Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Bath

Bath is a historic and elegant city in the West of England, and is one of the most enquired about places in the country.

It was formerly in Somerset, but on local government reorganisation in 1974 was transferred to the new county of Avon.

The famous hot springs were known in prehistoric times, and legend says that they were discovered by Bladud, son of King Lud and father of King Lear, who thereupon established the city.

In the Roman period, the town was known as Aquae Sulis, and dedicated jointly to the Roman goddess Minerva and the Celtic goddess Sul. The Roman Baths were rediscovered in the 19th century.

The magnificent Bath Abbey has a unique place in history. In the Saxon church on the site, King Edgar was crowned in 973, using a service devised by St. Dunstan which is in essence still used today.

The local Bishop has his seat at Wells Cathedral, and is the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

One of the characters in Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" is the Wife of Bath.

From the 17th century the town was promoted as a spa, and became the most fashionable in the country from 18th, under the influence of Beau Nash, who was appointed the Master of Ceremonies in 1704.

Bath is full of beautifully elegant Georgian architecture, encouraged by the wealthy Ralph Allen. This included The Circus, designed by John Wood; Royal Crescent, designed by his son, also John Wood; and the enclosed Pulteney Bridge, designed by Robert Adam.

Jane Austen lived for a time in Bath, and two of her novels, "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion" are set here.

Sir William Herschel, organist at The Octagon, discovered the planet Uranus in 1781.

Many items are named after Bath, including Bath chairs, Bath stone, Bath buns and Bath Oliver biscuits.

Famous people born at Bath include Bill Bailey, the comedian; and Sir Henry Cole, administrator and originator of the Christmas card.

Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Bath for groups.