The History of Bath, Somerset
The city of Bath, just 30 minutes away from Monks Mill Barn, provides a perfect day trip and has so much to offer that we think everyone should spend a day there whilst holidaying in the Cotswolds. This history has an extremely long history going back to at least the 9th century BCE with the legend of Bladud, a Celtic prince who suffered from leprosy and was banished from his kingdom. He ended up in the hot springs in the Avon Valley and was cured.
He went back to his people and went he became king, he took his people to the hot springs and founded the city of Bath. We’re certain by the end of this blog post, you’ll want to spend the day in Bath more than ever!
After the Roman Invasion of Britain in 43CE, the Romans soon arrived in Bath and named it after the goddess Sulis Minerva, calling it Aquae Sulis. They built magnificent temples and public baths, as well as founding a large urban settlement there.
As the Romans started retreating from Britain from the 4th century, Bath fell into steep decline with the vast majority of the Romans no longer visible by the time Alfred the Great visited in 577 and he had to re-establish the city. This appears to have been a success as Bath Abbey hosted the coronation of King Edgar in 973.
The Norman Invasion helped to cement Bath’s place as a site of religious significance and John of Tours became the first Bishop in 1088, building a Bishop’s Palace and large church. This was replaced in the Tudor era with a large and stunning cathedral, just before the Reformation.
The Elizabethan era saw Bath’s fortunes improve once more, being granted city status by Royal Charter in 1590 and extensive renovations of the spa baths.
Georgian Bath and the city’s Golden Age
Bath continued to grow throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, with incredible expansion happening throughout the 18th century. Bath in the Georgian era became incredibly popular as a spa resort away from London for England’s upper class and luxury property was ever increasing in demand.
The Palladian-terraced streets, circuses and squares you’ll enjoy when you visit, were designed largely by father and son, John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger. Bath also enjoyed the construction of the Assembly Rooms, Pump Room and theatre for the wealthy and aristocratic to enjoy. Figures such as Ralph Allen and Beau Nash were essential to the city’s great ambitions and bath was home to Jane Austen.
Bath in the modern world
The mid-19th century onwards saw Bath facing increasing competition from other spa towns and cities in Europe, with Bath’s Golden Age finally over. Despite this, Bath is one of the UK’s largest cities (and definitely the most beautiful!) and has a railway station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Since 1987, Bath’s cultural and historical significance has been formally recognised with the entire city being granted World Heritage Site status.
When you stay at Monks Mill Barn, you’re just 30 minutes away from endless culture, history and beauty in Bath. It’s the perfect city to explore before coming back to your holiday cottage for a relaxing drink and planning the next day’s adventures.
For more information about Monks Mill Barn and to check availability, call us on 07809 216647 or get in touch with us online today.