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The Roman Baths at Bath

Long before houses had indoor bathrooms, public baths were the most convenient way for people – rich and poor – to keep clean. They were not just for bathing, however, they were also a great place for socializing.

Founded in 75 AD, the Roman Baths at Bath, which are situated below street level, consist of a sacred spring from which water, as hot as 114° F (46° C) bubbles up at a rate of 257,364 imperial gallons a day, the remains of the Temple of Aquae Sulis, and a museum that houses artifacts found at the site.

The baths have been renovated and expanded many times over the years. During the Roman occupation, a frigidarium (cold bath), caldarium (hot bath) and tepidarium (warm bath) were built. After the Romans withdrew from Britain, the baths fell into disrepair. They were reopened when public bathing became fashionable in England and at the end of the 18th century, the Georgian building surrounding the baths was designed by architect John Wood and his son, John.

The pool is no longer safe for bathing as the water still passes through the lead pipes that were constructed by the Romans.

The first thing you notice  – wether in photos or as you enter – is the green color of the water in the great pool. Unfortunately, it’s not because the water is endowed with any mysterious powers, it comes from algae as the original roof that was in place during the Roman occupation was destroyed following their withdrawal.

I felt the water as it exited the spring. It was cool and buttery to the touch. It would have made for a refreshing and relaxing bath.

Some of the artifacts found in the pool are coins, a gilt-bronze statue of the head of Minerva and messages (curses) inscribed on sheets of lead or pewter that were rolled up and thrown into the spring where the spirit of the goddess dwelt.

A very modern way to arrive at the baths
Corner of the Great Pool where the water enters
View of Bath Abbey from the Great Pool
Cold bath (Frigidarium) - Those are coins in the water
Artifacts
Minerva
Pans and coins found at Bath
Detail of the original walkway
Servant in period dress
Man in period costume
Heritage recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987

Bath is one of the best preserved examples of a Roman bath. It received more than a million visitors each year.

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Bath on Foot

I wasn’t prepared for Bath. I knew that it was the location of the Roman Baths but I didn’t realize that the town itself was so beautiful.

The Circus

These residences were designed by the architect, John Wood. Unfortunately, he died before he could see them built and his son, also named John, completed his work.

Detail
Lights outside in the Circus
More Wood designed houses
Typical street in Bath
Quiet Street
Bath View
Sign

I’m not sure what to make of this sign on Bridge Street. Mr. Duck?

Old and New Classics Meet in Bath

At first, the juxtaposition of the Levi’s sign — a modern classic — on this Georgian building bothered me. A part of me still feels like it’s out of place.

Bath Steeple
Bath Abbey
Strive, Probe, Apply
Garfunkles Building
Door
Ducks in the (Bath) Water

Bath is worth the trip.

Enjoy!

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