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Georgian Bath

There has been a settlement at Bath since prehistoric times, centred on a natural spring that was once held to possess healing powers. During Roman times the city became very important,and after much restoration the original Roman Baths can still be seen. Most of what we now see in Bath was built in the eighteenth century Georgian era when the city was promoted as the ideal retreat for people wishing to "take the waters." From the sixteenth century people were visiting Bath hoping to benefit their health at the spa. Amusements were soon laid on for the visitors and Bath became Britain's first tourist resort. In the eighteenth century Richard Nash became Master of Ceremonies, responsible for the entertainment of visitors. Nash was hugely energetic in this role, and was responsible for many general improvements to the town. Bath at this time was Britain's premier tourist destination, and many features of our modern holidays date from this time. For more information see History of Holidays.

The Royal Crescent (built 1767 - 1774), an exclusive collection of thirty houses built in a continuous crescent is perhaps the most beautiful and famous Georgian building in the country. Number1 Royal Crescent is now a museum showing how wealthy Georgian owners might have furnished their house. There is also an hotel in the Crescent, at Numbers 15 and 16. Next to the Royal Crescent is a circle of houses known as the Circus. John Wood the Younger, and his father John Wood the Elder, who designed the Crescent and Circus, were interested in the occult: the Crescent and Circus are supposed to symbolise the sun and the moon.

Directions: See interactive map centred on Royal Cresent.

Opening Times: Number 1 re-opens February 2008.

Access: No 1 has a steep flight of steps leading up to the main entrance, and another steep flight leading down to the basement. Disabled access is difficult. Ring ahead to discuss your requirements.

Contact:

phone: +44 (0) 1225 428 126

web: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/no1

The Building of Bath Museum gives a general view of the development of the city. It has an interesting "Interiors Gallery" which explains how the interior decoration of a Georgian house in Bath had to be relevant to the owners social class. It was socially unacceptable to decorate a house in a style above your station even if you could afford to do so.

Directions: The Museum is housed in the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel in the middle of Bath, close to the Circus and the Assembly Rooms.

Opening Times: The Museum re-opens February 2008.

Access: there is good wheelchair access.

Contact:

phone: +44 (0) 1225 333 895

web: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/bath