Bath and The Bard

The historic town of Bath and Stratford on Avon were two towns I felt I had to see in the UK, even
knowing they would probably also have the highest concentration of tourists.

As early as 60 AD the Romans built structures to create bathing space in the natural hot springs. Later came other styles and cultures, but a common bond is the use of the local yellow rock called Bath Stone.  Medieval, Palladian, Georgian, and Gothic architecture, early city planning, in large part attributable to John Wood and his son, make this a spectacular city.  It is the only city in the UK to be named a World Heritage Site.  Lest you think there are not plenty of World Heritage sites in the country, there are.  But none of them is a full city.

We did a walking tour of Bath, guided by local volunteers, which emphasized the architectural heritage.  John Wood and his son, famous for the Royal Crescent and for designing many of the city's streets and parks, is a favorite and we saw many of his buildings, and the small parks, that we might call pocket or neighborhood parks. Isambard Kingdon Brunel, who we learned more about in London, designed and built the Bath Spa Railroad station. 

You can no longer soak in the ancient baths.  In fact they were a rather unattractive green color and there were signs telling you not to put your hands in.  Naturally, just as in the geothermal pools in Yellowstone, I watched several people do exactly that.  We will hope they washed their hands before they touched their faces or food.  There is a new spa, but with limited time we skipped soaking and emphasized  seeing the historic ones.  We enjoyed the excellent museum with many relics from the Roman era, walking the city in the evening, a leisurely boat ride down the River Avon, and a night walk with a magician.

The Royal Circle, adjoinging houses in a half circle with a large open space

This one and the next are along the River Avon.

And since we have been speaking of the River Avon, here are some selections of Stratford-on-Avon, known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Bard.   

This window in Shakespeare's home became a guest book of sorts. People who came to honor Shakespeare, pay homage to his legacy began scratching, with a diamond ring, their names on this window.

Detail on the outside of Shakespeare's home with thistles.  He was often gone, as an actor, part owner of the Globe Theater in London, and writer.  

Period dancing in front of Shakespeare's home in Stratford-on-Avon

Street artist|mime

Anne Hathaway's birthplace and childhood home.  It started out as a small, tenant home and was enlarged later after her brother bought it.  Out from town, the thatch roof was not uncommon in those days.  Today we only saw a couple, and those were on historic buildings.  Not visible in this photo, there was major scaffolding on the other wing.

People have been making pilgrimages to Stratford-on_Avon for a long time.  This sign speaks to the first Shakespeare Festival held there in 1769.

The next series of photos are not in Stratford-on-Avon but in London.  The Old Globe theater was rebuilt.  I did a tour of the inside but not a performance.