Tag Archives: Roman Baths

Bath, England

During my parent’s recent visit to London, we took a day-trip to the lovely city of Bath, England.  Here are a few of the highlights…

Great Bath

Great Bath

Our first stop was the ancient Roman Baths.  This bath complex was built by the Romans thousands of years ago around natural thermal springs.   Aquae Sulis, as Bath was once called, became a popular destination for high-society Romans to “take a bath.”

The museum, built around the bath complex, is fascinating.  The in-depth exhibits and audio-guide do a remarkable job at recreating the scene.  The brilliance of ancient Roman engineering, plumbing, and craftsmanship are evident throughout the tour.  Their ingenuity was simply remarkable.
    
The Great Bath (photo above) is one of the main highlights of the complex.  It was once a covered hall most likely filled with merry Romans.

Roman Women

Roman women still wander around the Great Bath today.  Simply amazing…

Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey

Down the street from the Roman Baths is the magnificent Bath Abbey—one of the last great medieval churches built in England.  A place of worship has been on this site since Anglo-Saxon times, but the current Abbey was founded in 1499.

Bath Abbey Fan Vault Ceiling

Bath Abbey Fan Vault Ceiling

Pulteney Bridge

Pulteney Bridge

The shop-lined, picturesque Pulteney Bridge, completed in the early 1770s, crosses the River Avon.

The Circus

The Circus

A bit north of town is the famous Circus.  This circular housing complex, completed in 1768, is divided into three separate segments of equal length.  The curved facade is highly detailed with Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles, along with a decorated frieze above the first floor.

Royal Crescent

Royal Crescent

Down the street from the Circus is the Royal Crescent—Bath’s most prestigious address.  Built between 1767 and 1775, this semicircular, elegant block of houses overlooks a private lawn and Royal Victoria Park.

Ha ha Trench

Ha ha trench

This ha ha trench once acted as a barrier (sunken fence) to keep sheep away from the private lawn of the Royal Crescent, as well as those of lower social status…very funny.

Our day in Bath was a memorable one.  It was extra special to experience this beautiful, English city with my parents.  We hope you both enjoyed it as much as we did.