Our Heritage
At the heart of its community since 1904, Bramley Baths is the last remaining Edwardian bath house in Leeds.
Built to improve public health and wellbeing in response to the outbreak of cholera, local residents came to wash, swim and use the Russian Steam Baths – fashionable with the wealthier Edwardians. Originally the Globe Foundry, the iconic chimney built from Kirkstall bricks, still towers over the baths today.
Retaining many original features including the oak reception box and stained glass windows, the baths were emptied during the Depression of the 1920s and filled with water and bleach every fortnight. A dance floor was built, allowing the Baths to continue as social hub for the community even in the toughest times, and from World War II to the 1960s Bramley Baths was well known across the city for its dances.
Social events, galas and swimming lessons dominated the 50s, 60s and 70s. Generations of local people learned to swim at Bramley Baths including many of today’s members and visitors and staff, and competed in school and city wide competitions, with the Bramley squad being well regarded across Leeds.
Bramley Baths has been a constant in local life since it opened its doors in 1904 and has recently been awarded a Blue Plaque from Leeds Civic Trust in recognition of its significance in Leeds’s wider heritage.
In April 2025, we were honoured to be awarded a development grant as part of a phase of a £4.1million project from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This first phase of funding will allow initial work to begin to restore and protect some of our unique heritage features and allow us to develop new heritage, arts, culture and wellbeing activities, and make the building, its original features, and vital services sustainable for the long term future. The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
As part of this development phase, we want to hear from you! Do you have a story to share about the Baths; did you meet your partner, develop a career or even dance here? We are also interested in any ideas you may have around shaping the future of our glorious heritage asset. If you would like to share stories or ideas, please email helen@bramleybaths.com
