7/30/2019 The City of Bath and Its Attractions

1/2

The City of Bath and its Attractions

The beautiful city of Bath in the South West corner of England is a mecca fortourists now as it has been across the millenia. As a world heritage site with arich history dating to pre-roman times, there is plenty to both see and do for the3.8 million tourists that flock to the city every year.Bath is located in the northern tip of the ceremonial county of Somerset near theborder with Wiltshire and just 13 miles from the important trade port and culturalcentre of Bristol; but it is its position in the valley of the River Avon, right on theedge of the Cotswolds that is the reason for its existence as it is the site of thehottest natural geothermal springs in the UK.

The establishment of Bath and its subsequent prosperity throughout the ages

can be traced back to the discovery of these three hot springs. From prehistorictimes the site was important as a place of worship with people investing thesprings waters with healing powers whilst honouring the pagan god Sulis. Withthe arrival of the Romans in AD40 the new town of Aqua Sulis sprung into lifeand the spiritual importance of the springs was embraced. They were the first tobuild permanent stone structures around the springs, from 60-70AD onwards,channeling the naturally warm waters into classic Roman bath rooms. In doingso they began the sites transition into a prosperous spa town and a destinationwhere travellers would come from far and wide searching for the healingproperties of the waters.The unique spa and baths meant that the city remained a popular destination for

the great and good of society throughout the near history from Elizabethan toGeorgian to Victorian times - bringing to the town a rich mix of culture and highsociety living which lives on today in its traditions of theatre, music and the arts.

The BathsWhilst we may no longer assign such spiritual significance to the springs, thebaths are still a draw for visitors who still come to take advantage of theirperceived healing or, at least, relaxing powers. The Roman Baths themselveshave been rebuilt, along with much of the city, during Georgian period and in theclassical and Palladian styles although some of the original buildings have beenpreserved. The complex now consists of the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple,the Roman Bath House and a museum, and although they are no longer used forbathing, they are a fascinating historical attraction to be toured, providing a great

insight into the history and the heart of the city.

Page 1 of 2

7/30/2019 The City of Bath and Its Attractions

2/2

For those wanting to take a dip in the famous waters, the new bath complex, theThermae Bath Spa, was opened in 2006 with the New Royal Bath at its heart,featuring two spring fed baths, an open top pool with views of the city centre andextensive spa facilities. It also incorporates the older Hot Baths and the open

Cross Bath which were again rebuilt by the Georgians but can still be used forbathing nowadays.

Bath AbbeyAdjacent to the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey. The abbey was first founded asa monastery by the Anglo Saxons and has been rebuilt by successive Bishopsof Bath & Wells starting shortly after the Norman conquest and finishing with amajor rebuild in the Elizabethan period. For a time in the middle ages it served asthe seat for the Bishops of Bath and Wells and it is an excellent example of gothicarchitecture, particularly noted for its fan vaulted ceiling.Georgian ArchitectureThe popularity of Bath during the Georgian era led to great expansion and leftus with the famous and distinctive architecture associated with the city today.

Built using the distinctive bath stone - limestone from surrounding hills - much ofthe Georgian architecture was designed by father and son John Wood the Elderan John Wood the Younger in a classical revival and Palladian style. The mostnotable examples of the period are the majestic Royal Crescent and the uniqueCircus (some of the most sought after addresses in the country), although thearchitecture also continues through many of the adjoining streets spreadingwest from the city centre. The layout of the Georgian streets and the ornatedecorations on the building themselves are said to contain nods to masonic andoccult references and it is thought, for example, that the layout of the Circus, GayStreet and Victoria Square represent a masonic key symbol.Bath is also home to Pulteney Bridge situated on the River Avon. Again it is

constructed in the Georgian style whilst being influenced by bridges such as thePonte Vecchio in Florence. It is one of only four bridges in the world to carryshops.ShoppingBath is now a major shopping centre catering for tourists and locals alike. Ithas a healthy mix of high street names, particularly in the new shopping areaof SouthGate, high end boutique shops (Milsom Street) and quirky independentshops in the back streets and alleys leading away from the Abbey. The city alsohas plenty of eateries dotted about the town centre from leading Vegetarianrestaurants to the famous Sally Lunns bakery and cafe which is seen as the homeof the Bath bun.For thousands of years, Bath has been a popular destination for travellers andtourists still come from across the world to stay in the unique city. Whether you

want to take in the splendour of the Georgian streets, take a relaxing dip in thethermal waters or simply do a bit of Christmas shopping, Bath has plenty to offer.

Stuart Mitchell 2011If you are looking for legal assistance in Bath then visit Bath Solicitors

Page 2 of 2

http://www.stoneking.co.uk/