Gold medals and swimming between class?

The intriguing, and little known history of the beloved Pool common room, by Abigail Mableson

Every student knows the Pool. Located on the ground floor of the College Building, it has become the go-to gathering spot for the School of Communication & Creativity at City St George’s, University of London. Journalism students plan their next breaking news stories, eat their lunches and unwind between the demands of busy City terms. An empty Pool, with spare seats to fill, is rarer than an empty London tube.

But what is less unknown is the fascinating history, apart from the some historic posters that appear at the entrance. The Pool used to be part of the Northampton Institute in the 1800s, later known as Northampton Polytechnic. Until 1995, the Pool, as its name suggests, was a fully working swimming bath and gymnasium, and was remodelled following damage in the Second World War.

The Pool even played host to the 1908 Olympic Games, which was the first in London. Being one of the most successful Olympic Games for Great Britain, the team won 14 out of the 15 medals awarded.

Ray Collins commented on a Facebook post, saying “I swam in this pool every lunchtime during my time spent studying for a degree in electrical and electronic engineering 1968 – 1972.” “It surprised me that such a facility available to everyone at no cost was so little used”. In 1995, the Pool was closed, and has been a study area ever since.

The Pool in 1986

Annabelle Pollack, Carrot Co Editor-in Chief, shared her thoughts. “When it was converted into a more communal area, it still carries the legacy of being a space for students to wind down from their busy uni schedule.”

Whether you’re a Master’s student or a fresher, finding your feet at City takes time. Every building feels like a maze, and locating a classroom in the College Building is practically a group effort. But once you settle into your course, the Pool becomes somewhere to breathe, and a central spot for the well-needed debriefs that keep you motivated.

This year’s edition of Carrot Magazine found its feet in the Pool, under the hum of deafening fans and the buzz of constant chatter. Finding enough seats for our growing community feels like a small victory in itself, as we huddle around blue sofas and oddly shaped geometric stools.

The Pool is more than a student workspace. Every Wednesday evening, it transforms into a live concert venue, with City Music Society performing to enthusiastic crowds. Fitted with drums, electric guitars and microphones, the space proves just how versatile, and valued, it really is.

That said, the Pool is far from perfect. Seating is scarce, and the space is simply too small to comfortably house the 300 new journalism Master’s students who arrive every year. It has not changed with the ever-growing community it welcomes in.

Yet, the Pool is where creativity thrives, friendships form, and productivity quietly happens. And its presence is ever more inspiring, knowing that gold medals were once earned here.