The Watford Observer is again delighted to be teaming up with its friends at Watford Museum to take another journey back to the past to recall the key events and dates that helped shape the town’s future.

The 29th part of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford' recalls a popular location for swimming in the town where costumes were not worn for many years.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Until an indoor swimming baths was built in Watford in 1933, bathing was open air and located in the Colne near to the Five Arches. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. This became inaccessible in the mid 1800s with the Enclosure Acts making the land and river bank private.

Watford Observer:

Five Arches c1909 from Brief Account of Watford Past and Present 

"In 1868, a committee was formed to create a new site and the money to be raised by public subscription. The Five Arches site seems to have been chosen as it reduced the likelihood that passengers travelling on the railway could see the pool – at that time nude bathing was common.

Watford Observer:

Five Arches c1926 from Watford, The Official Guide

"Later dressing facilities were added and swimmers expected to wear appropriate attire. Ladies began to use the pool too, although initially these were in separate sessions."

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No booking is necessary but Covid prevention measures are still in place to keep visitors safe.