Pells Pool in Lewes marks 150th anniversary

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The oldest documented freshwater outdoor swimming pool in Britain is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Pells Pool in Lewes, East Sussex, was officially opened for the new season on Saturday by the Mayor of Lewes.

It is holding events next month to mark its anniversary, including a cake-cutting ceremony and a birthday party.

The public swimming pool has recently benefited from a £50,000 renovation project, and there are plans to raise funds for a further refurbishment.

The swimming pool was originally built to save the modesty of local mill workers.

Chairman of the Pells Pool Community Association, Conrad Ryle, said the workers used to swim naked in the local mill pond after work.

"The pool was built with a wall round it so they could swim away from the eyes of anyone who might be offended," he said.