For two thousand years Bath has been a spa town, built around Britain’s only hot mineral springs. For centuries this natural phenomenon has attracted visitors to Bath, and led to a unique historic
urban environment around the springs.
The thermal waters rise from a depth of about 3000 metres 10,OOO feet at a daily rate of around l.l7 million liters ΒΌ million gallons, at a constant temperature of 46.5 C I16F. The
waters are thought to originate as rainwater which fell on the Mendip Hills to the south between 20— 80,000 years ago. They reach the surface in three places in the city centre, and baths have them built over each of
them. In 1984 a new inclined borehole was drilled to tap the spring 84 metres below street level, as shown in the diagram on the left to ensure a pure supply of water.
The Saxons and Normans also made use of the thermal waters for curative purposes By the late 16th century there were no fewer than the baths attracting the poor and leprous to the city’s hospitals and almshouses in search of healing and relief from discomfort. The map of Bath, shown, by John Speed. published in 1610 but probably drawn in the late 36th century, shows the principal baths in the city at that time. The Lazars’ bath was reserved for the use of Lepers. Visits to the city’s baths by members of the royal family and the court during the 17th century helped establish Bath as a fashionable watering place. By the mid 18th century.
Bath Spa
Thermal waters beneath Bath - History of Bath
Thermal waters beneath Bath
Hot water flowin from the springs below Bath
Bath had become the leading spa in Britain. it was visited not only by the rich who hoped that the waters could provide a cure for their ailments, but also by those who sought diversion and amusement.
The Romans were the first to realise the value of the hot mineral water. They built their religious spa of Aquae Sulis around the three springs. The plan below shows the Roman spa remains superimposed on the present day street plan. In addition to the baths and temple on the site (AX a reservoir and possible shrine are known at the CrossBath spring (B) and another bath house adjacent to the Hot Bath spring (C)
Thermal waters beneath Bath - History of Bath
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