In 1914, people came from miles around to swim in this Manchester pool for one mad reason

Greater Manchester has been home to many firsts. The first co-ops, the nation’s first public library and even starting the first professional football league.

And one stunning building that is still standing and in use to this day was the site of an incredible first which is quite difficult to grasp today. In fact, it was considered by many to be quite scandalous at the time.

Withington Baths is an Edwardian pool which was built in 1911, opening its doors to the public in 1913. Public baths were built across the city and were an integral part of Manchester's industrialisation, supporting healthier lifestyles for working people.

READ MORE: 'Hollywood of the North' where Netflix, ITV and BBC stars filmed plans location tours

Designed by Henry Price - who also designed Withington Library and Victoria Baths, the history of the gender split is clear from the front of the building. Those separate ‘male’ and ‘female’ entrances are now considered archaic.

Emma Horridge, Heritage Engagement officer for the Baths, says women being allowed into the pool was likely a labour of love for one of the city’s famous daughters.

“Margaret Ashton, who was a councillor and also a suffragist, campaigned for women’s rights and we think she campaigned to allow women access.”

But in 1914, just four years after mixed bathing started in a London swimming pool, Withington Baths became the first public pool in Manchester to allow men and women to bathe together. This followed a petition with 287 signatures being presented to Manchester's Baths Committee in September 1913.

In 1910, Silchester Road Baths, Kensington was one of the first public baths to adopt mixed swimming sessions for the public. To ensure propriety ladies had to stay in the water