The Ancient Roman City of Bath
Bath…… historic Roman and Georgian spa city……… city where Jane Austen, romantic novelist of the turn of the 19th century, wrote satire about social life in the England of her time.
On the drive into Bath our driver/guide gave us the news that most of the population of England would be in Bath that day. Why? The Christmas Market of course! Be aware that BUSLOADS of British citizens descend upon Bath for the festive holiday market treats. Determined to brave the crowds we drove on. Driving into Bath is a descent from the surrounding hills to crescents of curved Neo-classical Georgian townhomes and stately avenues.
The center of the old city holds Bath Abbey and Cathedral and the Roman Baths, centuries apart in origin but both crucial to the history of the city. Bath is the oldest tourist destination in England due to its three hot springs which originally were sacred to the Celtic goddess Sulis. When Romans settled in the area, the springs were dedicated to their goddess Minerva and they built elaborate baths in the style of their baths in Rome and called the city Aquae Sulis. In Medieval times the great abbey and cathedral were built and is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic Architecture. The monastery grew rich and powerful as the seat of Bishops. Inside your eyes are drawn immediately to the graceful fan vaulted ceiling soaring above you and the towering jeweled window over the altar. They were presenting coral concerts in the Cathedral during the Christmas market and as I left the nave, people were filling the pews for an evening of holiday music.
A tour of the Roman bath is a lesson in feats of Roman engineering, but I personally spent my thoughts on mental visions of toga wrapped Romans lounging around the green pool appreciating the steamy luxury or losing that toga and floating in the mineral filled water. The temple enclosure and statues are actually 18th and 19th century romantic reconstructions, but the attached museum houses original Roman artifacts found at the site. The Grand Pump Room was a favorite Georgian stop when visiting the baths. A glass of the mineral water was considered a cure for most 18th century ailments. No trip to the Pump Room for us, just a peek inside. We had a Christmas Market to attend!
Artisans in what looked like mini open-fronted chalets were selling crafts, jewelry, soaps and all sorts of gift possibilities. Stalls with sausages, winter stews, and chips drew you in with their spicy, roasted smells and promise of savory mouthfuls. Beer was abundant along with hot mulled wines and sweet pastries. Since the sun was setting and a chill was setting in, Jim and I warmed ourselves with Mince pies and Apple and Brandy Mulled Cider. The walk back to meet our van took us through the fairy-light and Christmas tree bedecked square, bustling with shoppers. Our last memory of Bath as we waited in the tiny park in front of the square was the Abbey Cathedral washed in gold light glowing up to its spires in the dark night sky. Back on the van warm and tired, we were all quiet and content spending the drive back to London reflecting on this really terrific day.
Check out the Photo Montage Below!
On the drive into Bath our driver/guide gave us the news that most of the population of England would be in Bath that day. Why? The Christmas Market of course! Be aware that BUSLOADS of British citizens descend upon Bath for the festive holiday market treats. Determined to brave the crowds we drove on. Driving into Bath is a descent from the surrounding hills to crescents of curved Neo-classical Georgian townhomes and stately avenues.
The center of the old city holds Bath Abbey and Cathedral and the Roman Baths, centuries apart in origin but both crucial to the history of the city. Bath is the oldest tourist destination in England due to its three hot springs which originally were sacred to the Celtic goddess Sulis. When Romans settled in the area, the springs were dedicated to their goddess Minerva and they built elaborate baths in the style of their baths in Rome and called the city Aquae Sulis. In Medieval times the great abbey and cathedral were built and is one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic Architecture. The monastery grew rich and powerful as the seat of Bishops. Inside your eyes are drawn immediately to the graceful fan vaulted ceiling soaring above you and the towering jeweled window over the altar. They were presenting coral concerts in the Cathedral during the Christmas market and as I left the nave, people were filling the pews for an evening of holiday music.
A tour of the Roman bath is a lesson in feats of Roman engineering, but I personally spent my thoughts on mental visions of toga wrapped Romans lounging around the green pool appreciating the steamy luxury or losing that toga and floating in the mineral filled water. The temple enclosure and statues are actually 18th and 19th century romantic reconstructions, but the attached museum houses original Roman artifacts found at the site. The Grand Pump Room was a favorite Georgian stop when visiting the baths. A glass of the mineral water was considered a cure for most 18th century ailments. No trip to the Pump Room for us, just a peek inside. We had a Christmas Market to attend!
Artisans in what looked like mini open-fronted chalets were selling crafts, jewelry, soaps and all sorts of gift possibilities. Stalls with sausages, winter stews, and chips drew you in with their spicy, roasted smells and promise of savory mouthfuls. Beer was abundant along with hot mulled wines and sweet pastries. Since the sun was setting and a chill was setting in, Jim and I warmed ourselves with Mince pies and Apple and Brandy Mulled Cider. The walk back to meet our van took us through the fairy-light and Christmas tree bedecked square, bustling with shoppers. Our last memory of Bath as we waited in the tiny park in front of the square was the Abbey Cathedral washed in gold light glowing up to its spires in the dark night sky. Back on the van warm and tired, we were all quiet and content spending the drive back to London reflecting on this really terrific day.
Check out the Photo Montage Below!