90 Years of History

Ashburton’s outdoor pool has brought joy, connection, and community spirit to our town since 1936. As we prepare to celebrate our 90th anniversary in 2026, we look back at the story of “Town Pool” and the generations who have kept it alive.

By Daniel Edwards Photography

Aerial view of a backyard with a swimming pool, a grassy field, and surrounding houses and trees.

A Timeline of Ashburton Pool

1936 – The Pool Opens

Ashburton Pool was officially opened on 27 May 1936 by the then Portreeve as part of the Golden Lion Hotel grounds and at that time was for the exclusive use of hotel guests who enjoyed its wonderful sun terrace. During the Second World War, the Hotel became a school for pupils evacuated from Cambridge who remembered bathing in its icy water.

Handwritten historical diary entries detailing events in May and June, including the opening of a swimming bath, a hospital event, and the distribution of cups and prizes at a school sports day.

Entry from the local archive that reads:

‘May 27 By the invitation of Major and Mrs Harris of the Golden Lion the Portreeve and Bailiff attended the opening ceremony of the new swimming baths. The Portreeve in declaring the baths open expressed that it was a splendid undertaking of Major and Mrs Harris which was much needed in the town.’

Historic map showing a swimming pool and school property from 1733, with surrounding buildings, roads, and railway track.

Ashburton (Golden Lion) Swimming Pool Ordinance Survey Map 1938

1950s – Local Heroes Revive the Pool

In the years after the war, the pool fell into disuse and the Golden Lion’s owner agreed to let the community use it so long as local parents volunteered to maintain it.  A group of local residents stepped up straight away and volunteers cleaned and repaired and for the first time, the community rallied round to bring the pool to life once more providing a safe space where children could swim each evening.

A black-and-white photo of The Golden Lion Hotel, showing a large building surrounded by trees and a street with cars.

Excerpt regarding the Golden Lion Hotel that reads:

‘Situated in the third oldest town in England (Chester being the oldest and Totnes the second oldest), the Golden Lion was originally a Posting House, and can itself subscribe to a history of over 200 years.

Its reputation as a house where good food and comfort are equally generously distributed is not therefore new founded, and this reputation is most jealously guarded. The bedrooms are extremely comfortable, each one being fitted with hot and cold water, whilst there is ample bathroom accommodation.

Both the dining room and the lounge face south and overlook the sloping lawns to the sun bathing terraces and the swimming pool. This pool, 70 feet long and 30 feet wide, is equipped with the latest purifying and filtering plant, diving platforms and spring board and ample dressing rooms. The coolness of this pool on hot sultry days, surrounded as it is…’

A black and white photo of a backyard swimming pool with a diving board, surrounded by trees and houses. A small umbrella and lounge chairs are near the pool. The image has handwritten text at the bottom that reads 'Golden Lion Swimming Bath, Ediburton'.

1970s to 2000s – The making of memories

In this period the Pool was deeply woven into community life forming memories for local children.  Many recall racing up Love Lane after school and during long sunny Summer days to spend the evening with their friends, playing games and learning to swim in the unheated water.  Having been operated successfully by volunteers, the pool passed into the ownership of the local Council and then eventually passed to Teignbridge District Council who invested in the fabric and plant.

Children swimming and playing in an outdoor pool with a lifeguard chair and flag in the background during daytime.

2016 – The Ashburton community rallies round again

However, by 2015 use of the pool had dipped, and Teignbridge District Council planned to permanently close it, threatening to bring to an end this precious and much loved community asset.  A “Save-Our-Swimming” campaign was launched and by May 2016, after decades of Council management, the pool was once again operated by the community  under the guidance of a group of dedicated local volunteer Trustees

Informational poster about the Ashburton Swimming Pool emergency meeting, with notice of pool closure, volunteer needs, and meeting details, including the date and time of December 2nd at 7 PM at the town hall.

2023 – 20 Pool Heroes help save the pool

When structural issues threatened the pool’s future a fundraising campaign was launched. The Pool Heroes campaign invited individuals or organisations to step up to donate or raise £5,000 each which helped fund the first phase of the repairs.  The generous donors were recognised on the wall of heroes at the pool.

A brick wall with numerous blue plaques honoring contributions to the local community, including schools, charities, and organizations, with a blue painted logo reading 'Pool Heroes' on the left side.

Now – Looking ahead to 90 years

Ashburton Pool has been part of the town’s story since 1936, and in 2026 we’ll be celebrating its 90th anniversary. From its beginnings as a hotel pool to becoming a cherished community-run facility, the pool has seen generations learn to swim, make memories, and come together every summer.

Parts of this timeline were informed by Kate Strasdin’s article “A Tale of Town Pool,” originally published in Around Ashburton (July/August 2009). With thanks to Kate for sharing this personal and local history.