Welcome to Fore Street

We are pleased to give a very warm welcome to new members Fore Street Pool and the team that run and care for this Victorian pool house in Ipswich.  Its story is a reminder of the instrumental role of philanthropy.  In Fore Street’s case, the land was donated by Felix Thornley Cobbold, a prominent local businessman and vice president of the swimming club.  He also pledged a sum of £1,200 towards the project, with the agreement that the council would fund the rest.  The council eventually agreed and as a result Fore Street Baths, as it was then known, was built by T Parkington & Sons to the design of architect T W Cotman at a total cost of £4,300.

It wasn’t just about wellbeing, Cobbold also knew what a difference to productivity a fit and healthy workforce could make!  The stone fronting with the simple inscription ‘BATHS’ above the entrance remains much as it would have done when Fore Street opened in 1894, including the original brass plate that credit’s Cobbold’s role.

You can read more about Fore Street here and see more of its image gallery.