Smedley Hydro, Former hydropathic spa in Birkdale, Southport, England
Description
Smedley Hydro is a five-story building in Birkdale that was originally designed as a therapeutic spa facility. It contains extensive amenities including Turkish baths, plunge pools, and numerous guest rooms equipped with water facilities.
History
The building was constructed as Birkdale College in the early 1870s and purchased by John Smedley in 1876 to become a healing center. During World War II, the government took control of it for population registration purposes.
Culture
During the Victorian era, this became a center for water-based healing treatments that attracted guests seeking health improvements. The building's role as a spa reflects how important such therapies were to people of that time.
Practical
The location is easily accessible by public transportation and sits within an established residential area of Southport. Visitors should note that the building is currently occupied by government offices and is not open to casual visits.
Did you know?
After the government took control during World War II, the building became the central hub for registering millions of birth, death, and marriage records for England and Wales. This transformation meant its spa function never returned.
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