Public Baths Working Classes Nicolson (1 results)

Surprisingly little appears to have been written about the public baths at 12 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh; with no references to it on the Scottish Archives Network. There is however an informative reference to the subject in Francis H. Groome's 'Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland' (1884): 'Good public baths, of various kinds and various extent, for the upper and the middle classes, are in several parts both of the city and its environs. Public baths for the working classes were long a desideratum, though earnestly desired by many of the working classes themselves. A proposal to establish them by subscription was at length spiritedly begun in 1844, but somewhat flaggingly carried out. The chief suite of them was fitted up in a tenement purchased for the purpose in Nicolson Square. They cost upwards of £1000 beyond the amount of the subscriptions paid in or obtainable; passed under the immediate management of persons who became bound for the extra sum; and were so well constructed and so much appreciated that nothing but the debt upon them prevented the immediate extending and cheapening of baths for working men.' ITEM ONE. Printed prospectus, headed 'PUBLIC BATHS FOR THE WORKING CLASSES.' Signed in type by 'D. McLAREN' and 'WM. JOHNSTON'. Dated 'Edinburgh, 14th July 1847.' 1p., 4to. Begins: 'SIR, | AT a Meeting of the Association for the establishment of BATHS FOR THE WORKING CLASSES, held in the Council Chambers on the 6th. inst., - the Right Hon. Lord Dunfermline in the Chair - a Report was laid before the Meeting, giving a statement of the whole proceedings of the Association, together with a detailed account of the total receipts and expenditure. It appeared, from these documents, that the PUBLIC BATHS ARE NOW COMPLETED and ready for being opened, in Nicolson square, one of the most central situations in town for those who are expected to use them. There are Fourteen Baths on the Lowest Floor and Back Area, for which the charge of Fourpence is proposed to be made, including Hot Baths; Five on the Street Floor, fitted up in a superior manner, for which Sixpence will be charged; and Five on the Upper Floor, having accommodation equal to any in town, for which a Shilling will be charged. From this class it is expected a profit will be derived, so as, with the others, to make the whole Establishment self-supporting, if opened free from the incumbrance of debt. [last eight words in italics] | With reference to the Expenditure and Receipts, it appeared that the whole outlay in reference to, and including the original purchase-money of the property, had been £2585, 8s. 5d., of which £1645, 0s. 10d. have been paid, thus leaving a deficiency of £940, 7s. 7d.' An appeal for subscriptions is made, and the name of members who have 'agreed to double their subscriptions' is given (including Bishop Gillis). Eight parties receiving subscriptions are named, from 'MESSRS WILLIAM BLACKWOOD & SONS, 45, George Street' to 'MR THOMAS IRELAND, 4, Hunter Square, General Collector to the Baths Fund.' It is stressed that the matter is 'peculiarly important at the present period, when the promotion of habits of personal cleanliness may be instrumental in preventing the spreading of contagious disease which prevails to such a great extent in this City.' Similar items, concerning meeting at the Hopetoun Rooms and Music Hall are listed on COPAC, but this item is not to be found, either on COPAC or WorldCat. ITEM TWO: Secretarial Letter, signed by Charles Gardner, Secretary of 'the Committee appointed for establishing working Men's Baths in Edinburgh', to the Directors of the Bank of Scotland. Committee Rooms, Cranston's Temperance Coffee House, High Street, Edinburgh. 1 August 1844. 3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, with a closed tear repaired with archival tape. Giving 'a brief statement of our present case', beginning: 'By subscriptions among the working men themselves, we have now collected somewhat more than a thousand pound.