The Roman Baths in Bath

The Roman Baths are the best know tourist attraction in the English city of Bath. In fact the cities name is derived from these baths. They attract over a million visitors a year and, like all roman baths, are surrounded by the bath’s buildings. They are situated in the city centre.

All Roman cities had similar public baths, but this was the only one in the United Kingdom. It is now a world heritage centre. In the Roman period it was almost unheard of for anyone but the very wealthiest to have baths in their homes, due to the difficulty of heating water and large families meaning there wasn’t enough space for bathrooms and baths that are so common now. The public baths were used by everyone, both rich and poor. There was an entrance fee but they were low so even the poor were able to afford to visit them weekly. The baths were owned and maintained by the government. The main reason for the Roman baths were for people to clean themselves but visiting them also became an important social activity; it was a place to meet people and meet with friends. It was also a way for men, in particular, to exercise. This was not just by swimming but also by using other facilities that were provided. In many ways they were a precursor to gyms, with even competitions taking place. Many baths also had gardens which visitors could use. In short public baths were the hub of the Roman society in all Roman cities across the globe.

In Bath rainfall percolates through the limestone and once undergrounds is warmed by the earth’s properties. This water then travels underground and reappears via a natural spring. When the Romans first came to Bath they were immediately attracted to this spring and created the baths that still exist to the present day. Using this natural spring they used a clever system of pumps to move the water into the pool area the Romans had created. Heaters were used to maintain the warm temperature.

These Roman baths have now been developed into a major tourist attraction. They are the largest Roman baths still available for visitors to view in the world. These baths are world famous and is what the city is known for by many. The buildings around the baths that used to hold changing rooms and other facilities, now mainly houses a museum. In the museum are many artefacts from the Roman period from throughout the United Kingdom. There is also a restaurant where visitors can have a meal while overlooking the famous baths below. They still contain water that flows from the natural spring, but visitors are not permitted to bath in them.

Andrew Marshall ©
Solicitors Bath