Bath

This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest cities.

It provides a nostalgic look at Bath’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites. The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history.

Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts. Founded in AD 60–70 by the Roman invaders, and named Aquae Sulis after the hot-water springs with their seemingly magical healing qualities, the town grew to become a popular health spa.

It was, however, during the Georgian era that Bath flourished.

Jane Austen lived here for a short period and used the city as the setting for Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Historic England: Bath shows the city as it once was, from its perfectly preserved Georgian streets to its sweeping crescents.

Today, Bath is a major tourist destination, a World Heritage Centre and a city of international importance.

This book will help you discover its remarkable 2,000 years of history.