WHO ARE WE?
The Friends of Carlisle Victorian and Turkish Baths (FCVTB) formed in May 2021 to raise awareness of the threat to the future of the Victorian & Turkish Baths (VTB). In April 2022 we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (the CIO).
We are a group of enthusiastic volunteers who love Carlisle, it’s people and its heritage.
Our charitable objectives focus on securing the continued use of the Baths and bringing unused parts of the building back into use for the benefit of residents, community organisations and small businesses, as well as attracting tourists to a heritage site and the city in general.
We are committed to working with the local authority and heritage organisations to secure a future for the Baths that celebrates its history and its purpose as a building to support the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
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How Can You Support Our Campaign?
Carlisle Baths and Washhouse opened in 1884 providing first and second class plunge pools, a Ladies plunge pool, slipper baths and laundry facilities. The Turkish Baths were added in 1909 and a Ladies waiting room and slipper baths opened in 1920 to complete the Public Baths.
Until Carlisle City Council closed the Baths in November 2022 Carlisle’s Grade II listed Turkish Baths were one of only twelve still in operation in the UK and the only one remaining in the north west of England.
Previously a bathing and Turkish baths facility, our plan is to secure their future, capitalising on the adjacent Station Gateway Project which links the site to the cultural, health and wellbeing life of the city centre and region. We have successfully completed a viability study and are seeking funding and support to develop our project with a view to agreeing a community asset transfer of the Baths.
Please support and help us look after our health and heritage.
Donate
As volunteers we rely on donations and fundraising to pay for our publicity, stationery and professional fees. Every pound you give takes us one step closer to achieving our Vision.
Please support us by making a donation today.
Write
The people who will decide the future of Carlisle’s Historic Baths are the local politicians. The Friends are committed to working with Cumberland Council and local MPs but the people politicians listen to most are their constituents.
Please write to your MP and Councillors today and ask them to support our plans to reopen the plans
This is your opportunity to see the beautiful ornate glazed tiling, aquamarine plunge pool and original wood-panelled relaxation booths with stained glass inlay of the Turkish Baths and learn a little about their history.
Join the Friends of Carlisle’s Victorian and Turkish Baths, where we will be talking about the recent archaeological dig which unearthed evidence of a significant Roman bathhouse next to the River Eden, celebrating the past 114 years of the historic and exquisite Turkish baths, and explaining the invaluable benefits for people’s health and well-being.
