Malcolm (left) complete with lap top computer and projector, explained how he had got hooked on the subject from a chance meeting when a Turkish bath was part of the hotel complex where he was staying. He then sought to find out more and unearthed a whole historical culture in the introduction of such facilities.

He then explained about our general misconception of the Turkish baths as follows: -

Although the Victorian Turkish bath is most certainly Victorian, its origins are not Turkish, nor is it what most people first visualise when they think of a bath. Indeed most people today have only a very hazy idea as to what a Turkish bath actually is, most believe it is hot and steamy and you are enclosed in a box like structure.

Malcolm in support of his presentation showed over 100 slides in his thirty five minutes slot and the surfers of this site are best provided by viewing the Victorian Turkish Bath Databank, (details given below) where Malcolm is the Librarian.

But in fact the Turkish bath, is a type of bath in which the bather sweats freely in a room or in two or three such rooms at progressively higher temperatures, which is heated by a continuous flow of hot dry air. Followed by a full body wash (sometimes preceded by a cold plunge), then by a massage (used to be called a Shampoo), and finally by a period of relaxation in a cooling-room with fruit and other goodies to aid the process.

It is the dryness of the air which distinguishes the Victorian Turkish bath from other related types, the vapour bath, the Russian steam bath, or the Finnish sauna (in the last of which, water is periodically ladled on to the stove, or heat source, so as to dampen an otherwise completely dry atmosphere).

The dryness of the air in the Victorian Turkish bath also, perhaps surprisingly, distinguishes it from the Turkish baths and hammams, which are still to be found in Turkey today.

This was a high rate presentation and any such report cannot possibly cover the times, places or people associated with this method of cleansing, but do visit the site below and there you will find an intricate history and declined of the Victorian Turkish Baths.

Very topically Malcolm with the aid of the Bourne Hall Museum was able to make us aware of the building of such a facility within the bounds of Epsom and Ewell when a Public Baths were opened in early 1939 which incorporated a Turkish Bath. 

The decision to build was taken, and the contract awarded to a local firm, H.J. and F.E. Rolls Ltd. The new Baths cost £65,000. As a major investment in the health of Epsom, the Baths were the first project undertaken by the Council outside of their statutory requirements. Work was completed in early 1939 and the building officially opened on the 15^th March. The Turkish Baths comprised a changing room, vapour room, three hot baths, foam baths and rest room. There were no other Turkish Baths nearer than London and they were much in use by the racing industry, as jockeys were under continual pressure to sweat off their weight.

During the first week there were 722 swimmers, and 228 spectators; 48 people came in to take a bath, 52 for the Turkish Baths, and 12 for the novelty of a Zotofoam Bath, Malcolm said this was an early design of a Jacuzzi , to see a picture of this look at his site. Three swimming clubs- the Goblin, Cuddington and St. Ebba’s - booked club nights, and the Health, Home and Industries Exhibition was put up, with a Women's League of Health and Beauty display. During the winter, the pool was covered with a maple floor erected on scaffolding so that the Baths Hall could be used for all sorts of events. With the outbreak of war, the Baths were closed, but the Turkish bath opened again soon after.

 Unfortunately whether by intent or otherwise the Council allowed the facility to become underused. Hence when the Rainbow Centre was demolished and rebuilt in 2001, the Turkish Baths due to the extra costs were eliminated, not only on a cost basis but on under utilisation.

This was a most interesting lecture and David Staples was able to respond on behalf of the membership. Laughingly he was able to report that he was asked while bathing at his home and this perhaps made him highly qualified to make expert comment, needless to say the membership agreed and all joined in our traditional thanks with a round of hearty applause.