Friday 27 August 2021

On Tour: City of Bath and the Roman Baths


Yes, you are quite right this isn't Cornwall but, while no one was looking, we scuttled away to the city of Bath in Somerset. I wanted to visit the Roman Baths.

The photo above is Pulteney Bridge in Bath built way back in 1774.

It was a dull day initially. We wandered through the park and headed for the Roman Baths.  

To start with a quote of Solinus in the third century.


Destination achieved here we are looking down on the water from a high walkway.


I read that thermal springs rise on this site and the baths can still flow with natural warm water. 


Some fine statues alongside the walkway.


Another look at the water from a different angle.


Two maidens smiled as I snapped a photo by the bath - okay one of them did.


Looking across the water again.


The stone below is said to be the earliest inscription from the baths. It is from a small monument and dates to 76AD. This means the baths must have been built by that date.


Seemingly the inscription above reads: 'In the 7th consulship of the Emperor Vespian'. This was seven years after he became Emperor in 69AD. 




Another walkway leading to various original exhibits.









There is, of course, more to Bath than the baths. The Abbey for example. It was founded in the 7th century - but has been rebuilt twice in the 12th and 16th centuries.


There were lots of street entertainers about near the abbey.


Can't be easy playing a violin while balancing on a tightrope. Not that I have ever tried.


This gentleman made a pleasant sound.


We made our way through some of the streets, full of character. Jane Austen lived in Wells from 1801. Some say that Bath was the site of the Battle of Mons Badonicus where King Arthur defeated the Saxons, circa 500AD. But, whatever, it's a very pleasant city.


After we had our fill of Bath we hopped on a bus to take us to the city's Park and Ride where our car was waiting.


And, for us, that closed the door on Bath. 


A FEW OTHER POSTS OUTSIDE OF CORNWALL




Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you have a happy weekend and week ahead ~ Mike.

8 comments:

  1. Splendid photo's from Bath Mike and backed up with your usual informative text.

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    1. Thanks David - an interesting place to visit.

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  2. Thank you for the tour Mike, I have never been to Bath. Those Roman baths are quite a feat aren't they, and I love the green colour of the water. Looks like you have a great little trip.

    I had a goldfish called Vespasian once. I don't think the water balance in my tank was ever right, so I worked through quite a few Roman Emperor names, as the fish kept on dying :0 Vepsasian died of diarrhea, not the customary assassination. Have a wonderful weekend Mike :) Lulu x

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    1. A city worth seeing, Lulu. What great names for your goldfish. I remember having one as a young child (I have a good memory!) and I called it Rodge for some reason.
      Enjoy your week, the weather looks promising.

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  3. I’m delighted to see these photos, each very interesting and the two maidens do make a wonderful image with their reflections in the water. It has been 50 years since I visited Bath, and it shocks me to think that much time has passed! Thank you for bringing back some fond memories.

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    1. Thanks Ann, yes time does fly past at quite a speed - and I have found it even more so since Covid took over our lives.
      Bath is a lovely city, glad the photos brought back some memories for you. All good wishes.

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  4. It sounds as though Bath did you proud, Mike. I used to be under what was known as The Min (Mineral Water Hospital, later Royal National Hosp. for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Trust) in Bath ... and David, my archaeologist husband, and I always enjoyed seeing a substantial bit of Roman masonry in a hidden corner of the hospital below the ground floor!

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    1. Hello Caroline good to hear from you. How wondeful it must have been to spot the Roman masonry. Trust all is well, all good wishes.

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