This is the old Stow Hill public baths.

These baths were built by the Corporation in 1890 at a cost of £13000. There were two swimming baths each 25ft by 75ft going from 2½ft to 7ft.

There were also private baths for ladies & gentlemen, Turkish baths, slipper baths and several other types of baths. Mixed bathing was allowed at certain times. During the winter the swimming baths were converted into assembly rooms which could be hired out.

The building was later modernised. Pupils from Stow Hill Secondary School on the opposite side of the road were taken there to be taught how to swim in the very chilly water.

Just down from the baths were the Baptist and Methodist churches. Evident in the photo are the "slips" leading from the raised pavement into the road. Many of these slips have been since done away with because they were dangerous as people were stepping out into motor traffic - one of my school friends from St Woolos School did just this in the 1950s when he had his leg broken by a passing bus.

Just above the baths is the entrance to Havelock St and on the left is the entrance to Charles St with the Red Lion on the corner. The baths have long since been knocked down & replaced by housing.

Dave Woolven, Newport

Again, this is Newport featuring what used to be Stow Hill baths. Now closed and become flats.

What was there before the baths I have no idea. What is more interesting is the painting from which the picture was taken. You will notice that there are entrances in the wall abutting Stow Hill. There has been quite a bit of interest in these recently, as many never knew they were there. I remember them all the way up to the Cathedral, and i wonder if they can still be entered.

Jim Dyer, Newport

The Now and Then picture is of Stow Hill, and the building is the swimming baths. There was a lane that you could walk through into Havelock Street and there also used to be a school. A long time ago there was a cinema called Tredegar which was turned into a bingo hall and then again to the Majestic dance hall. There is a pub in the area called The Pen and Wig and opposite this, St Mary’s RC church. Also in the area there used to be a gas showroom which, I think, has now been turned into a betting shop.

Mrs M Reardon, Newport