WINTER DREAMS

Marshall Street Bath's heritage is notable; most impressive are its ancient baths. The first public baths were built on the site by the Vestry of St. James in 1850. The present building, then known as The Westminster Public Baths, was started in 1928 and completed in 1931. Public funds financed the construction for the health and well being of local people.

The main pool is lined with white Sicilian marble and this marble and Swedish green marble are used on the walls at either end. The bronze fountain in a niche at the shallow end, depicting a merchild with two dolphins, is by Walter Gilbert.

Behind the pool is a smaller pool, the 'second class bath' which measures 70ft x 30ft'. It has a barrel vaulted roof. Initially, the complex also included a child's welfare centre, a public laundry and public bathing facilities, among other things.

Marshall Street baths are owned by Westminster City Council and were closed by the Council in 1997. There are currently plans to refurbish the site and re-open the pool as part of a public leisure centre in early 2009.