The Turkish Baths, James Street, Carlisle

Victoria Brenan writes in the Carlisle News & Star on 26 April 2010 that, Carlisle's Turkish Baths have been awarded listed status after an appeal by former MP Eric Martlew.

English Heritage has given the building a Grade II status, praising the Edwardian baths as a ‘very intact and complete example’ of a Turkish Baths suite.

Inspectors visited the baths last October and described the inside of the building, on James Street, as impressive.

'The centrepiece of the suite is undoubtedly the cold room which remains essentially unchanged since its construction,' their report said.

'[It] is lavishly decorated with ornate columns supporting round arches and corner vaults. It has tiles of green, blue and buff glazes and a tarrazzo floor.

'Overall, this is a handsome ensemble of architectural quality.'

Mr Martlew wrote to English Heritage last year after becoming concerned that the baths, which opened in 1909, may be affected by the possible relocation of the neighbouring Pools complex.

The city council, which owns the Pools and the baths, denied they were ever under any threat.

Victoria Brenan's complete article can be found online here.

This page last updated 10 March 2011