Northwich Brine Baths

The Verdin Brine Swimming Baths, 1887 - 1911.

The first known swimming baths of Northwich was the Verdin Baths, situated on Verdin Park. It was presented by Robert Verdin in commemeration of the Jublilee of Queen Victoria in 1887.

It consisted of a 60ft x 20ft [20yds x 6yds 2ft] cast iron plunge bath and 5 slipper baths. It was a largely timbered-framed building. As the entrance was approached, the motto "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" could be clearly seen along the front of the building.

In August 1904, 3 more slipper baths were added in addition to an extension in dressing room accomodation.

Whilst it supplied the needs of many, the accomodation was inadequate for what was required.

The old enemy, subsidence, made it's presence felt and in 1911 the Baths Committee reluctantly closed it down altogether. It had given pleasure to about 20,000 or more people a year as well as residents who derived health benefits through taking the Brine Baths.

The baths was demolished shortly after August 1912 by a contractor from Preston.