Daily Life

Some of the surviving documents and newspaper articles from the Baths paint a picture of daily life spanning the 80 years in operation. Some otherwise standard application forms and pamphlets show how in the 1920s, during the winter months the baths were open at different times. 

Builders would go after work to freshen up, clubs would rent the spaces for galas, waterpolo matches, other sports matches, Labour & Conservative party bazaars and other social functions. 

1939 - 14th April - Fulham Baths & the war effort: Emergency Water Supply for Firefighters  West London Observer  After consultation with the Air Raid Committee, the total of 300,000 gallons of water stored in the three swimming pools and storage tank at the rear of the baths would be used. 

The Men's swimming bath would be required as a first aid party depot and the bath would have to be covered over so a new tubular scaffolding and floor was obtained. 

In the Second World War, between October 7, 1940, and June 6, 1941, Fulham and West London were hit by 419 high-explosive bombings, known as "doodlebugs" (V-1 flying bombs). 

During World War II, Fulham Baths played a crucial role in the community's wartime efforts. The baths were not only a place for public recreation but also contributed to civil defense. To prepare for potential air raids, additional supports were added to the roof to strengthen the structure. The men's swimming bath was also designated as a first-aid party depot, with plans to cover it over with new flooring and scaffolding to accommodate medical needs. Furthermore, it was announced that water from the Fulham public swimming baths would be used for fire-fighting purposes in the event of an emergency. These measures ensured that the baths could serve as both a safe space and a vital resource during times of crisis

PEEPING TOM ( The man who dropped in)

The bath house featured 300 cubicles, each equipped with a bath. Most visitors brought their own soap and paid 1d (1p) for towel rental. Attendants could control the water supply for each cubicle from outside. A peeping tom was caught and sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment after he fell through a pane of glass 

" Singing was officially prohibited, but this only led to the spontaneous caroling of the popular song “If You Knew Susie.” As soon as an attendant was heard banging on doors and shouting “Nah then, stop that noise,” another customer at the opposite end of the building would begin singing, sparking a continuous marathon of choruses. The attendants, in turn, had to endure this musical disruption, which quickly wore out their rubber-soled shoes."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0zKqiClt1k

'If you knew Susie' by EDDIE CANTOR

1919 - Theft at Fulham Baths

In 1919, an incident of theft occurred at Fulham Baths when a man was accused of stealing a purse containing £4. The accusation came from a bath attendant who had seen the man leaving another person’s dressing room. Although the man denied the accusation, the attendant asked the rightful owner of the dressing room to check his belongings, where it was discovered that the purse was missing. A search of the man was conducted, but the purse was not found on him. However, it was later located in the dressing room next door. When questioned, the man confessed, stating, "I don't know what made me do it." As a result, he was sentenced to 21 days in a place of detention.