The entire city of Bath is a world heritage site. It owes its existence to water - the natural hot springs from under the ground that are between 4,000 and 10,000 years old. The river springs pump out about a 1,000,000 liters a day, the water full of minerals including iron. The water is supposed to be a healthy living cure for things like arthritis and rheumatoidism.
Legend says that Prince Bladud (rumored to be King Lear's father), had leprosy and so was banished to be the swine herd out in the country. The pigs caught the leprosy from him, but were cured from rolling in the natural springs. So Prince Bladud bathed in the spring, was cured, and went back to found the city of Bath. In reality Bath was founded by the Romans who worshiped their goddesses in the city when they saw steam rising from the earth. There is quite a bit of acorns found in the architecture, in honor of the pigs' favorite food and Prince Bladud.
Bath is known for its Neoclassical architecture in the Palladian style. It is the first example of town planning in England. There are many beautiful green areas once used for promenading in finery during the Season (when men and women were paired off as part of the Marriage Mart and wanted to see and be seen). This is where the rich gentlemen would hire a house for the Season to come find a wife. It became fashionable to take the waters of Bath - by bathing in or drinking the water. The rich and powerful would come here during the Season and many others followed them with the intention of making marriage matches.
The bus dropped us off in town and we walked with our guide Corinna toward the Bath Abbey, right in front of the Roman Baths we will see later his afternoon.
For now, we are sending the kids out for lunch and some free time - I'm sure they will shop :)
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