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173
[1898
There are three such institutions in Islington, known respectively
as the "Caledonian Road," "Hornsev Road," and "Tibberton Square"
Baths and Washhouses, from the roads in which they are situated.
They have been erected under the Baths and Washhouses Acts of
1840, 1847, 1878 and 1882, with the approval of the Local Government
Board; and in the first instance were managed by Commissioners,
who, however, ceased to exist in March 1896, when the Vestry took
them into its care.
Caledonian Koad Baths and Washhouses were opened in May, 1892,
those at Hornsey Koad in July of the same year, and those at Tibberton
Square in April, 1895.
It would be interesting to go through the returns of the valuable
work which they have accomplished since their foundation, but as it
would occupy too much time and space a statement as to their usefulness
during 1898 may be taken as a sample.
Swimming (Plunge) Baths.—During the year 178,327 perisons,
men, women and children used the Swimming (Plunge) Baths, at
Hornsey Koad, 99,712 those at Caledonian Koad, and 117,327 those at
Tibberton Square, making a total 395,366 persons. Of this number
no less than 134,929 were scholars, of whom 36,640 were girls.
It is a noteworthy fact that altogether 61,895 female bathers used
the plunge baths, and for the most part for the purpose of learning to
swim.
The Private (Slipper) Baths were also well patronized, for
308,244 baths were provided. Tibberton Square stands first with
112,830 bathers, then comes Hornsey Koad with 110,022, and Caledonian
Road with 85,392. Women bathers numbered 67,699, of whom 58,422
were patrons of the second class baths, a fact which clearly proves
that such baths supply a want which is much felt by the less wealthy
classes. The return of 167,716 male bathers at the second class baths
goes far to show the appreciation in which they are held by the
toilers of the district.
The Washhouses have also done good work for 119,527 washers
used them, 25,385 using Hornsey Road, 32,501 Caledonian Koad, and
61,641 Tibberton Square. When it is recollected how little accommodation
there is in houses let in tenements or occupied by members of