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Bath Then & Now

Discover how Bath has changed through historic and modern photographs.

A little history of Bath

A drawing of Bath in the 18th centuryBath, located in Somerset, England, is renowned for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture. The city's origins trace back to the 1st century AD when the Romans established a thermal spa around the natural hot springs, naming it Aquae Sulis. This site became a significant religious and social centre, with the construction of a temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva and an extensive bathing complex.

In the 18th century, Bath underwent substantial development, transforming into a fashionable spa town. This period saw the creation of iconic Georgian structures such as the Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. Pulteney Bridge, designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1774, is particularly notable for its unique design, featuring shops along its span, and serves as a vital link between the city centre and the Bathwick estate.

Bath's rich history is further highlighted by Bath Abbey, a 15th-century Perpendicular Gothic church that has been a focal point of the city's religious life for centuries. The city's unique blend of Roman heritage and Georgian elegance has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, recognising its outstanding universal value.

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