An advertisement from the Post Office Glasgow directory of 1854-1855 for the Argyle Baths. Bath houses were very popular in mid-19th century Glasgow, before the opening of the Loch Katrine Water Works scheme in 1859 brought unlimited supplies of fresh water to the homes of those connected to the municipal network of mains pipes. The bath houses offered their clients hygienic washing facilities but also a number of therapeutic treatments aimed at alleviating painful skin conditions and the effects of illnesses such as colds, flu, rheumatism and lumbago.
The cheapest option for visitors to the Argyle Baths was a cold shower bath (in the second class section) for just 2d (less than 1p). A visit to the Turkish bath cost 2 shillings and sixpence - 12.5p.
Reference: Mitchell Library, DIR 1854-55
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
advertisements, Argyle Baths, bath houses, directories, Post Office Glasgow directory, private baths, public baths, Turkish baths