Triumph

In less than seventy years, during the eighteenth century, Bath grew from a medieval city of narrow streets into one of the most beautiful cities in the world, marked now by its status as a World Heritage Site. Primarily three men achieved this triumph of architecture, culture and entertainment. Firstly, Richard ‘Beau’ Nash, who became Master of Ceremonies and organized the social life of the city into a state of unified elegance previously unknown outside London. Secondly, the young architect, John Wood, who dreamed of building a magnificent new Rome; and the entrepreneur Ralph Allen. Almost everyone of consequence came to visit for ‘the season’ including royalty, Alexander Pope, David Garrick, Dr. Johnson and Fanny Burney.

Bath’s hey-day was over almost as quickly as it had begun and visitors such as Jane Austen and Admiral Lord Nelson found the expanded city more sedate but, more importantly, a much less exclusive resort.

This architectural, art and social history course includes illustrated lectures, visits, walks and presentations. We will examine why Bath’s popularity faded and how post-war politics had such a detrimental effect on the unique heritage of Bath in the twentieth century.

Subject areas: Art, Architecture, Architectural History and History.
Check with your home institution for specific information on fulfilment of major/course requirements.