There has been an open air pool in Abingdon since the 1880s. The first was a simple bathing place on the island between the weirs, and records show that the head bathing attendant was paid 19/6d per week – plus 5% commission on the sale of tickets â per week.
Later, the attendant was also responsible for running a chain ferry across the Thames. Swimmers could take the ferry across to the island, where there was a bathing platform and a row of wooden changing rooms. In the late 1940s the original bathing place fell into disuse and a bay near the site of the current pool was fenced off for swimming.
The present pool was dug in the 1950s. Initially it was a cold water pool (it was not heated until the 1970s) but despite this, it was used by town schools for children’s swimming lessons until 1976, when the Old Gaol leisure centre opened.
Who are the Friends of Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool?
We are an enthusiastic group of volunteers who love outdoor swimming and feel that the outdoor pool is one of Abingdon's greatest assets – and we take every opportunity we can to let everyone know it.
Your memories of Abingdon open air pool
The friends of Abbey Meadows Pool would love to hear from you if you have memories of the open air pool. Please get in touch via this site to tell us your stories. We're particularly keen to hear from you if you have photos of the pool or used it for school swimming lessons.
