When it opened in 1936, Larkswood Swimming Pool in Chingford was said to be the largest open-air pool in Britain.

Built on land formerly occupied by Larks Farm, the pool covered seven acres and had a unique cruciform plan that provided deep water areas for diving and shallower areas for children and beginners.

The pool held the highest attendance in the history of UK lidos, with 290,000 bathers during the swimming months of 1959.

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It closed in 1987 and is now a leisure centre.

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