Belles in Bath

It was a beautiful August day when Pris, Anna, and I ventured out with London Walks to the beautiful cobblestoned streets of Bath, the pinnacle of the 18th century's Age of Elegance, and a getaway for center for socialization and health during that era. It is a masterpiece of the grandeur of  Georgian architecture, dripping with history and romance. 

Jane Austen lived in Bath for five years and all of her books mention Bath, while three of them are actually set in Bath (Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Sense & Sensibility)

"I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath, when I am at home again - I do like it so very much...Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?...for a fine Sunday in Bath empties every house of its inhabitants, and all the world appears on such an occasion to walk."

(Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey)

Can you just picture some of Jane Austen's memorable characters dancing in this Assembly Room?

"The Min" was the first hospital in Bath and was founded in 1742, specializing in rheumotology.

The Roman Baths, where the wealthy would "take to the waters".

Bath Abbey, where the first king of England was crowned in 973AD, King Edgar.

The famous Circus, a circular Georgian structure of townhouses of the wealthy, completed in 1768.

"...they hastened away to the Crescent, to breathe the fresh air of better company."

(Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey)

So many musicians in the many public squares of Bath! Beautiful sounds were everywhere! Dreamy!

 

"To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment."

(Jane Austen, Mansfield Park)

We simply adored Bath! We wish we could have stayed longer as we did not venture to the less touristy area of Bath that lies behind us in this photo. Alas, I will have to return again one day!