Bath is a fascinating city. There is Roman history, Austen history, Georgian history, fashion history, and many others. (I would argue there is literally something for everyone….) It is possibly one of the most gorgeous cities that I have ever seen, and I can understand why it has been given UNESCO heritage status for the entire city. If you ever are lucky enough to find yourself in Bath, certainly give the whole city a wander. However, there are obviously a few things that everyone wants to see in Bath, starting with the Royal Crescent!
The Royal Crescent was built between the years of 1767 and 1774, by architect John Wood the Younger. According to the guide for No. 1 Royal Crescent, “[t]he eighteenth-century town house terrace united individual houses behind a palatial facade, providing the occupants of those buildings with residences in the city that emulated the grandeur of their country seats”. (p2.) Interestingly, the crescent isn’t actually a perfect crescent, though. Each house has it’s own flat front, with the next at a slightly greater angle.
The Royal Crescent is quite striking, and you can see that there is quite a good sized park opposite. It really does catch your breath when you see it for the first time- I can understand why it was considered the best address in Bath. If you are an Austenite like myself, you will find the Royal Crescent referenced in Northanger Abbey as simply “the Crescent”, and I can certainly picture Jane and her characters promenading along the Crescent. (Unsurprisingly, we saw two different couples take wedding photos here) It is just such a sweeping visual, it can’t be beat!
Do you have a favourite architectural style? Do you notice the architecture in places like the Royal Crescent?
Cheers,
The Historian
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I love this city too Jess. And when I saw the Crescent, I was in awe as well. Beautiful architecture. ?
I have to say, I think Bath may be my favourite city ever!! ?