Media Enquiries
Cheltenham Civic SocietyCheltenham Civic Society
Join us
  • Welcome
  • Events
    • Heritage Open Days
  • Planning
    • Planning Forum
  • Campaigns
    • Successful Streets
  • Support us
    • Join us
    • Corporate membership
  • About us
    • Executive
    • History
  • News
  • Newsletters
  • Links & Downloads
Join us

Circumspice 7: answer to mini-quiz item in Summer edition of OurTown

Posted on July 26, 2022
7 Clarence Parade

Things We Have Lost No. 94 …
Underground Public Conveniences.
Until 1994 this gateway at 7 Clarence Parade led to an underground lady’s public convenience. It is fondly remembered because of its central location and for cleanliness and good service. There was an attendant who supplied soap, towels and paper and, importantly, change for the shiny brass ‘penny in the slot’ door locks. A sensible woman would, of course, always have a penny in a dedicated compartment in her purse. There was a gent’s convenience at the rear of the building which was accessed from Post Office Lane.

The gent's entrance from Post Office Lane

The town had other underground conveniences. One was at the bottom of Leckhampton Road by The Norwood roundabout.

Bruce Stait's photo of the last days of the Norwood gent's
An earlier view

There were also underground loos which were accessed from a roundabout at ‘Dicks Corner’ by the Bowling Green in The High Street. These were known as The Pepper Pots – probably because of their upstanding ventilators. When the junction of Ambrose Street and The High Street was remodelled in the 1950s, new conveniences were built on the widened pavement. They are now closed but offered for sale. A West End branch office for CCS?

The junction during remodelling work
Previous Post
Civic Society acquires new town centre HQ
Next Post
4 years of inaction – enough is enough!

Planning application for Parmoor submitted

29 Mar at 1:43 pm

Circumspice 10: answer to mini-quiz item in Spring edition of OurTown

7 Mar at 1:46 pm

Two new Google maps showing blue and green plaque locations help residents and visitors learn more about the history of Cheltenham

26 Jan at 4:11 pm

Civic Society’s Cambray Riverside plans gain approval

26 Jan at 3:59 pm

Circumspice 9: answer to mini-quiz item in Winter edition of OurTown

December 8, 2022

Corporate Members

Crowe
Leckhampton Group logo
Cape Homes
County To County
Willans LLP Solicitors
Cheltenham Ladies' College
University of Gloucestershire
Savills
Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
Bence Builders Merchants

The Society welcomes new Corporate Members – see our Corporate Membership page

Cheltenham Civic Society is affiliated to Civic Voice, the national organisation for the civic movement in England.

Cheltenham Civic Society
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Achievements

  • The Gordon Lamp
  • The Holst Statue
  • The Montpellier Bandstand
  • The Battlefield Crosses

Archives

  • AGM and Exec Minutes
  • Planning Forum Minutes
  • Newsletters
  • E-Bulletins

Plaques & Awards

  • Commemorative Plaques
  • Civic Awards
  • Civic Awards Nominations
  • Previous Awards

Parmoor | 26 Cambray Place | Cheltenham | GL50 1JN

© 2023 Cheltenham Civic Society | Affiliated to Civic Voice | Registered Charity No. 1166580

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it. Privacy Policy