In the 19th century, rapid industrialization and urban growth created overcrowded slums where filth was believed to cause disease, prompting a push for public baths and washhouses[2][5]. These facilities were not just for hygiene; they were tools for social control, intended to 'civilize' the working class and maintain political stability by curbing the influence of the 'dangerous classes'[5].
While initially seen as luxury, these spaces became essential for women, who used them as social hubs to share news and support each other while washing clothes[2][6]. Access often reflected power, as many early efforts were philanthropic or reactive to epidemics, eventually leading to legislation that allowed local authorities to fund these vital public services[2][4].
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