My thanks go to Judith Casey who recently noticed the old hoarding for the Salisbury Steam Laundry that was revealed on the junction of Gorringe Road / Wilton Road. Judith quickly took a photograph and her action has preserved a little piece of history because it has now been covered over with a new advertising board.

The establishment referred to in the advert began its life in January 1891 when the Salisbury Swimming Club and Steam Laundry Company Ltd. was founded in Salt Lane and Church Street – the building was also linked to the Victoria Hall in Rolleston Street.

In May 1892 a heated swimming pool was opened and the main entrance was situated in Rolleston Street. The Mayor together with the chairman of directors, Mr. Fred Griffin, gave the City Corporation a guided tour of the Steam Laundry – the steam from the laundry was used to heat the water in the new pool.

 In June 1892 a fire was detected in the roof of the steam laundry in Church Street. The manageress, who was working late after the staff had gone home, caught the smell of burning wood and her attention was drawn to flames in the roof. She at once sent for the Volunteer Fire Brigade who promptly arrived and extinguished the fire.

Early in 1900 began the practice of covering the large swimming bath during the winter months so it became a public hall but alas, calamity was to strike again.

In June 1922, another fire was detected in the steam laundry and this time the damage was extensive. The fire also burnt part of the roof of the adjoining Victoria Hall and it was fortunate that the fire brigade was located close by in Salt Lane - they saved the building from a much worse fate.

Today the Victoria Hall and Steam Laundry have become flats.