Mahomed's Baths, Brighton
Mahomed's establishments were, of course, medicated vapour baths rather than Turkish baths. But during his life-time, Sake Deen Mahomed was probably the most famous shampooer in the country.
As one contemorary is quoted as saying,1 'To miss going to Mahomed's [in Brighton], is like going to town and forgetting to take a peep at St Paul's...'
While one grateful patient wrote a verse, Two years in agony I past..., which includes the lines:
The greatest blessing that we know,
In health is said to be;
That blessing, under God I owe,
Oh Mahomed! to thee;
My lips the gratitude shall show,
That in my heart doth glow,
For ah! I feel too well assured,
(Let all deride, and laugh who will,)
That had I never try'd thy skill,
I never had been cured!!
The verse was presented by Lady Louisa Cornwallis to Mahomed, who included it in his celebrated book.2
Entry revised and slightly enlarged, 27 March 2010
This page enlarges an image or adds to the information found below:
Early problems and controversies. Part 1: introduction
The Brighton Hammam
Sexual activities in the Jermyn Street Hammam. 3: A case study in queer history
Victorian Turkish Baths: their origin, development, and gradual decline
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