Bath
Bath is known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. I might also note that Jane Austen lived here for a time. After a leisurely breakfast our first morning, we strolled up the street toward the Royal Crescent, a fine example of Georgian architecture. Built along a curved street, the town homes have a uniform design. I was under the impression (probably too many Austen movies) that the purpose of the curved design was to allow neighbors to more easily see who was coming and going. Apparently, this was not designed for gossiping neighbors, but strictly a design element. I guess just a bonus for the residents.
|
We got into our Regency groove whilst dancing with the Jane Austen dancers in the assembly room of what is now the Fashion Museum and enjoyed some theatrics too. And we met Jane Austen-in the Wax.
This Roman bath was built over a main spring. People flocked to these waters believing they could be healed. Today, there are "do not drink or touch" signs, as the waters could now cause infectious diseases. So no swimming! At the end of our tour, we took the opportunity to drink the warm spring waters (the safe water). It contains large amounts of sodium, calcium, chloride and sulphate ions. Yummy :(
I am so excited to say, we had afternoon tea in the Grand Pump Room located at the Roman Baths! This is featured prominently in Jane Austen’s novels. It was a place for the upper class to see and be seen. They promenaded around the room drinking the "healing waters" and gossiping.
Menu: cucumber, egg and ham sandwhiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, salmon mousse, strawberry tart, macaroons, chocolate coffee cake, raspberry cream puff and Early Grey tea.
Menu: cucumber, egg and ham sandwhiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, salmon mousse, strawberry tart, macaroons, chocolate coffee cake, raspberry cream puff and Early Grey tea.