Gipton Bath House - Leeds - Heritage Day 2010

[KingElvis]

While most of you were out doing grand town halls or mega structures, I was here, at Gipton Bath House.

The Gipton Spa Bath House built in 1671 is still fed by spring water.

Info nicked for the tinterweb,

The bath house was constructed by Edward Waddington of Gledhow. Edward was the son-in-law of Alderman John Thwaites, who died the year that the Spa was built. Theories include the building the spa as a monument to Alderman Thwaites, or celebrating Edward becoming Lord of the Manor.

At times the bath was known as Gipton Spa, Gipton Well or the Waddington Bath. During the 18th century regular visits were paid to the site by fashion conscious bathers for the spa's supposed health-giving properties

However by 1834, writing in the History of Leeds Edward, Parsons says: "The Waters of Gipton have lost their celebrity and are no longer frequented..." Although it was later reported that people in the neighbourhood still visited the spa.

In 2004 Leeds City Council fenced off the Bath House to try and reduce damage to the building from vandals and the Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods started the long process of restoring the spa's long-lost glory.

A curious little place and the first time I've seen or even heard of it. Not much to photograph really but a cool place saved.

[Rebel]

Now thats a mongery bath! What have they restored?

[boxfrenzy]

This place is ace. I went a couple of years ago and they had the fire lit inside to warm up the "bathers" after they had been for a dip. (I don't think anyone had really gone in the water, but it was to show you what it would have been like.) It is really old isn't it?

[MJS]

Wouldn't get past building regs these days without a spacker dipper

[ERNIE99_UK]

lol, thats a strange looking pond.

[converse1]

Love these little places. Quite a few 'oddities' dotted about. Nice one.

[boxerheaven]

nice little place

[Rochester]

Still not as good as the wooden feet factory nice enough though.

[KingElvis]

Still not as good as the wooden feet factory nice enough though.

You cheeky fucker, I will have you know my posts and thread qualify me as "elite" LOL