 e went on a day trip to Bath in February,
while Korina was over on her visit to Bristol. It is the second time that we
have both been to bath together, the last time was in August 2002, which can be
seen in the Gallery at
Bath & Stonehenge August 2002. One of the main
reasons that we returned to Bath was that on the last occasion we visited, the
Historic Roman Bath's and Pumphouse were closed for refurbishment, so we decided
to return, to see them in all of their splendour.
The George's Hotel &
St John's Roman Catholic Church
The Parade Gardens
The Parade Garden
Steps
For two thousand
years Bath has been a spa town, built around Britain’s only hot mineral springs.
For centuries this natural phenomenon has attracted visitors to Bath, and led to
a unique historic urban environment around the springs
The thermal waters rise from a depth of about 3000 metres 10,OOO feet at a daily
rate of around l.l7 million litres ¼ million gallons, at a constant temperature
of 46.5 C I16F. The waters are thought to originate as rainwater which fell on
the Mendip Hills to the south between 20— 80,000 years ago. They reach the
surface in three places in the city centre, and baths have them built over each
of them. In 1984 a new inclined borehole was drilled to tap the spring 84 metres
below street level to ensure a pure supply of water
The view of Pulteney
Bridge with its three classical arches spanning the width of the Avon just above
Pulteney Weir is synonymous with Bath. Designed in the Palladian style by Robert
Adam for landowner Frances Pulteney, the bridge, built in 1769-71, is one of
only three bridges in the world lined with shops. But Pulteney Bridge is unique
in being 18th century, a time when buildings on bridges were being demolished as
impediments to traffic. Indeed the Bath Corporation protested about this
'outdated phenomenon,' but Frances Pulteney was determined (possibly thinking of
the shop rents he would collect) and the shops remain to this day. After 1936
the bridge was restored to the original plans and it is this restored bridge
that enchants visitors and provides an instantly recognisable image of Bath
The shops aligning
Pulteney Bridge
Bath Weir & Great
Pulteney Street
The guiding
mastermind behind much of Bath's beauty was the 18th century Architect Richard
Nash. He was able to utilize the lovely yellowish limestone which abounds in the
region, and designed with it buildings that combine stateliness with amusement.
Bath was a "spa" - a place for "restoration" and revival: as much so in 200 C.E.
as in 2000 C.E.
A view down Bath
Street
Korina in the heart
of historic Bath
Jane Austen lived in
Bath from 1801 to 1806. Her main residences were,
4 Sydney Place, 27 Green Park Buildings and 25 Gay St, she was also known to
have lived in Trim St, apparently she only lived there for a couple of weeks. In
1797 she came to Bath to visit her uncle and aunt who lived at 1 Paragon, she
also visited bath again in 1799 and stayed at 13 Queens Square.
Abbey Road...
The Guildhall
The entrance to the
Historic Roman Bath's & Pumphouse
Bath Abbey
Though the present
building was founded in 1499, Bath Abbey is built on a site of religious
importance dating back to the 4th century. Once the great church of a monastery,
the Abbey is known for its magnificent fan vaulted ceilings and it boasts an
excellent example of perpendicular architecture. Be sure to allow time to study
the incredible stained glass windows at the East End, which depict 56 scenes in
the life of Christ
A view of the Abbey
from the Balcony of the Roman Bath
The whole reason the
city is there, the Romans discovered the advantages of the natural mineral hot
springs and built a huge complex of Baths and temples. The baths and the city
deteriorated but was rediscovered in the 18th Century. The Baths were and
continue to be restored and researched, the main building that houses the bath's
was rebuilt by the Georgians. The Georgian Pump Rooms overlooks the Sacred
Spring bath, where tea and luncheons are now served. Entry to the museum (Bath's
& Pumphouse) is £9.50, which includes a multi-lingual listening device for the
audio tour. Basically you punch in numbers that correspond to signs at various
locations around the complex
Although the
foundations of the Roman Baths were rediscovered in 1755, the pillars and
porticoes we see today were created by the Victorians. The ancient-style busts
of Roman emperors and statesmen that line the upper promenade are less than 150
years old. Full details of the reconstruction are related in the audio tour that
comes with the price of admission. Below the lead-lined pool seen here in the
picture, lies one of the original hot springs. It is visible from one of the
subterranean chambers that constitute the Roman ruins. The network of baths and
steam rooms that grew up around the mineral springs is demonstrated by amazing
video re-creations. In Roman times pilgrims tossed tiny prayer-inscribed plaques
into the waters, invoking Minerva's favour. Modern visitors have filled several
of the pools with coins and paper notes, invoking the powers of the gods of
prosperity perhaps. Next to these Roman ruins 18th century builders created the
Pump Room, this was where fashionable society came to 'take the waters'.
The network of baths
and steam rooms that grew up around the mineral springs is demonstrated by
amazing video re-creations. In Roman times pilgrims tossed tiny prayer-inscribed
plaques into the waters, invoking Minerva's favour. Modern visitors have filled
several of the pools with coins and paper notes, invoking the powers of the gods
of prosperity perhaps. Next to these Roman ruins 18th century builders created
the Pump Room, this was where fashionable society came to 'take the waters'.
Robert in the Bath
The Roman Baths are
a designated UNESCO world heritage site, and definitely worthy of the honour.
The natural thermal spring supplying the baths have been used since the first
century AD, and the museum now set up has preserved much of the relics from its
history over the ages. The museum is definitely worthy of 2-3 hours of your time
in Bath
Korina in the Bath
The Sacred Spring is
located on the lower level of the site. It is the most important part of the
Baths. This is the place were hot water at a temperature of 46C rises every day
and has been doing this for thousands of years. The mineral rich water from the
Spring has healing powers.
The Georgian Streets
of Bath...
Robert on Old Bond
Street and the Church down Green Street
Korina & Robert the
Lamb & Lion
All photographs were taken in Bath - England on the 19th
February 2005.
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