Swimming

Bedford's Commercial Road Swimming Bath, which opened in 1872, was the town's first official bathing place. These rules of 1884 show how the opening hours were strictly regulated, often by sex and class: the Union Boys were lads from the local Workhouse (ref: X67/249) Bedford's first swimming pools, the Commercial Road Baths and Newham Baths, were both open-air pools incorporating parts of the river.

The site of the Commercial Road Baths in 1958, shortly after closure. In this view the changing cubicles and diving platform have been demolished, and workmen are constructing access to moorings, since also demolished. (ref: Z224/22)

Many Bedfordians have fond memories of Newnham Swimming Pool (1897-c1981). These are snapshots from the Stonebridge family album, summer 1929. By the mid-1950s Bedford's swimming pools were increasingly overcrowded and polluted and there was mounting pressure for modern indoor facilities. (ref: Z160/600B)

Brian Brinkley (born 1953) is a champion swimmer whose career blossomed when he joined the Modernians Club at Bedford in the late 1960s. He won a gold medal in the 200m butterfly at the 1974 Commonwealth Games. He represented Britain at the Olympic Games in 1972 and again in 1976 when he won bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay, retiring shortly afterwards to concentrate on coaching. (ref BTNegPost4076)

The Robinson Swimming Pool, Bedford, by local artist Stanley Orchart, shortly after it opened in October 1969. The pool was gifted to the town by Sir David Robinson (1904-1987) who made his fortune in the TV and radio rental business. The original plans for the pool - drawn up by the architectural firm of Richardson, Houfe and Partners - are held by the Archives (ref: RGH6/192/1). 

Swimming star Brian Brinkley was a coach at the Robinson Pool in the mid-1970s. (ref: X768/54)