Tumbling Bay, Oxford Archaeological Watching Brief Report

Between the 22nd October and 28th November 2019, Oxford Archaeology carried out an archaeological watching brief on behalf of the Environment Agency at Tumbling Bay in Oxford during groundworks associated with the construction of a fish pass. The watching brief encountered remains from Tumbling Bay bathing place, which existed from the mid-19th century until 1990. In total, 16 structures were documented. During the 19th century, the site consisted of a parkland area with a ferry house and a toll house along the Thames to the east and a bathing place with buildings to the west of the weir sluice. From the 1920s, the bathing place was enlarged to the east and the north. Evidence was found of landscaping, with the ground level being raised to prevent flooding. The Bulstake Stream was converted into pools with concrete sides and steps and was jettied by footbridges connecting the north and south sides. New buildings were constructed, aligned with the northern boundary of the site. Recording of the concrete foundations shows the site had a guard house and toilet facilities between 1921 and 1957. Later buildings were more robustly built with brick walls, included locker rooms, connected by concrete paved and walled pathways.