The original proposal for a pool was to be in the fields to the north of Rouse’s Lane but this did not pass planning so a new applicaiton was made, in October 1961, for a site on the Memorial Field. Tenders for the construction works were invited in August 1963.
The first gala of the Amateur Swimming Club was held on 2nd September 1976.
In June 1975, the council applied for planning permission to convert the pool to an indoor one by covering it with a greenhouse-like structure. Refurbishment took place in late 1990 with the pool re-opening in January 1991. A multi-gym was installed in June 1993.
The pool was replaced with a purpose-built indoor pool within a new leisure centre in 2003 and the old pool buildings were demolished and the pool filled in.
Thank you to All about Downham Market (Norfolk) and surrounding areas | Facebook group for providing missing information. Whilst very little factual information can be found, the locals were very fond of this pool and the people that ran it including Ernie Maycroft, spoken of with much affection.
| Name | Downham Market Memorial Field, Lynn Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9OS, England |
| Coordinates | 52°36’32.0″N 0°23’01.2″E |
| Built / opened | 10th May 1965 |
| Cost | |
| Dimensions | 85′ x 30′ (25m x 10m) |
| Water volume | |
| Water type | |
| Depth(s) | 3′ to 10′ |
| Diving boards | 1m and 2m fixed platforms, 1m springboard |
| Changing facilities | |
| Second pool | Small paddling pool added circa 1966 |
| Spectator seating | |
| Designer | |
| Date closed | Circa 2000 |
| Status | Demolished |
| On site now | Grass |
| Last updated | 16th September 2025 |
