This is an entire region of fascinating depth and historical context. The area has varied geography including river valleys and rolling hills. The history of human habitation is long but expanded massively during Roman times, and played significant roles in the Saxon era and English civil war. Industry developed from a largely agricultural basis to include coal mining with the coming of canals and railways. Bath itself developed as a spa resort in Georgian times and remains a major cultural tourism centre having gained World Heritage City status. The area around the city is fascinating. The village of Batheaston was named Estone in the Domesday Book and is overlooked by Solsbury Hill which is within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was an Iron Age hill fort occupied between 300 BC and 100 BC. It is also linked to Bathampton on the south bank of the river via a toll bridge, and also borders Bathford. Near the river crossing is the site of a Roman villa. Elsewhere in secluded St Catherine’s valley north of Bath is a grade I listed Tudor manor house, St Catherine's Court. The oldest part of the house is Elizabethan. Wandering around these ancient monuments and houses strewn in such profusion across such beautiful countryside is a fine way to reconnect with an era now long gone, that these days we can only admire for its grace and elegance. Home | Location | Harley Street Mews | Canton Place | The Batch | The Old Stables | Photo gallery | Getting there | How to book | Contact us | |
This page was updated on 17th. November 2011