Asked at the deck desk, weekly
The questions the stewards answer most, in the order they usually arrive.
Is the plunge really 6 °C?
Yes. The plunge is fed from the cold well and drawn nightly. The deck thermometer is checked every session against the brass one in the yard; they agree within half a degree.
Do I have to do the plunge?
No. The warm rooms are the house too. Nobody is talked into the plunge here, ever.
Why does the water smell of matches?
Sulphur in the spring. It is the honest smell of real thermal water and the reason the silver ring should stay in the locker.
Can children come?
In the midday session, yes, from age eight. The plunge remains an adult room by common agreement, not by bylaw.
What happens on scrubbing Thursdays?
Every third Thursday the pools drain from 9 am to noon for the full scrub. Steam runs as usual. The hall smells of barley soap for the rest of the day, which regulars plan their week around.
Can I buy the water?
No. The spring is for bathing. The 1931 bylaw on the stairwell settles it: bath, do not bottle.
Is the house real?
No. Marrow Springs, the Slatebeck, Kesselford and every person in these pages are invented. The building instructions, however, are sound.
Why is the clock slow?
Two minutes slow, on purpose, for latecomers. Corrected once by accident in 1968 and immediately re-slowed.
One more question?
The deck desk is open every session. Ask in person, or leave it in the demo form and nothing will happen, honestly.
The Pools
Cascade, Meridian, Mosaic, Plunge, Resting. In that order.
41 °CThe Water
One spring, honestly described, never sweetened.
Since 1926History
Ottilie Marsh, the ward years, the slow clock.
8 ritualsTreatments
Hands, heat, salt and birch, priced plainly.
ArchiveThe Journal
Longer notes from the stairwell cabinet.
VisitPlan a Visit
Trains, towpaths, punts and what to bring.