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Buchanan Street Bath, Pietermaritzburg

As it was in 2019.

One of the oldest surviving pools in South Africa is the Buchanan Street pool in Pietermaritzburg,

The 21 Buchanan Street Swimming Bath was designed by Street Wilson and Fyfe and comprised a large hall enclosing the baths. The pool was opened by Mayor Payn on 7 December 1896.

 Funds for this pool had been provided by WC Baker. The Natal Provincial Administration took over the pools in 1948.

1923 Seals SwimmingClub water polo match in the Buchanan Street Bath, Pietermaritzburg

Comments from some PMB school swimmers:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/11707338027/posts/10159952365438028/ 

We used to walk from Longmarket Street Girls School to Buchanan Street Swimming Pool. That was way back in the 1940’s!!

We used to walk from Longmarket Street Girls School to Buchanan Street Swimming Pool. That was way back in the 1940’s!!

Oh yes I remember it well and I hated the place. There was a very strong smell of chlorine, freezing place and we had to walk in a little "bath" before we were allowed in the pool. Not my favourite place.

I also went to Boys Model (1975 & 1976) and can remember swimming there.

Not sure but l can remember going there to swim and movie nights at Boys Model on a Friday night

In summer we walked there in crocodile formation from old Merchiston, in uniform, cozzies rolled in towels underarms, to cool off in the shallow end. Unique Victorian architecture…

We walked from BC Russell High to Buchanan Street baths and back again.

I went there from Merchiston .. Mrs Hill as I remember, and trying to stand in the little sun there was while being instructed or waiting a turn to swim .. very cold ..and the downstairs change rooms.

Before Prestbury School got its pool, we used to be herded there each week. It was quite scary for us little kids. The loud echoes and smell of the chemicals and freezing water. Plus you couldn't stand in the shallow end.

The girls from Longmarket Street School also walked there for their weekly swimming lesson.

I went to Russell High from 1948 until mid-1954 and I also remember the walk to Buchanan Street baths. Got my swimming certificates there. And YES the water was freezing!!