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Georgian Bath, Somerset

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 Bath became very important,and after much restoration the original Roman Baths can still be seen. From the sixteenth century people were visiting Bath hoping to benefit their health at the spa. Amusements were soon laid on for 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 many features of our modern holidays date from this time. For more information see History of Holidays.

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." 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 a 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 Crescent.

Opening Times: Number 1 re-opens February 13th from 10.30am - 5pm, last admission 4.30pm. Thereafter opening times are Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays.

Address: Number 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, Somerset BA1 2LR

Access: Number 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:

telephone: 01225 428126

fax: 01225 481850

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 is open from 13th February to 29th November Saturday to Monday, 10.30am - 5pm. Last admission is 4.30pm.

Also open daily between 13th and 22nd February, 29th May and 7th June and 23rd October and 1st November.

It is possible to arrange group visits outside these times, ring the number below for information.

Address: The Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, The Vineyard, The Paragon, Bath, Somerset BA1 5NA

Access: There is good wheelchair access.

Contact:

telephone: 01225 333895

fax: 01225 445473

e-mail: enquiries@bathmuseum.co.uk

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