A Club Proud of Its History
Recording the complete history of Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club since its formation in 1876 is almost impossible. Over the course of 150 years many details have inevitably been lost to time. However what remains is a remarkable story of sporting achievement, community spirit and lasting tradition.
Before the opening of Tyldesley Baths, local bathing was confined to Shakerley Brook, the lime pits, and the canal. The baths officially opened on 22 July 1876, marked by a grand procession through the town involving around 3,000 people.
Just two weeks later, on 2 August 1876, Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club was founded. The club was opened by local mill owner Caleb Wright, while Dr Duncan became its first President.
Since then the club has remained an important part of the Tyldesley community. Research suggests that it is the second-oldest continuously operating swimming and water polo club in the country.
Throughout its history the club has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community. During both World Wars, members raised funds that were donated to the Red Cross and the War Comfort Fund, providing support for the people of Tyldesley during difficult times.
Following the closure of Union Street Baths, the club moved in 1964 to its current home, a building that had previously served as the Majestic Cinema.
In 1891, Tyldesley Swimming Club became one of the first clubs in the country to embrace the emerging sport of water polo. At that time the nearest club with whom Tyldesley competed was Kendal, a journey that would have been a significant undertaking in the late nineteenth century.
The game itself was very different from the sport we know today. Formal rules had yet to be fully established, and the game more closely resembled rugby than modern water polo. There were no goalposts; instead, players scored by placing the ball outside the water at their opponents’ end of the baths, much like scoring a try in rugby.
The rules governing physical contact were minimal. A player in possession of the ball could be held underwater until they released it, although two players tackling simultaneously was not permitted.
Unsurprisingly, tactics were robust and often uncompromising. The game was frequently described as rough and tumble, with success achieved by almost any means possible. It was very much a case of survival of the fittest.
Competitive swimming has evolved dramatically since the club’s early days. A swimmer capable of completing four lengths in one minute was considered exceptionally fast. At the time, the Tyldesley pool measured just 16 yards and 2 feet in length, a far cry from the modern facilities used by today’s athletes.
Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club has a proud history of producing athletes who have competed on the world’s biggest stage.
The club has also produced athletes who have represented England at the Commonwealth Games:
Over the years, many other swimmers and water polo players from the club have achieved honours at international, national, regional, county, and local association level, further enhancing the club’s reputation for excellence.
The first club member to receive significant administrative honours was Fred Isherwood, who became President of the Northern Counties ASA in 1910-11 and again in 1946. His most prestigious appointment came in 1926 when he was elected President of the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).
The club has also been fortunate to benefit from generations of dedicated volunteers. Many have gone on to hold senior leadership positions within aquatic organisations across the North West, including:
These honours reflect the dedication, commitment, and expertise that Tyldesley volunteers have contributed to aquatic sport over many decades.
As the aquatic landscape continues to evolve, Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club remains committed to supporting its athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers at every stage of their swimming and water polo journey.
While proud of its rich heritage and remarkable achievements over the past 150 years, the club continues to look forward, providing opportunities for future generations to develop, compete, and thrive.
150 years of history. 150 years of community. 150 years of excellence.
Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club – Proud of its Past, Excited for its Future.
