FFF20 East Block Lavatory 9th Dec 2022
Why talk about a lavatory? Well it is actually part of the original c1888 group of buildings and part of the contract signed by R. Bodkin on 28th September 1885. it is located alongside the east wall of east block in an area currently beyond public access even on Steamrail ‘open days’.
It is of very high heritage significance because it is part of the original 1888 group of buildings and demonstrates a very good standard of lavatory accommodation that was provided by the railways for its workers when compared with the very poor facilities seen in many other industrial establishments of the period.
This east block lavatory and central block lavatory, which is located just behind the clock tower building, are the only surviving physical evidence of the original staff amenities as all early meal rooms, locker rooms etc, have gone.
The lavatory block is a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage of Newport Workshops. Although boarded up and out of use for decades, it is vital that all this early infrastructure is saved and restored so that the public can see the importance railway administration of the time placed on providing a high standard of facilities for their workers.
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