Mercedes Gleitze, a British pioneer long-distance swimmer known for open water swims including the English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, also carried out a series of endurance swims in corporation pools, gradually increasing the British record to 47 hours.One of these events took place in the Northumberland Pool (now known at The City Baths, Newcastle) over 41.30 hours on 24 and 25 October 1930. In her archives there is a photograph of her and the incumbent Baths Superintendent, Mr Edward W. Priestley, taken on the steps leading into the building.
Photographs from the Gleitze archives, courtesy of Doloranda Pember.