Romans & Writers: A Brief History Of Bath
If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Bath, you’ll be familiar with its stunning streets lined with gorgeous Georgian architecture, holding pieces of history in every corner and offering breathtaking views of the Somerset landscape. There’s a reason that Bath is the only city in the UK that’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site; Bath is not only beautiful to look at, it’s also a preserved historical site that continues to thrive as a wonderful southwest spot to build a life in. Let’s dive deeper into the history and heritage of the unique city of Bath.
The Roman Era: Bath’s Founding & Development
The historical city of Bath as we know and love it today was founded during AD 60-70, when the Romans formed a settlement around the area’s abundance of natural hot springs. The spa town of Bath was formed, earning its namesake from the complex of baths that were constructed by the Roman settlers.
The site still remains today, and is one of the city’s key archaeological landmarks that attracts people from all over the world each year as one of the oldest buildings in England.
This enormous expanse of luxurious pools earned Bath an esteemed reputation as a spa town. The series of bathhouses spanned an intricate system of heated rooms, plunge pools, and an advanced under-floor heating system for the settlers to enjoy each day. Central to the bathhouses was the Sacred Spring, which was believed to possess healing properties.
The Temple of Sulis Minerva, situated adjacent to the baths, was a thriving point of religious activity, complete with a stunning courtyard and monumental statue of the goddess for people to gaze at. The temple provides crucial insight into the daily lives and belief system of the Romans living in Bath at the time and continues to inform today’s understanding of Bath’s founding and development.
The Mediaeval Period: Bath’s Evolution
During the Mediaeval era, Bath flourished from its foundations as a spa town into a thriving city. This transformation started with the Roman withdrawal in the 5th century, after which Bath’s infrastructure fell into immediate disrepair. By the 7th century, however, Bath’s strategic location and strong establishment of religious institutions had begun to work its magic, propelling Bath forward as an attractive destination.
In 675 AD, King Osric of Hwicce founded a monastery on the site of the current Bath Abbey, which served to mark the beginning of Bath’s resurgence as a significant religious centre. The monastery drew in pilgrims across the country, becoming a focal point for the emerging community that contributed significantly towards the city’s economic advancements.
During the 11th century, William the Conqueror granted Bath to his cousin, John of Tours, who went on to become the Bishop of Wells and Bath. This also contributed to Bath’s religious evolution as John decided to initiate the construction of a new cathedral, incorporating the remains of the old monastery.
Towards the end of the mediaeval era, Bath began to develop as a market town, which is still evident today through its mediaeval street layout of winding roads and cobbled street corners. In 1189 Richard I granted Bath a charter, meaning the city could hold annual fairs and markets, majorly boosting local trade and commerce and laying integral foundations for the city’s growth and economic vitality.
This was also the time when one of Bath’s oldest houses (and one of the oldest buildings in Britain) was constructed: Sally Lunn’s world famous tea and eating house. Today, you can visit the kitchen museum, which showcases the actual kitchen where the young baker Sally Lunn first created the Bath Bunn, a speciality still enjoyed around the world.
As with Sally Lunn’s, the buildings of Bath as we know it today were primarily built from the local Bath Stone, a golden rock used to form the dominant Georgian architectural style in the city.
The Victorian Era: Writers and Poets of Bath
The Victorian era is when Bath really began to flourish. Culturally, this period really defined the city as a prominent area for poets and writers, who took inspiration from Bath’s stunning landscapes, picturesque architecture, and rich local history. The city was a veritable breeding ground for literary creativity, which shone through the works of many writers at the time who flocked to Bath to pour their hearts into the words that thousands still read today.
Possibly the most notable figure to come from this time was, of course, Jane Austen. Though she lived during the Regency period, her novels continued to gain popularity during the Victorian era. The English novelist lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, and spun the streets of the city into her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, capturing the quintessential charm and unique intricacies of the social dynamics and day-to-day lives of Bath’s Georgian and early Victorian society.
The impact of her works lives on today through the renowned Jane Austen Centre, a quaint attraction that celebrates Austen’s life and novels through an educational tour.
Another significant writer from this period was Charles Dickens, who also mentioned the city in his novels. In The Pickwick Papers, several scenes are set in Bath’s most iconic sites, such as the Assembly Rooms and the Royal Crescent, with the portrayal of the bustling spa town perfectly reflecting the vibrancy of its visitors.
Several wonderful poets also took inspiration from Bath’s Victorian era, including Thomas Hardy and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Hardy’s works usually reference the West Country, while Tennyson’s poetry perfectly reflects the romanticism of the time.
The Modern Day: A Historical City
Today, the city of Bath continues to stand as a breathtaking testament to its vibrant historical and cultural heritage, with its Roman roots, Georgian architecture, and Victorian literary creations seamlessly blending into its unique identity that draws in visitors from all over. It makes sense that Bath is an ideal destination both for tourists and anyone looking to become a Bathonian, offering a tranquil pace of life, stunning scenery, and close proximity to vast expanses of rolling countryside.
The ancient site of the baths alone attracts millions of visitors each year, with the preservation of these historical marvels showcasing Bath’s unique integration of its past into its present that makes the city such a magical place. Its architectural grandeur, a defining feature of Bath’s identity, spans countless iconic structures such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and the Pulteney Bridge, serving simultaneously as celebratory relics of history and active parts of the city’s infrastructure. These sites house hotels, restaurants, and museums, and have even been included in popular contemporary television such as the movie adaptation of the famous musical Les Miserables, as well as the iconic series Bridgerton, which has continued to ravage the nation since its 2020 debut.
Bath’s historical heritage continues to influence its identity, creating a city where history and modernity come together as one. The exceptional blend of new and old is what makes Bath such a captivating place to both visit and live, enticing thousands each year to its honey-coloured streets.
At Zest, we proudly offer an array of properties that capture the historical essence of Bath. If you often find yourself fantasising about living a life steeped in cultural heritage, we’re here to turn those dreams into a reality. Reach out today to take the first step in your property journey and begin your life as a Bath local.
