Bath stands on the site of Britian's only hot springs. Everyday, a quarter of a million gallons of hot water gush out of the earth at a constant temperature of 46.5 degree celsius. Around 2000 years ago, when England was part of the Roman Empire, the Romans developed the hot springs as a soplisticated series of baths which were used not only for bathing and healing purposes, but as a social centre as well. They also built one of their finest temples here in honour of their goddess Minerva. Significant finds from the Roman site were first recorded in the 18th century, but the discovery of the baths did not really begin until 1878. Since the excavations, which continue today, have uncovered the most fascinating Roman remains in Britian.
By the 18th century, the city had changed from a place of treatment for the sick into a place that was the height of fashion to visit. A gambler called Richard Nash raised the money for the improvements Bath needed. He built roads, canel halls, meeting rooms and a threatre. Social manners and style were very important to him - he wrote the rules for social standards which everybody obeyed. The architect John Wood created buildings of matching elegance on classical Palladian lines. At its heart is the restored 10th century Abbey, next to it is the social centre of Bath, which includes the Pump Room - which was built over the site of the Roman Temple and the adjacant King's Bath.
Bath is also famous for its antique shops, concentrated in Brock Street,
George Street, A list of some of the antique shop are Antiques Centre at
Bartlett Street, Walcot Redamation at 108 Walcot Street. An Antiques Fair
is held every month (usually the 4th Sunday) at the Pavillion, North Parade
Road. Call 01225-442215 for dates.