Edwardian Public Toilets
This grand restroom structure, originally situated near a tram stop in Caversham, Berkshire, dates back to 1906 and is crafted from cast iron. Operating daily from 6:00 am to midnight, the lavatories were designed to deter late-night nuisances when public urinals were closed. Staffed by an attendant, the facilities charged a penny for entry, providing patrons with a freshly laundered towel in a sealed wrapper. Many original fittings, such as washbasins, urinals, and WC bowls, have been preserved, and the Museum supplies traditional carbolic soap. Beyond their utilitarian function, these toilets offer a glimpse into our social history; had they been erected a few years earlier, the need for a "Women" sign might have been unnecessary.
The history of the toilets dates back to 1906 when they were originally constructed to cater to tram passengers terminating at Caversham Bridge in Reading. The components were crafted at the foundry of Walter McFarlane & Co. in Possilpark, Glasgow.
Although most of the sections are featured in their 1880 catalogue, the overall structure seems to have been uniquely designed. The pressing need for sanitary conveniences in the town prompted the submission of plans for the toilets in October 1904.
How was Caversham Public Convenience Built?
Why is Caversham Public Convenience at the Museum?
By 1980, the once vital toilets had fallen out of use and facing impending demolition due to a lack of alternative practical applications. The derelict building caught the attention of Chiltern Open Air Museum, recognising its historical significance and the urgent need for on-site restroom facilities, the decision was made to dismantle and relocate the structure.
In 1985, a dedicated team of volunteers undertook the challenging task of dismantling the building, which had suffered neglect and frequent vandalism during its abandonment. The process involved experimentation and perseverance, with the removal of complete wall sections deemed more effective than dismantling individual panels. Volunteers, supported by members of the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group, worked tirelessly on weekends from August 5th to December 8th, 1985. Many panels were irreparably damaged, necessitating recasting.
The ornamental ironwork building, procured for £301 in 1906, aimed to address the sanitation deficit. The plans outlined three WCs in the Ladies' section and three WCs alongside eight urinal stalls (though only seven were ultimately installed) in the Gents'. Moreover, the design incorporated living quarters for attendants. The total cost for acquisition and construction amounted to £750. The toilets officially opened on June 4, 1906, and operated from 6 am until 11:45 pm, serving as a vital facility for the community.
When was Caversham Public Convenience Built?
When Did Caversham Public Convenience Reopen at the Museum?
The reconstructed toilets officially opened in 1991, with the final details, including the cast-iron MEN and WOMEN signs, added in June 1999. Today, these meticulously restored facilities stand as a testament to the Museum's commitment to preserving historical structures and providing essential amenities for visitors.