Coming Out in the Wash: Investigating Manchester’s Public Baths and Wash-houses

Manchester experienced an astonishing rate of growth from the late 18th century to become first industrial town in world by 1830s. Its prowess was fuelled remarkable engineering talent that drawn across country, coupled with migration workers on a scale unprecedented and unforeseen. The living conditions, sanitation health burgeoning ranks urban poor had pressing issue for social concern many towns mid-19th century, introduction public baths wash-houses early attempt at redress. These important facilities represented civil-engineering projects were implemented explicitly poor, some earliest country established Salford private enterprise combined innovative technology impressive architectural detailing exuded civic pride, setting high standard later swimming baths. Several these pioneering have been subject archaeological excavation since 2014, making contribution understanding this significant but dwindling monument type.