Willesden – King Edwards Pool VII – 1911+ Indoor pool 1966
Willesden – King Edward VII Pool above during the 1920s. Thanks to Willesden Library Staff helping me browse and scan 1994.
“Willesden – King Edward VII Pool where everyone goes on a Sunday!”
Willesden’s outdoor pool – was Set in King Edward VII recreation ground, this pool was opened to the delight of Willesden residents in 1911. It was architectually appealing with lots of timber construction. It was built similarly to some pools of this era such as Gladstone Park
Kings Edwards VII Outdoor Pool. Thanks to Willesden Library Staff helping me browse and scan 1994.
The swimming pool was 55 yards x 25 yds and varied in depth to 5ft. 10 inches. Because of the shallow depth there were only 2 firmboards at 2 metres and 1 metre height. It also had a springboard set at half a metre.
Enlarge + The pool in the 1920s. Thanks to Willesden Library Staff 1994.
The pool had white glazed scum channels with a rendered swim base. The walls were painted each season in blue with black lanes. The dressing boxes started as a temporary scheme using a section of old cubicles and basket system. These were surrounding the pool and were used until 1960s. Plans came to fruition for a new indoor pool at this time adjacent to the outdoor pool. The cubicle and basket system would be integrated into dressing rooms with the indoor pool.
The Outdoor pool in the 50s Enlarge + Thanks to Willesden Library Staff 1994.
A chalet Cafe was provided until such times the 1960s plans came to fruition – in fact during foremost years to the plan it was demolished. A temporary service van was hired until the indoor bath was built with integrated cafe facilities overlooking the pool.
The pool would steadily be updated and fall into plan through the years.
The New Indoor Pool opened 1966
Outdoor Sculptor by Miss Freda Skinner – epitomising “The Spirit of Youth” Open air Lido – (the modernised King Edward VII Pool) to the left of picture.Thanks to Willesden Library Staff 1994
Alderman George Michael opened these baths on 1st October 1966. The new baths operated as a single unit with the open air pool. There were extensive terraces for sunbathing with, as planned, a cafeteria overlooking the outdoor pool.
The outdoor section contained a sculptor by Miss Freda Skinner. This was a young girl with hair streaming in the wind – it epitomised the “Spirit of Youth.” The sculptor was one of six works commissioned by Willesden Borough Council
The opening of the new indoor pool 1966 presented displays of diving by International representatives within the seperate diving pool. E.g. John Miles, Trevor Simpson, Terry Erard, Robin Baskerville, Peter Squires (member of 160 Olympic Team), and Jack Case and Paul Sergent. The diving pool was built alongside the championship swimming pool […]
Read more…Gladstone Park Lido. An open air oasis in Dollis Hill
Linda Ludgrove, Diana Harris Commonwealth Gold Medallists gave demonstrations. There were also displays of canoing from the Welsh Harp Sailing Base, lifesaving from the Middlesex Branch R.L.S.S and other activities.
OUTCOME: The whole leisure centre underwent complete refurbishment with the addition of a wide range of sports facilities. The new leisure Complex opened in 2006. This flagship site comprises of state-of-the-art fitness suite; exercise studio; athletics track with grandstand, indoor running tube; two swimming pools; sports hall; dojo; and multipurpose rooms. Sadly the outdoor pool was filled in and as such, no further outdoor swimming.
The fate of the ‘Spirit of Youth’ Statue by Freda Skinner
The site of King Edward VII Pool. Geo reference 1949 – 1969 map. Will expand to full view
I used to use the outdoor pool in King Edwards, 1972. I preferred it then. It had more character. I was only 16. I remember the lifeguard as he went to the same school as me in St. Charles Primary. North Kensington. Things were much simpler then. Well for me anyway!
Next to the entrance is the statue “The Spirit of Youth” by Freda Skinner, which was originally installed outside the new indoor pool at Willesden Lido. Roundwood Park has been the setting for many public events. In its long history it had seen numerous religious and political open-air meetings, circuses, and much other such events. For many years it was home to the Willesden Show when the place would be crowded with people. Owners of pets of many types, flowers and vegetables, and even ‘bonny babies’ would compete for prizes in large canvas tents. Art and crafts were shown, and demonstrations of dog handling, sheep shearing, parachuting and trick motor cycling given. Later this became the Brent Show .
Anne – thank you Eric. Very informative!
Hi. My sister and I used to go here in the late 1960’s, usually on a Sunday. We would go early and by the time we left the queue was almost back to the entrance to the rec. The indoor pool was always very, almost too, warm. The diving pool was great for a jump in. We mainly swam in the outdoor pool and sunbathed on the terrace outside the indoor pool area. Lovely childhood memories for me.
One question – why was the outdoor pool filled in??
Anne: Too close for comfort to the new complex’s and I suspect the outdoor pool had high maintenance bills at the time.