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Spas and Ancient Baths of Bath, England

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Shares 169 From the roof of Thermae Bath Spa I looked out over Tudor and Georgian rooftops with row upon row of cylindrical black chimneys as Charlotte Hanna, assistant sales & marketing manager for the spa, gave me a primer on the history of Bath, England. Archeological evidence suggests that humans were visiting and worshiping the hot springs in Bath as far back as 8000 B.C., but it wasn’t until 2,000 years ago, when the Romans colonized Britain , that written documentation began . The invaders wrote of a lush, uninhabited valley where natural hot springs bubbled up from the ground. Locals lived in forts atop the seven hills that surround the valley, descending each day to graze their livestock, fish, and to worship the water. But each night they retreated to their hilltop abodes, leaving the pristine valley to Sul, the pagan goddess of water, healing, and wisdom worshiped by Britons. “Clearly, the ancient people of Britain considered this a spiritual site ,” Charlotte expla...

The renaissance of Bath

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Bath’s fortunes had rather faded in recent years but new developments and a faster rail link to London mean this Georgian city ’s fortunes are on the rise again A Roman city, a Georgian city or an early-Victorian reinvention? Bath is all of these and more. as the art historian James mcDonaugh observed : ‘Bath has been in the renaissance business for a long time.’ and now it’s doing it again. after a period in the westerly doldrums, this architectural gem is on the cusp of achieving permanent status as a world- class cultural destination . The reason? a synergy of happy circumstances converging upon this valley on the River avon. July witnessed the opening, right in the Georgian city centre , of the first grand hotel by a major international resort operator ; another major hotel launch is due next year, as is electrification of the Great Western Railway . The latter will reduce journey times from Londontoaboutanhour. In anticipation, festivals celebrating literature , regional foo...