Bath - August 21st

We spent the day immersed in Bath’s history, starting with its 1st century Roman Baths moving on to the 15th century Bath Abbey and concluding with Bath’s 17th and 18th century Georgian architecture and society.

Our tour of the Roman Baths and adjacent museum was enhanced not only by the excellent audio guide provided, but also by the depiction of ancient Romans as they went about their daily life, including their use of the baths, how they worshipped and their societal structure. We were able to walk through the ruins of the temple courtyard, smelling the sulfur of the mineral water as we approached the great bath itself. We came away awestruck by the scale and grandeur of these ancient baths.

Bird's eye view of the ancient Roman baths

Pediment fragments from the temple

Walking through the temple courtyard outside the baths








We then visited Bath Abbey, an important medieval church and monastery, looted by Henry VIII during his dissolution of the monasteries when he sold off its valuable lead roof and glass windows. Luckily, these have been restored and the abbey is now a functioning Anglican church. 

Side view of Bath Abbey










Front view of the Abbey

Interior view looking toward the altar.
Notice the ceiling fan design












In the afternoon we joined a 2.5 hour free guided walking tour of the city, mainly exploring the city’s Georgian architecture and its rise in social prominence among Britain’s wealthy and aristocratic families during the 17th and 18th centuries.

All in all, a very busy day!

View of the Royal Crescent -
one of Bath's finest examples of Georgian architecture

Grand Pulteney street - backdrop for many Bridgerton scenes

                                                                                                 











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