Bath


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.

This fountain draws the famous spa water from beneath the King's Bath at the Pump Room. The Pump Room was opened in 1706 to provide a place to drink the spa water. The water contains 43 minerals. The dissolved iron mineral gives a distinctive flavour.
The Open-air (originally covered) Great Bath, part of the Roman complex of pools and rooms which was fully excavated in 1925. Its vaporous waters surrounded by 19th century pillows, terrace and status of famous Romans. 
The Roman's central heating system in the bathing complex.
The Bath Abbey, constructed at the end of the 15th century. 
The interesting fan vaulting on the ceiling of the Bath Abbey.
Sally Lunn's House - In the 1680s, Sally Lunn came here, Bath's oldest surviving house, and established a bakery which soon became a favourite. The original recipe for the Buns made by Sally Lunn in this house is a closely guarded secret. 
18th century archtect Robert Adam's splendid Pulterey Bridge, spans the River Avon and is flanked by little shops.
The V-shaped Pulteney Weir as seen from the Pulteney Bridge. 
The Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood makes a stunning landmark. It consists of 30 houses set off by a vast expense of lawn.
Queen Victoria Park, Bath's largest open space, containing an avlary and botanical gardens. 
Circus - John Wood's masterpiece. It consists of three crescents arranged in a tight circle of three-storey houses, with a frieze running round the entire circle. John Wood died before the project was finished. His son, also called John, took over. 


Last updated on 1 July 98 by Phyllis Chong