The third Primrose Hill Lecture Series Event featured an insightful conversation between author and journalist Nell Frizzell and novelist Esther Freud, about 100 years of Hampstead Ladies Pond.
Nell Frizzell:
One day whilst Nell was swimming in the pond a lifeguard called Jane Smith approached Nell and recruited her to become a lifeguard. Nell thought she got recruited because of her bossy personality and loud voice. Nell recalled how she has got ready to swim in the Hampstead Ladies Pond at 8 degrees. Hampstead Ladies Pond is the least occupied from January through to February. Nell’s favourite season to swim in the pond is in the autumn.
2 Weeks into her lifeguard training she found that she was pregnant. She completed the lifeguard training whilst she was pregnant. She wore an extra large shirt and shorts. Nell continued nevertheless. The woman who was training her to become a lifeguard was also pregnant 2 weeks into training. Her husband brought their son along to the pond as a baby by lifting him over the fence for Nell to hold. Nell then passed him back over.
Nell and Esther discussed how the City of London Council planned on closing the Hampstead Ladies Pond. They enforced an additional charge and wanted women to book to reserve their space. The City of London Council said there needed to be a minimum of 20 women attending a day. This condition remains and we are all glad that the pond remains open.
Esther Freud:
Esther Freud is the author of My Sister And Other Lovers. She wrote the foreword for Nell Frizzell’s book Brave and Bold. She was there to interview Nell. Esther enjoys the mud and silk of the Hampstead Ladies Pond. She swims most days of the year. Esther says the best part of coming to the Hampstead Ladies Pond is that women come feeling worried about various problems and when they walk or swim towards the end of the pond the water washes away their concerns. When they leave the pond has an after effect of making their worries about problems feel very small.
ABOUT PRIMROSE HILL LECTURE SERIES:
The Primrose Hill Lecture Series has been known to be exploring and debating some of the most important issues we face as a modern society. The Primrose Hill Lecture Series are now recognised as being one of London’s Leading spaces for bold, lively and informative talks. If you’re interested in learning or engaging about any of the lecture series talks do make sure you book to attend them.
The different lecture series events will be taking place at St Mary’s the Virgin Primrose Hill, Elsworthy Road, London, NW3 3DJ.
© Adam Reeves, 2026, all rights reserved.