands upon thousands of local children learned to swim, many visited the swimming pool with their school, as well as with friends and family.
A Liverpool Daily Post report from 20 years ago reported that the Victorian swimming baths once had water filtered directly in from the Mersey, but the site also boasted a long and fascinating history. In 2003, Peter Woolley, chairman of Bootle historic society said: "Generations of people learned to swim in these baths, and they are well loved mainly because of their architectural beauty.
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"People used to go to wash their children in those pools because they did not have the water at home. Apparently the best days to go were Monday and Tuesday because by Friday the water was like pea soup with all the dirt."
The baths even saw a world record broken there in 1906 during the National Long Plunge Championships. Major W. Taylor glided an 82ft into the water to beat his previous record set in 1902.
Many former Balliol Road swimmers will have memories of the teachers who taught them, or heading to the site for a weekend of fun. But the last chapter of its history came in the 1990s when the baths closed.
Most of the building was demolished to make way for a car park and sadly only the façade remains today. On February 25, 1997, the ECHO reported how children "dipped deep into history" when they dived into the town's swimming pol for the final time.
What are your memories of this swimming baths? Let us know in the comments section below.
The report reads: "Thousands of children have advanced from the doggy paddle to elegant strokes at the Balliol Road Baths, Bootle. The imposing building opened in 1888.
"But it has to close in preparation for the March 15 opening of the Bootle leisure centre and pool in North Park. City Challenge funded the £5m centre.
"But there was also sadness when Balliol Road echoed to the splashes and laughter of youngsters at its last public session. They were allowed in free to mark the event."
On our Sefton Live Facebook page, we recently shared an image of inside the former baths. And ECHO readers were quick to share their fond memories from days at Balliol Road.
Jim Mannion said: "That side pool was freezing we used to use the other side.. Buy a bovril out of the machine. Or go to the little shop/ kiosk on the corner. 45 years ago now probably." Marnie Parkes posted: "I went there as a kid in the 70s and 80s with my dad Vik I was always worried about the changing rooms thought people could see in! But yeh it only seems like yeserday.Shame they didn't preserve it! Mx."
Mike Lloyd commented: "I remember Mr Tidman teaching us to swim by putting a noose around us and dragging us through the water like a Polaris missile ..."
Lesley Jones wrote: "I used to swim here salty water you got a cage to put your cloths on weighed a ton you had to walk through a little bath to make sure your feet were clean amazing."
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Carole Cummins said: "I remember if you didn’t get out the attendant would threaten to throw your clothes in the water!!" Anna Neile said: "I used to go there in the 60s with my friend Tricia we taught each other to swim. We were about 9 years old. We would get the bus (55) from fleetwoods Lane down to bootle. After our swim we go to the kiosk and get sweets and go back home. Loved it. Couldn't do that in this day and age."
Patricia Malone wrote: "I spent every (I believe it was Sunday) at Balliol Rd. baths. Can't remember if I went by bus from Seaforth or by train. My friend Brenda & I thought we were Esther Williams. Such happy memories." And Linda Hano commented: "I always remember the good old trusty hangers for your clothes."
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