How many people realised that Spring Gardens was a swimming haven back in the 20th Century?From the top of Southampton Street, it was situated set back from the Whitley Street section, just before the “Y” junction leading to Basingstoke or Shinfield.
Imagine it filled with water, providing healthy swimming recreation!
OUTCOME: the reservoir became a recreation area. and is surrounded with houses.
SPRING GARDENS RESERVOIR
Will be opened as a
Temporary Swimming Bath on
Saturday May 20th 1893
By the kindness of the Reading Biscuit Company Ltd.
The Corp. Of Reading have enabled the opening of the
Swimming Baths, South Street
(W.H.Simonds)
The Baths will be open for
Women - Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Men - Tuesday and Thursday
Extract from “Kelly’s Directory - Reading.
Arthur C. Collins
