Bath

Bath lies in the valley of the River Avon, around hot springs used for bathing since Roman times. The waters drew visitors from across Britain seeking treatment long after the Roman baths had fallen into ruin. In the eighteenth century Bath became a fashionable resort, its social life and architecture transformed by the wealth and company attracted to the springs.

Richard “Beau” Nash organised entertainments and laid down rules of social conduct for visitors, while architect John Wood and entrepreneur Ralph Allen helped create streets and squares of pale local stone. Their classical buildings gave the city a distinctive appearance. Assembly rooms, baths and promenades made Bath a place for society and pleasure as well as the pursuit of health.