Your Baths, your stories: helping us uncover Lymington's living history

Historic records can tell us when a building was constructed, who owned it and how much work cost.

They cannot tell us what it felt like to learn to swim at Lymington Sea Water Baths. That part of the story belongs to the people who were here.

A history of people as well as buildings

The Sea Water Baths have been part of life in Lymington for generations. Thousands of people will have their own memories of the site: childhood summers, swimming lessons, friends, family visits, work, events and the many changes that have taken place over the years. Those memories are an important form of heritage in their own right.

What do you remember?

Perhaps you remember features of the Baths that have disappeared.

You may have worked here during the summer, learnt to swim here or brought your own children and grandchildren. You might have old photographs, tickets, programmes, postcards or newspaper cuttings hidden away at home. Even apparently ordinary memories can help us understand how the Baths were used and why they matter to people.

Building a richer picture

As part of the current project, specialist heritage research will explore the architectural and documentary history of the Baths. But we also want to capture their social history. Over the coming months we will be creating opportunities for people to share photographs, memories and stories with us. Some of these may eventually help shape exhibitions, interpretation or stories on this website, helping future generations understand the place through the experiences of those who knew it.

Keep an eye on this website for details of how you can contribute.

This project has been made possible with a £154,800 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.