Bath is one of the most celebrated cities in the kingdom, as well for the elegance of its buildings, as the salubrity of the air, and beauty of the adjacent country, is a place of very considerable antiquity, and is said to have flourished long before the Romans invaded this island. Ptolemy mentions it under the name of "Waters of the Sun. "Camden says, the ancient Britons called it Yr Ennaint Twymin; but he does not explain the meaning, which is, the Warm or Hot Bath. It was likewise called Caer Badon, that is, the City of Bath, the very name it now bears.

When the Romans were in this island, they had a military station at Bath, and soon discovered the healing virtues of its waters; but in the subsequent wars between the Saxons and Britons, the place was long neglected: although it appears to have been known to these Invaders, who called it Acmannesceaster, which Camden and Bishop Gibson both interpret The City of Valetudinarians.

The great King Arthur fought many battles near this place. When the power of the West Saxons preponderated, it made part of their kingdom, and here they built several churches and monasteries, which were afterwards utterly destroyed by the Danes. It assumed new splendour under the reign of Edgar, who, in 973, was consecrated with great solemnity in the Church of St. Peter. This monarch endowed the city with divers valuable privileges, erecting it into a free borough, granting it a market and liberty of coinage, and exempting it from taxes. From this time till the reign of William Rufus, the place continued to flourish; but towards the latter end of that Prince’s reign, many of the West-country people took up arms, having been greatly distressed by the forest laws, and in their progress they burnt and destroyed this city. It was afterwards rebuilt: and, in 1137, the foundation of the present cathedral was laid by Dr. Oliver King, then bishop of this see, but he did not live to see it completed. Adjoining to the church was a large monastery; but no other remains of it are now to be seen, except a gate-house, let out in lodgings by the chapter.

On the spot where the cathedral stands, the Romans had a temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva, as appears from inscriptions on two stones dug up near the place, and affixed to the eastern wall of the church.

In the year 1687, when James II. had, by proclamation, abolished the penal laws against Popery, he made a progress into the West of England, accompanied by his Queen, and they lodged some weeks in the Gate-house of the abbey belonging to the cathedral. During their stay at Bath, the queen first declared herself pregnant of that child, whose pretensions to the crown of England afterwards occasioned the ruin of many noble and reputable families in different parts of the kingdom.

The city of Bath was anciently encompassed with a stone wall, the foundation of which is attributed to Julius Agricola, when lieutenant in Britain, under the Emperor Vespasian. A small part of it is still standing, and called the Borough-wall. That it was founded by the Romans, is incontestable, from the great number of stones, with Roman inscriptions, which are still to be seen in the lower part of the wall, as well as others with figures carved upon them.

In this wall were formerly four gates and a postern, all of which were taken down some years ago. The gates were, the North-gate, at the entrance from the London road; the West-gate, a handsome stone structure, in which some of the royal family lodged; the South-gate, which led to the bridge over the Avon; and the East-gate, leading to a ferry over the same river.

In the year 1755, when the abbey-house was taken down, in order to erect another, the workmen discovered the foundations of several Roman baths, all of which were constructed according to the best rules in architecture, and surrounded with bricks of a very hard and durable nature. Under the head of Antiquities, we shall give a more ample account of the Roman remains discovered in this city. And proceeding to describe the present state of Bath, we shall commence with those public buildings which naturally attract the attention of the traveller.

The cathedral Church of St Peter and Paul, commonly called the Abbey, (supposed to be built on the spot where stood the Roman temple of Minerva, who was the tutelar deity of the hot-springs), is a noble edifice, built in the shape of a cross, and founded in the year 676, by King Osric, together with the abbey-house, for nuns; but, in the year 775, King Offa placed therein secular canons, who being expelled by King Edgar, he instituted Benedictine monks in their stead; and it was frequently repaired and augmented, till Oliver King began the present pile, which was occasioned by a vision, or dream of his, as related by Sir John Harrington: "The bishop," says he, "having been at Bath, imagined, as he one night lay meditating in his bed, that he saw the Holy Trinity, with angels, ascending and descending by a ladder, near to which was a fair olive- tree supporting a crown." The impression was so strong, that the bishop thought he heard a voice, which said, "Let an Olive establish the crown, and let a King restore the church." This had such an effect upon the good prelate, that he instantly formed a design to rebuild the church of St. Peter and Paul. Accordingly he set the work immediately in hand, and, as Sir John concludes, caused his vision to be represented on the west front of it, under the title of "De sursum est." "It is from on high." The pious bishop was prevented from completing this work by death; and upon the dissolution of religious houses, in the reign of Henry VIII. this church, coming into the possession of the Crown, and the townsmen refusing to purchase it of the King’s commissioners for 500 marks, it was entirely stripped of the lead, glass, iron, timber, and other materials; in which condition, with only the bare walls standing, it remained till 1606, when it was restored to its present state by Dr. James Montague, then bishop of the diocese, and other generous benefactors, and made parochial. The west front of this elegant structure, is enriched with several statues, besides a representation of the vision of Oliver King, as above related. It contains many curious monuments, has a handsome alter-piece, representing the Wise Men’s Offering, given in the year 1725, by General Wade, one of the representatives of this city; and an excellent organ, thought by very good judges to be one of the best in Europe. This church was formerly called the Lantern of England, on account of the number and size of its windows; but, as it is now enclosed by houses to the north and south, the light is much intercepted. It is a stately and elegant structure, and affords the curious stranger as much speculation as, any parochial church of the same standing in England.

The tower (which is 162 feet high) has an excellent peal of ten bells. The length from east to west is 210 feet, and from north to south, 126; the breadth of the body and side aisles, is 72 feet, and the windows are fifty-two in number. Here divine service is performed every day, at eleven in the forenoon, and at four in the afternoon; which was set on foot, and is supported, by the voluntary subscriptions of the company resorting to Bath; it being thought necessary that prayers should be performed daily at one of the places of religious worship in this city.

The several parishes in Bath, are consolidated into one rectory, in the gift of the corporation, with the vicarage of Lyncombe and Widcombe, annexed to it.

The parish church of St. James was rebuilt (chiefly by voluntary subscription) in 1768 and 1769, under the direction, and agreeable to the plan of Mr. Palmer, of this city, architect, and is a very neat freestone building, with fronts in the Gothic taste. The ground-plan is a parallelogram of sixty-one feet long, by fifty-eight wide, within the walls; the roof is supported by four Ionic columns; the ceiling is divided into three parts; the middle finished with an entablature and coving, and the two sides with an architrave only, of the Ionic order. The altar forms a niche, set round with columns and pilasters, with a Doric entablature. The tower has a peal of eight musical bells. In 1782, a new and excellent organ was erected in this church, by Mr. Seed of Bristol. Here is divine service on Sundays, and prayers on Wednesday and Friday mornings, and Saturday afternoon; and morning prayers on saints’ days.

The church dedicated to St. Michael was begun to be rebuilt about the year 1734, and finished in 1742, at the expense of the inhabitants; towards which the late General Wade largely contributed. It is finished in the Doric order, with a fine dome, and is a very neat church in the inside, having a painting of our Saviour, and another of Moses, over the altar; the former by Mr. Hoare of this city, and the latter by Mr. Robinson of London. It has a musical peal of eight bells, and an organ. Here is divine service as often as at St. James’s.

The parish church of Walcot, which stands within the liberties of this city, was rebuilt in the year 1780, and has been since very much enlarged on account of the great increase of the inhabitants: it is a neat church, and has a good organ.

St. Michael’s Chape), near the Cross-Bath, has annexed to it an hospitable, or almshouse, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, called the Blue Alms Charity, founded in the reign of Henry II. by Reginald Fitz- Joceline, then bishop of the see, who gave an estate, called St. John’s Farm, then valued at about 60l. a year, for the support of six aged poor men, and six aged poor women of this city, and a master, who must be a clergyman of the established church. These poor people have separate apartments, and an allowance of 4s. 2d. a week each. The almshouse was taken down in the year 1728, and rebuilt at the expense of the late Duke of Chandos, in consideration of some advantages he received in erecting Chandos Court. The farm has been so much improved by being let out on building leases, that it is supposed the annual rents much exceed 10, 000l. a year; and the fines constantly paying for renewals, (which the master has the exclusive privilege of granting, and of which he receives one moiety, and the co-brethren and sisters the other moiety, in equal portions) make the mastership equal, in point of profit, to most ecclesiastical benefices. There is divine service twice a day in this chapel.

The little chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, situated under Beechen-Cliff, is in the gift of the Lord Chancellor. Here is divine service every Sunday, performed by the curate of the Abbey. Adjoining is an hospital belonging to it, for idiots, which was rebuilt in 1761.

There are, besides, several other places of divine worship in this city, for the use of dissenters.

In January 1785, a subscription was set on foot, by Henry Southby, Esq. for establishing Sunday- schools in this city, for the children of the poor who have no other means of learning their religious and social duties. In a few weeks, a sufficient sum was raised to carry into effect the beneficent plan.Stolen from Fore-bears

The old Guildhall, which was built after a plan of the celebrated Inigo Jones, was situated in the High- street, between the present Green-market and the Christopher Inn; but the corporation finding this hall and its offices too small, and its situation very inconvenient for carriages passing through the city, resolved to erect a new one on the east side of High- street; and the first stone was laid by the mayor, attended by the rest of the corporation, on the 11th of February, 1766. In this hall a court of record is held every Monday, which takes cognizance of all personal actions within the city, or its liberties. Of this court the town-clerk is the prothonotary, and the serjeants at mace, for the time being, the attorneys. There is also a Court of Requests, for the more easy and speedy recovery of small debts within the city and liberties.

Here are several handsome edifices erected for charitable purposes, among which is a Free Grammar School, situated in Broad-street, where youth are qualified for the University. It was originally founded and endowed by King Edward VI. The present building was begun in the year 1752.

There is also a Charity-school in this city, first founded in the year 1711, and begun, and for some years carried on, by the interest and unwearied endeavours of that eminent pattern of learning and piety, Robert Nelson, esq. who engaged Dean Willis (afterwards Bishop of Winchester), and several other persons of distinction, to assist him in this arduous and charitable undertaking. It was rebuilt by subscription, and the corporation liberally contributed towards it, as well by their subscriptions, as by a grant of the ground on which the present school is erected; and on the 12th of October, 1721, the foundation stone was laid by Mr. Hoare, on which was the following inscription: "God’s Providence is our Inheritance. "

Here are several alms-houses, the principal of which is that called Ruscot’s Charity, where twenty- four poor aged persons of both sexes are maintained and clothed.

In 1738, a Public Infirmary was erected here by voluntary subscription. It is capable of holding upwards of a hundred patients who are freely admitted from all parts of the kingdom; and the same benevolence and generosity which first accomplished the work yet continues to support it for the relief of the indigent and afflicted.

Besides this, here are two other hospitals, the first of which is called Bellot’s Hospital, and was founded by Thomas Bellott, Esq. (one of the executors of Lord Cecil) in the reign of King James I. This charity is under the guardianship of the corporation, and is adapted for the use of poor men only, who come to this city for the benefit of the hot waters. The number admitted seldom exceeds eighteen, who have the liberty of bathing gratis, besides lodging and an allowance of 1s. 10d. per week each person.

The other hospital was instituted in the year 1747, for the laudable purpose of supplying the poor of this city (who have no relief from their parishes) with medicines, physical advice, and such other necessaries as their unhappy cases may require. This charitable foundation is called the Pauper Scheme, and is wholly supported by voluntary contributions.

Besides the charitable institutions before-mentioned, there is a General Hospital in this city, open to the sick and poor of every part of the world, to whose cases the Bath waters are applicable. It is an excellent institution, supported by voluntary contributions, and considerably more than a hundred patients receive every convenience, comfort, and advice, that their conditions may require. It is an elegant pile of building, 110 feet in breadth, and ninety in depth. The first stone was laid on the 8th of July, 1738, at the north-east corner of the building, by the Right Hon. William Pulteney afterwards Earl of Bath.

For many centuries, the City of Bath was the asylum only of the sick, and its old inhabitants aimed at nothing more than to render the place comfortable to them. But since the spirit of improvement has shewed itself, it now can boast of being the most convenient, best built, and most elegant city in Europe.

Among the elegant buildings added to this city within the present century, are those which form a plan designed by the ingenious Mr. Wood. The King’s Circus is of a circular form, and esteemed one of the most elegant piles in England, the houses being all uniform and of one size: the front is adorned with three rows of pilasters, the first Doric, the second Ionic, and the third Corinthian, the whole forming a most beautiful appearance.

Queen’s-square is on the north-west of the city, and is enclosed with rails, having a fine chapel for divine service.

The whole square, by its uniformity, has the appearance of one house, though it is divided into several, and is 520 feet in front, and 260 in depth. Each front has sixty-three windows, and each end thirty- one. Two of the other sides serve as wings to the principal side, each of which contains twenty-four houses upon a perfect square of 210 feet; and the front of these wings have each twenty-five windows, so that, when the whole building is surveyed in front, it shews 113 windows, extending 1, 040 feet, and from the neighbouring hills looks like one grand palace.

The Crescent is a very handsome pile of building, in the form of a half circle. The houses are all uniform, lofty, and finished with the greatest elegance.

Near the Avon, on the south side of the city, is another elegant square, built in an oblong form, being in length 500 feet, and 250 in breadth. The bridge over the Avon, at this place, is 120 feet in length, supported by a single arch.

Since the Royal Crescent was finished, another elegant pile of buildings has been completed and inhabited, called Catharine-place, situated behind Brook-street, in a very airy and healthy situation. Also, another crescent of elegant and spacious houses, called Lansdown Crescent, and a third crescent called Camden Place; all commanding prospects equally beautiful, if not as extensive, as any in the kingdom.

At the entrance from London, are several new and capital piles of buildings, some of which are yet unfinished, called Grosvenor Buildings, Kensington Place, Piccadilly, &c.

Sydney Garden Vauxhall, is situated at the termination of Great Pulteney-street. It was opened for public entertainment on the 11th May, 1795. The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through the gardens, with two elegant cast-iron bridges thrown over it, in the manner of the Chinese. These gardens command beautiful and romantic views, and are free from dust in summer and dirt in winter.

Near the abbey church was a pleasant walk, formerly called the Grove, but now made into a square, and named after the late Prince of Orange, who visited Bath, when he came to England to espouse the Princess Royal, daughter of his late Majesty George II. While his Highness was here, he received great benefit from the waters; in memory whereof, a pillar is erected in the centre with a Latin inscription, of which the following is a translation:

"The Prince of Orange was happily restored to health, by drinking the waters of Bath, through favour of God, and to the extreme joy of Britain, 1735."

All these new buildings are of free-stone, dug out of the neighbouring hills, and though not so hard as that of Portland, it is equally, if not more, useful for modern structures; for, being softer, it does not require so much labour to reduce it to a proper form. — We have, in our article upon the mineralogy of the county, particularly described this beautiful stone. "The new and very elegant Theatre is in every respect commensurate with the magnificence and beauty of the town. There are also several sets of Assembly Rooms, of adequate dimensions, regulated by a master of the ceremonies, whose office is become as profitable as honourable. The celebrated Richard Nash, Esq., generally called Beau Nash, for a long time enjoyed this office, and indeed it is to him that it owes its present dignity.

The present masters of the ceremonies are for the upper assembly-rooms, J. Heaviside, esq.; Kingston assembly rooms, C. Marshall, esq.; city assemblies, Guildhall, W. Harris, esq.

The lower assembly rooms rented by Mr. Mills, have lately been much improved, particularly by a grand portico at the entrance. One part of these have been fitted-up for the Bath and West of England club, the other, equally superb, is dedicated to balls and concerts. The riding-schools afford numerous attractions in bad weather; but the tennis court near the upper riding school has been converted into a manufactory. The north and south parades are no longer the resort of fashion: the whole tide now runs from the upper part of Milsom Street, through Bond Street, and Union Street, to the pump-room, and this is the mid-day promenade of the fashionable visitants. The libraries which are numerous, and well filled, merit all the encouragement they have met with.

The government of the city was originally vested in a sheriff; the first that appears to have borne this office was Aelfrid, who died A. D. 907. In the 32nd year of Queen Elizabeth, a charter was obtained, declaring Bath a sole city of itself, and the citizens to be incorporated by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and citizens of Bath; and at present the city is governed by a mayor, recorder, and aldermen, besides twenty common-council; the number of aldermen (out of which the mayor and two justices are chosen) is not to exceed ten, nor be less than four, and a town-clerk; from among the common-council (except the senior, who is always chamberlain) are yearly chosen two bailiffs or sheriffs, and two constables. The representatives in parliament for the city are elected by the corporation.

The principal markets are kept on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plentifully supplied with every kind of provisions, and generally at moderate prices.

The markets for fish are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and are thought to excel those of any inland town of the kingdom, as well in the goodness as the quantity of the sea fish brought to it, and the fresh-water fish daily taken from the river Avon.

We shall now describe the several public baths; the King’s bath rises about 152 feet south-west of the Abbey Church; the spring or main source of which is in the centre, and covered over with a large leaden reservoir, to restrain its rapid motion, and to disperse the water more equally to the different parts of the bath, as well as to receive the pipes of the different pumps, which supply the water for drinking; by which means, as the water flows upward in a strong, large, and uninterrupted stream, all communication between the water used for drinking, and the water in the bath, is prevented. Once in three or four years this reservoir is opened, in order to clear it of a sandy substance, which the water brings up and deposits there, and which, if suffered to accumulate, would choak the ends of the pipes which supply the different pumps. The Hot and Cross Baths have each a reservoir, of nearly the same construction; but we cannot find that it is ever necessary to open them on the same account, or that any substance of this kind was ever found in them. The springs were doubtless separated from the common springs by the Homans, and secured with a strong durable wall.

The dimensions of the King’s Bath are sixty-five feet ten inches, by forty feet ten inches, and it contains 346 tons, two hogsheads, and twenty-six gallons of water, when filled to its usual height. In the centre of this bath is erected an elegant building of free-stone, with recesses and seats for the accommo dation of ladies and gentle men who bathe, and round it is built a covering supported by a handsome colonnade in the Doric order, that bathers may be sheltered from the inclemency of the weather.

This bath is now very much improved in every department, and the whole has been conducted under the inspection of the principal medical gentlemen resident in this city. Adjoining to this bath are two rooms, one for ladies, the other for gentlemen, in which are pumps for pouring the hot water on any part of the body affected, which has often proved more salutary than bathing the whole body in the common bath.

On the north side of the King's Bath is the Pump- Room, erected in the year 1704, and greatly enlarged in 1751. In this room the nobility and gentry assemble every morning, during the season, between the hours of seven and ten, to drink the waters. A good band of music, whose pay is derived from the ball-subscriptions to the rooms, attends from eight till ten for the entertainment of the company, which is generally numerous, and make a very brilliant appearance. At the east end of this room, is a fine marble statue of the late Richard Nash, esq., executed by Mr. Hoare, at the expense of the corporation. There is also a good clock, given by the late Mr. Tompion. To this building, in 1786, was added a handsome portico, for the reception of chairs, that the company in the pump-room might not be incommoded by the clamours of the chairmen.

Adjoining the King’s Bath, in Stall-street, are several elegant private baths, dry pump-rooms, sudatories, &c.

The Queen’s Bath is only separated from the King's Bath by a wall. It has no springs, but receives its water from the King’s Bath, by a communication through an open arched passage, so that the water is consequently not so hot.

The Cross Bath, which rises about 100 yards south-west of the former, was so called from a cross erected in the centre of it, by the Earl of Melfort (secretary of state to King James II. ) as a memorial of the queen bathing in it in the year 1687. This cross is now removed, the bath secured, the bathing rendered more convenient by slips for the bathers, and a small neat pump-room built, agreeably to the plans of Mr. Baldwin.

The Hot Bath, situated about 120 feet south-west of the former, is so called from its being deemed the hottest of all; though, from many late experiments, it has been declared to be nearly of the same degree of heat as the King’s Bath. Here is a neat pump-room, for the company who drink this water; near which have been constructed, by the chamber of the city, a commodious open bath, private baths, dry pump-rooms, and sudatories, continually kept warm by the fires of the dressing-room; the sudatories may likewise be made use of for vapour bathing. The whole of the building is fifty-six feet square.

The time for bathing is in the morning, fasting, at all times of the year: because being refreshed by a night’s sleep, we are the better able to bear bathing; and digestion being completed, we are not subject to disorders arising from crudities, as obstructions, headaches, &c. and fasting too, because the natural heat being sent out towards the circumference by bathing, digestion would be disturbed were we to go in with a full stomach. A glass or two of the water may be taken in the bath, it being very refreshing, and not only quenches thirst, but also promotes perspiration afterwards. The time of staying in the bath must be regulated by the physician, according to the patient’s strength or disorder. Before the patient goes into either of the baths, a due preparation is necessary; the blood-vessels should not be too full, and the primae vice should be cleansed; without which cautions, bathers are liable to head-aches, fevers, &c., and not only lose the benefit they came for, but return to their homes much worse than before.

These waters are beneficial in almost all chronical distempers, and can hurt in none, except in haemorrhage, inflammations, or bad lungs, unless they be overdosed in quantity, or too high or too hot a regimen be joined with them; for they are very grateful to the stomach, have a fine, sulphureous steely taste, like that of the German Spa, or Pyrmont, and procure a great appetite and good spirits, if cautiously managed; but, if high meat and strong liquors be indulged in, they create inflammatory disorders. They are of a strengthening, cleansing, attenuating, opening nature; they comfort the nerves, warm the body, and are good in all constitutions.

These waters are good in scorbutic rheumatism, and old wandering pains in any part of the body, by bathing and drinking, when the pains are not attended with any feverish heat. They are very beneficial in all disorders of the paralytic kind, in palsies, convulsions, contractions, rheumatism, and lameness of all kinds: the bilious cholic, in particular, is relieved by their use; as are also obstructions of the liver and spleen, jaundice, scurvy, loss of appetite, and hysteric and hypochondriac disorders, when proceeding from weakness of the stomach. They likewise remove all sorts of cutaneous disorders, particularly the leprosy, by washing off those malignant salts that occasion these maladies, when taken inwardly, and discharging them by perspiration in bathing: the sulphureous particles, too, in the water, entering into the skin, and dissolving the salts which are lodged near the surface. And it is the given opinion, if any of the preceding disorders fail of relief by the Bath water, it is because the patients will not allow sufficient time for their cure; or else are too unwilling to take pains, or cannot keep to such regular diet, as is absolutely necessary in stubborn cases.

The water should always be drunk hot from the pump. It is taken hot, for the sake of the volatile spirit that circulates in it, which, being of a like nature with the universal menstrum, or alkali in our stomach, does wonderfully restore it, when lost or depraved. And it is somewhat strange to see its effects in the stomach, on decayed appetites, which are soon relieved by drinking the water hot from the pump. The water is generally drunk in the morning, fasting, between the hours of six and ten, that it may have time to pass out of the stomach; though some drink a glass about noon.

The quantity generally taken in a day is from one pint to three: few constitutions require more.

The spring which supplied the baths being cleared from the rubbish, &c., and the several ancient sewers for earning off the water from the baths repaired, his Grace the late Duke of Kingston built on the same spot several baths and sudatories, upon a new plan, approved by some of the most eminent physicians, as well for the neatness and elegance of the design, as the utility of the several apartments.

The seasons for drinking the Bath water are the Spring and Autumn. The Spring season begins with April, and ends with June. The Autumn season begins with September, and lasts till December; and some patients remain here all the winter. In the spring this city is mostly frequented for health, and in the autumn for pleasure, when at least two thirds of the company come to partake of the amusements of the place.

The good qualities of the Bath waters, the beautiful situation of the place, and the salubrity of the air, are admirably described in a poem written by the late Mrs. Chandler, of which the following is an extract: —

" The mineral streams which from the baths arise From noxious vapours clear the neighb’ring skies:

When fevers bore an epidemic sway,

Unpeopled towns, swept villages away;

While death abroad dealt terror and despair,

The plague but gently touch’d within their sphere.

"Blest source of health! seated on rising ground, With friendly hills by nature guarded round;

From eastern blasts and sultry south secure,

The air’s balsamic, and the soil is pure."

It has been calculated that a view of the curiosities, with the most interesting scenery in Bath, and its environs, may require about twelve or thirteen walks and rides. The first place of attraction immediately after breakfast, is a visit to the Great Pump Room, where no requisite is necessary beyond a decent or genteel appearance. Leaving this, Edgar Buildings, an elevated terrace is perceived opposite Milsom Street, which, in the height of the season is the place of promenade for the gentlemen, and that of shopping, for the ladies. Here all is bustle and gaiety, numerous equipages passing and repassing; the houses handsome, and the shops elegantly laid out. Bond Street has no thoroughfare for carriages, being similar to Cranbourne Alley, now Cranbourne Street, in London. The shops here are elegant and well furnished. Here is the library and reading rooms of Mr. Barrett and Bladud Bank, who draw upon Jones and Co., Lothbury, London. In Union-Street, is the General Hospital, open for the reception of the sick poor from all parts of England and Ireland to whom the waters may be applied with benefit; but this building is not open to the natives of Bath.

From Stall Street, passing into Abbey Place, the fine venerable Abbey bursts upon the eye of the visitor. Bath Street, directly opposite to the King’s and Cross Bath, gives a sort of finish to this part of the town. To the right of the Cross Bath is the Eye Infirmary. Hetling Court, contiguous to this, contains St. John’s Chapel, rebuilt in 1723, by Mr. Killegrew, where divine service is performed twice a day. To the right is Bradley’s Buildings; but nothing particular engages the eye of the visitor till he comes to the Old Bath Bridge. At the corner of Weymouth Street is St. James’s Church. In Abbey Gate Street is situated the Lancastrian School, where 500 children are taught, gratis. In Kingston Buildings stands the Post Office, from whence the visitor may return through Milsom Street, to the York Hotel.

In the second walk it may be advisable to view Sydney Place, a most admirable specimen of modern architecture, the houses being all the production of one quarry. Turning to the left, through Darlington Street, the new Church of St. Mary at Bathwick, appears, built of cream-coloured stone in the modern gothic style. The first stone was laid in September, 1814, bearing this extraordinary inscription: —

"Glory to God in the highest: —on Earth peace."

The most sanguinary conflict ever recorded in the annals of History had ceased, and the downfall of Napoleon, the despot of France had taken place, when the nations of Europe became united in the bond of peace. At such a joyful period, and on the first day of September, in the year of our Lord 1814, the foundation stone of Bathwick New Church was laid. Rt. Hon. Harry, Earl of Darlington, Lord of the manor. The Right Rev. Richard, Lord Bishop of the Diocese. The Rev. Peter Gunning, Rector, &c. &c. This church dedicated to St. Mary was consecrated on the 11th of February, 1820, by the Bishop of Gloucester It is a spacious and elegant structure of the modern Gothic.

The removal of the old ruinous church of Bathwick, not only gave an additional air of importance to Great Pulteney Street, but afforded great satisfaction to all who wished for a more enlarged place of worship.

On the new road to Widcombe, a path on the right, through the fields, leads to the ferry. To view Waterloo Gardens three-pence is charged, though these may be engaged for select parties; they are small, contain some pleasing walks, and the use of a swing. From the river-side, there is a walk along the Avon to Pulteney Bridge. A penny is charged for crossing the Avon in a boat. Landing on the South Parade, here is a good look-out. Duke Street, in the middle of this, leads to the North Parade, which has a broad elegant terrace, stone balustrades, and iron railing. Pierrepont Street is at the end of this parade. These houses are extremely convenient for the frequenters of the Old Kingston Rooms, a few yards from the North Parade, and which form one of the most lively and interesting features in Bath. The present master of the ceremonies is Captain Marshall, who was elected in November, 1817.

Entering York-Street from the Orange Grove, the Free-Mason’s Hall immediately meets the eye of the spectator; the foundation stone of which was laid on the 28th of July, 1817. The exterior of this is a fine piece of Grecian architecture. It has a small portico in front, with pillars of the Ionic order, and the front is ornamented with figures and a long range of Grecian iron railing, quite nourelle in Bath; but as a decided proof that the secrets of masonry are not all of a purely intellectual nature, near the lodge-room is a kitchen, supplied with cooking utensils sufficient to furnish food for a large company, having two very large coppers, &c. &c.

At the bottom of Bath-Street, and near the Cross Bath, is a neat little building containing the Bath Antiquities. To the lovers of research, an hour or two may be fully employed in examining the various relics of ancient times. It is open at all hours of the day for public inspection, and the remuneration is left to the generosity of the visitor. Among other fragments of Masonry and Sculpture, the remains of the Temple of Minerva, form the most remarkable objects in the collection. Contiguous to the. South Parade, ground has been marked out for an elegant, new square, to be called Kingston Square. The Old Theatre in Orchard-Street was, in 1809, converted into a convenient and spacious Catholic Chapel. On recrossing the ferry towards the right of the road, several pieces of ground are set apart for new streets, places, &c. A third walk may be made from Port-and-Place through Burlington-Street, Harley-Street, and Gloucester-Place. Passing through Margaret- Buildings we come to Margaret Chapel, and at length through Brook-Street, into the Royal Circus. Upon entering this noble pile of building, the eye is delighted with the uniformity and grandeur of the scene. Its Roman appearance is very impressive. The houses have, between each of the various stories, two pillars of the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian orders, and are further decorated with numerous sculptured medallions. In the middle of the buildings is a shrubbery and a gravel walk, surrounding a reservoir, enclosed with a circular iron railing. In Alfred-Street are the Upper, or New-Rooms, which cost 20, 000l. and were opened for company in 1771.

Queen Square is not only magnificent, but chaste. In the centre, enclosed in an iron railing, is an obelisk, seventy feet high, bearing the following inscription:

In Memory of Honours conferred,

And in gratitude for Benefits bestowed on this city By His Royal Highness Frederick Prince of Wales,

And his Royal Consort,

In the Year MDCCXXXVII.,

This Obelisk is erected

By Richard Nash, Esq.

Beaufort Square, with which we may commence the fourth walk, is only important from its containing the grand entrance to the New Theatre Royal, which has an elegant and attractive appearance. Its classical front was designed by N. Dance, Esq. The exterior is handsome, but the interior is fitted up in the highest state of excellence. Quitting Beaufort Square, the visitor finds himself in Trim-Street, containing the Unitarian Chapel, a handsome erection distinguished for the neatness of its pews and galleries, and its excellent singing. To the left is Gascoyne Place, and the Blue School for 100 poor boys and girls.

The public market is well deserving the attention of every stranger that comes to Bath. The butter is peculiarly fine, and may be deemed one of the luxuries of this place. The Guildhall, close to the Market-House, may be viewed next as one of the great ornaments of the city. The front in High-Street is a fine piece of architecture, and here are held the Sessions, which occur four times every year, and a Court of Requests every Wednesday, for the recovery of debts under forty-shillings, and not exceeding 10l., within the city. Nearly opposite to Guildhall is Fromont’s Coach-Office; this part is all bustle, trade, and activity. Northumberland Place near it is also said to resemble Cranbourne Alley in London, containing many excellent shops for the ladies. In Broad-Street is situated the Public Grammar School; and in Lady Mead, the Bath Penitentiary and Lock Hospital. Walcot Church is a handsome stone building, enlarged in 1780. This parish alone contains 20, 000 souls. At the end of Walcot Parade, descending a flight of steps, the Ferry offers itself on the left. The relief then from the busy hum of trade, is enjoyed in the prospect of trees, water, &c. The Ferry boat called the Industry, has a broad flat bottom. The Avon here is narrow, and a rope is fixed to the trees from one side to the other, by which the ferryman pulls himself and his company over, at the charge of one penny each.

From Upper Camden Place we may commence walk the fifth. This fine high terrace, which is a delightful place of residence, possesses a broad pavement, with a carriage road in front of it, enclosed with iron rails, to render it perfectly safe. Passing Spencer’s Bell Vue, on the right, is Lansdown Grove, with Lansdown Place east and west, and the Crescent. This is a noble pile of building, and its extraordinary elevation is the admiration of every spectator, being the highest station in Bath. By comparison it is like looking down from St. Paul’s Cathedral into the streets of London.

All Saints Chapel, rising in the declivity or grove beneath the Crescent, is no trifling addition. This was built in the Gothic Style by Mr. Palmer, the Architect, and was opened in 1794. Contiguous to the Crescent is Somerset Place, an elegant circular range of buildings with a grass plot. Descending from the lofty situation by Somerset-House, the new row of very fine residences, called Cavendish Crescent, appears, with its small grass promenade attached to it. Cavendish Place has to boast of virandas and balconies to most of the houses. On the left is Park- Place, leading into St. James’s Square, and at every step the visitor takes, nothing but elegance meets his eye. Proceeding in a straight line, the Square is left, Marlborough-Street is passed, and at the bottom Marlborough Buildings, a long range of respectable habitations, and the very acme and grandeur of all Bath is now attained, namely, the Royal Crescent. This is of an elliptical form, with a single order of Ionic pillars supporting the superior cornice. The fronts of the houses have an imposing effect. Independent of a wide pavement, a broad carriage-road, and a fine lawn in front, enclosed with iron rails; it has also a capacious gravel walk for foot passengers. No lodging is to be obtained here, and it is often difficult to procure houses. At all times it is an attractive promenade for the visitors of Bath, but in the season, on a Sunday it is also crowded with fashionables of every rank; and with the addition of the splendid barouche, dashing curricle, elegant tandem, gentlemen on horseback, &c., the Royal Crescent strongly reminds the spectator of Hyde Park, Rotten-Row, and Kensington Gardens, when adorned with all their brilliancy of company. On quitting this elevated walk, the visitor will soon pass through Brook-Street, and passing the Belvidere, arrive at Upper Camden-Place, where refreshment and rest enable him to recapitulate the various objects he has been delighted with.

Walk the sixth may consist of a promenade to Weston; the Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens of Bath. A visit to the pretty village of Weston in fine weather, delights every visitor to Bath; and in the spring may be viewed as a grand promenade. Marlborough Buildings leads up to Weston Gate; the prospect on all sides is now enchanting; but on the right of the road are numerous elevations, the high common, Sion House, Winifred House, &c. At the bottom of Sion Hill is the House of Protection for young destitute females, where the number relieved is few, but the governesses, &c., numerous. In the village of Weston the houses are all built of freestone, and at its extremity is a waterfall. Though the visitor in returning to Bath may be considered as retracing his steps, yet the prospect assumes a different aspect, as he may diversify the scene by turning off into Barton’s Fields on the right, and by getting into the road, go down Nile-Street.

The seventh excursion from Bath, may be made from the Old Bridge; hence to Broad-Quay, Clarke’s Lane, Back-Street, Gerrard-Street, Wine-Street, and the Lower Borough Walls. In the latter is the Bath City Infirmary and Dispensary; and at a small distance St. Catharine’s Hospital, the Bimberries or Black Alms-house, a mean structure of fourteen habitations for paupers of both sexes. In Belltree Lane is Bellot’s Hospital, open in the warmer months from Lady-Day to Michaelmas for lodging twelve men and women, strangers to Bath, who have the privilege of using the baths. Avon-Street is considered as the Wapping of Bath, and a place of refuge for the frail sisterhood. Kingsmead Terrace is a pretty residence, with handsome gardens before it. Proceeding forwards is Green-Park Buildings, west, and Green- Park Place, east. Near Norfolk Crescent, various new erections are taking place. The houses here are of a lofty character, but modelled after the most elegant style of architecture. At Brook’s Lock is the Gasometer, from which the whole city is illuminated with gas. Returning to the city, the upper Bristol road is soon gained, and the Crescent Fields, and the Royal Crescent, present themselves on the left, and form a charming picture. The Wesleyan Chapel is a large neat building. The Casualty Hospital, the Moravian Chapel in Monmouth-Street, and the Union Blue- Coat School, may terminate this excursion.

The eighth walk is through Bridge-Street, across Pulteney-Bridge and Laura Place, to Sydney Hotel and Gardens, and to the Queen’s House. Next to the grandeur of Great Pulteney-Street, Sydney Gardens is one of the most prominent, pleasing, and elegant features, attached to the city of Bath. Here are swings adapted for ladies and gentlemen, and several alcoves formed with botanical taste, grottoes, &c. The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through the gardens, with two elegant cast-iron bridges thrown over it in the Chinese taste. The Labyrinth shown here at threepence each person, is an object of curiosity. The terms of subscription for walking are, for one month, each person, 4s.; for three months, 7s. 6d.; and the season, 10s. Non-subscribers, for walking, pay sixpence each time. The terms of subscription to the ride, one month, are 2s. 6d. each person; the year 155. Non-subscribers, 6d. each time.

Turning to the left, at the bottom of Sydney-Place is the Queen’s House, so named from having been the residence of her late Majesty. The whole of this neighbourhood is truly attractive.

The ninth walk may commence from Great Pulteney-Street, turning down into Grove-Street, at the bottom of which is the Bridewell of Bath, with an exterior more resembling a gentleman’s house than the residence of culprits. The Girls’ School in Grove-Street, is under the care of the Rev. Mr. Warner. From this an archway leads to the side of the Avon. Here is Waterloo-Place, and this outlet of Bath has further to boast of the high-sounding names of Widcombe Parade, and Claverton-Place. Prior Park is described in another part of this work.

Claverton Down is 400 feet above the city of Bath, and is distinguished for its beautiful extensive level velvet turf. The late Rev. Mr. Graves held the rectory of Claverton 60 years, and died in 1807, at the advanced age of 90. Previous to an arrival here the Crown Inn, better known by the name of the Brass Knocker, with the Aqueduct uniting the Kennet and Avon Canal, are passed. About half a mile from the right of the canal is the elegant Gothic mansion of Mr. Skryne. Bath Hampton Church appears soon after we have quitted the railway. Bailbrook Lodge is an institution established under the auspices of Lady King, principally for decayed females, and ladies of very limited income. There is no limitation as to age, but the widows and daughters of Clergymen, and of the Officers of the army and navy, have the preference over all other Candidates. Along the banks of the canal a new range of small neat residences are nearly finished; near to which are the Swimming Baths.

The tenth walk is from the Circuit through Bennet- Street, Russel-Street, Belmont and Oxford Row, Montpelier-Row, &c., to, the Rocks at Wick. Bath races, it seems, have been revived within the last five years, and are generally held on the 8th and 9th of July. A board contains a notice "That prosecutions will be instituted against persons found badger-baiting, pricking in the garter, &c." Lansdown Fair is held close to the Blathwayte Arms, annually on the 10th of August. Landsdown Pillar was erected in remembrance of a battle between the Royal and Parliamentary forces in 1643, erected by George, Lord Lansdown, in 1720; his ancestor Sir Bevil Granville, having signalized himself in this desperate engagement. It contains some long inscriptions. Prospect Stile, is so called from the completeness of the view which it affords.

Wick is a small village about three quarters of a mile in length; but though the rocks here fall short in comparison with those of St. Vincent, near Clifton, they are a great natural curiosity. Persons visiting Bath or Bristol, should not omit visiting the rocks at Wick, which are but half way from either of the abovementioned cities.

The eleventh walk or ride, may be from Grosvenor Place, on the Loudon road to Bath Easton, through the villages of Box and Pickwick to Corsham. The approach to Corsham-House is through a long wide avenue of thickly-planted high trees; this house has changed its proprietors several times, and in 1749, it was purchased by the late Paul Methuen, Esq., in order to display his very fine collection of paintings, which the connoisseurs have pronounced to be the second in the kingdom, being valued at more than 200, 000l. Paul Methuen Cobb, Esq., is the present proprietor of the mansion, who has completed the liberal undertaking commenced by his father.

The twelfth excursion has been proposed from the Old Bridge to Holloway, the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen, and other places, to Clifton. This delightful village, and the Bristol Hot Wells are so immediately connected with a visit to Bath, the distance being only thirteen miles, and the expense so trifling, that it seems only necessary to state that stage coaches start almost every hour from Bath to Bristol, outsides 2s. 6d., insides 4s. Twiverton, or Twerton, on the road, is a neat interesting village, and conspicuous for its broad-cloth manufactory. Saltford and Keynsham, contain nothing remarkable. Brislington is a small clean village; but for a description of the Hot Wells, and St. Vincent’s Rocks, see the index.

The last excursion proposed from Bath is of an aquatic kind, being a sail down the Avon through the rocks of St. Vincent to Pill; cross the river to Weeks’s Hotel in Gloucestershire; walk to Pen Pole through Shirehampton to Lord de Clifford’s Park, Kingsweston Hill and Tavern.

The little sea-port of Pill is only six miles distant from Bristol, and boats and vessels continually passing, will convey visitors for sixpence fare. The sail from Rownham Tavern, or the Ferry, is delightful; the passage through the rocks of St. Vincent appears like a cavern rent asunder. Pill is full of public-houses; the Waterloo Inn, Red Lion, and Duke of Wellington. The grounds of Lord de Clifford extend to Pen Pole, upon which elevation a sort of sun-dial is erected. The trees, valleys, and picturesque scenery adjoining and beneath Pen Pole, is very pleasing; but the vast expanse that unfolds itself around, is of that nature, that imagination must supply the defect of description. In the centre appears the immense space of the Severn, into which the Avon empties itself. Ships making and leaving Bristol. The range of hills and mountains encompassing the view as far as the eye can possibly stretch. To the right is seen the New Passage-House to Wales, and the Passage-House on the other side. In the circle on the right is the range of fine hills in Somersetshire. After quitting Pen Pole, and passing through the village of Shirehampton, the traveller soon enters the delightful Park of Lord de Clifford, affording some charming views of Dundry tower, the Old Ruin at Clifton, the windings of the Avon, and the seats of Mr. Nash, and Mr. Miles, a rich merchant, the latter containing 132 rooms. Upon King’s Weston Hill a commodious inn is erected, with large stabling. From the summit of King’s Weston Hill, Tomb Marie, in Wales, is seen; also the Denny, Chepstow, &c. At Lord de Clifford’s, the visitor has nothing more to do than to ring a bell, and upon announcing his wishes to a footman, the housekeeper instantly presents herself, and the apartments are shown without delay. Upon leaving the Inn at King’s Weston, a delightful walk may be taken through the fields to Bristol. The rich lofty trees on Durdham Downs, render this situation truly delightful. The main road is soon acquired, and from Clare-Street, the Bush Tavern has always numerous stages to convey the traveller almost at every hour in the day to the city of Bath.

The following are among the principal antiquities discovered in and near Bath.

In digging some cellars in Stall-Street, in Bath, in 1753, a pedestal was found, having the following inscription:

Locum Religiosum, Perin;

Solentiame Rutumn Virtuvtet

Aug Repurga Turn Redditit

C Seveirius Emeritus Peg; i.e.,

"Seveirius, at his own expense, cleared and repaired a ruined cemetery, and put it under the protection of the emperor."

This stone is exhibited to view on the ground staircase of the Guildhall. Under it was found several coins of the Emperor Carausius. A Roman Altar was found near the same place in 1754.

In the year 1755, when the Abbey House, or Priory, was taken down, the workmen digging out the ancient foundation, found, about eight feet below the surface of the earth, several rough-hewn stone coffins, with the seemingly entire but mouldering remains of human bodies of different ages and sexes, and several coins of the successive Saxon Kings. About six feet below the Saxon interment were discovered the remains of very noble Roman baths and sudatories. The walls were six or seven feet high, built of stone, and lined with firm red cement. One of these baths was forty-one feet in length, and twenty-four feet in breadth; another, ninety feet by sixty: there were, also two semicircular baths, and two vapour baths, whose floors were supported by pillars of brick, 13 1/4 inches thick, and nine inches square. The floor was composed of strong hard tile, about two feet square, on which were layers of very strong cement. Several of the baths had beautiful tessellated pavements.

In digging the foundations for the new Hot Bath, &c., near the Cross Bath, a great number of Roman brass coins of the Emperors Nero, Adrian, Trajan,

Antonine, &c., were found, and another pedestal, inscribed,

DE. A. E. SVLIM NER VAE SVLNVS MATVRI FIL V. S. L. M.

explained to mean,

"Sulimus, son of Maternus, gladly pays his grateful vows to the goddess Minerva."

In digging the foundation for building a new Pump- Room, in 1790, various remains of Roman antiquities were discovered below the houses that were pulled down, on the east side of Stall-Street, consisting of a votive altar, a considerable part of a magnificent fluted column, two feet eight inches in diameter, and a beautiful Corinthian capital belonging to the same. There were also several massy fragments, adorned with sculpture, in basso-relievo; one of these exhibits a portion of an ellipsis, formed by a broad wreath of oaken boughs; richly wrought within this, at some distance, appears part of a similar ellipsis, proportionally reduced in size. The votive altar, and various remains of victims discovered, indicated the site of a temple on this spot; and it is highly probable, that the column might have formed part of the portico.

The temple was probably dedicated to Minerva. These remains were found twelve feet, or more, below the present surface, and at about the same depth the workmen met with an ancient paved way, consisting of broad free-stones, with a channel at the extremity to carry off the water. A learned account of these, and other antiquities, with engravings, was published by the late Governor Pownal; and also another very satisfactory account by the Rev. Mr. Warner, author of the History of Bath, and several other learned and ingenious works.

In 1793, the workmen digging near Sidney-Place, Bathwick, about four feet under ground, came to a large stone, which, on clearing, proved to be a sepulchral altar, in almost perfect condition, with a Latin inscription to the memory of Caius Calpurnus, supposed to have been an officer of rank in Britain, and of a noble family in Rome.

At Stanton Drew, are the remains of a Druidical Temple, of three circles of stones, vulgarly called The Wedding, from a tradition that a bride and her attendants were changed into three stones. The largest of these circles is about 378 feet diameter; the height of the upright stones on its periphery from four to five feet. These circles are near to each other, on the top of a small round hill.

At Wellow, near Farley, several Roman tessellated pavements have been discovered, and engravings published of them, by the Society of Antiquaries. Tessellated pavements have also been found in several other parts of the county.

About two miles south-west from Kilmington Church, in the hundred of Norton Ferrers, is a small encampment, called Jack's Castle, of an oval form, but its works are nearly erased. It is supposed to be Danish, it being near this spot that King Alfred so completely defeated them. The memory of the Prince is preserved by a stately tower, erected at the south-west extremity of the Parish, by the late Henry Hoare, Esq., upon an eminence. This tower is of brick, and of a triangular form, having a turret at each angle, and a railed gallery round one of them. Its height is about 155 feet, and the ascent to its topis by 121 steps. This tower is now the property of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., whose elegant seat at Stourhead, adjoins this parish on the Wiltshire side.

The island of Athelney, near Langport, is remarkable in history for being the spot where Alfred found an Asylum from the fury of the Danes. On a tablet over the entrance to this tower is the following inscription: —

"Alfred the Great. A. D. 879, on this summit erected his standard against the Danish invaders: to him we owe the origin of Juries, and the creation of a naval force. Alfred, the light of a benighted age, was a philosopher and a Christian, the father of his people, and the founder of the English monarchy, and its liberties."

The Bath and West of England Society, for the encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, meet at Hetling-House. It was established by Mr. Edmund Rack, a native of Norfolk. The late Duke of Bedford was one of its presidents; and to perpetuate his memory, a fine bust of the Duke, done by Nollekins, is placed in the rooms belonging to the Society. It has been considered one of the first institutions of the kind in England. A subscription of one guinea per annum enables a person to become a member, with the right of voting. The Marquis of Lansdown is the present president.

The bust of Sir Benjamin Hobhouse, Bart., F. R. S. by Chantrey, has lately been placed in the Society’s large room, and is considered as one of the most beautiful specimens of sculpture in Europe.

The Bath and Bath Forum Free-School, is in Corn- Street, and is capable of containing 400 children, nearly which number, of all religions, have been taught in it at one time. It is under the patronage of the Mayor and Corporation. Annual subscribers of one guinea may recommend two boys; those of two, five boys.

Bath Harmonic Society. This musical institution is held every Friday evening, from December to March, at the White Hart Inn, in Stall-Street, and was founded in 1795, by the Rev. Mr. Bowen, a gentleman of acknowledged musical taste. The singing consists mostly of catches, glees, &c. Nothing that can offend the most refined ear is suffered to be sung. The members are admitted by ballot. Three guineas for the first season. The Dukes of York and Gloucester are members; and his present Majesty, when Prince Regent, conferred the dignity upon the Society of wearing garter blue ribands. In the season a superb concert and ball is given to the ladies at Kingston Rooms. Strangers are admitted twice in the year; but noblemen, gentlemen, and professional men only, are elected as members. Of the kind, this is the first society in England.

Principal Inns. The following may be reckoned as the most conspicuous, from which the mail, and several other coaches, start: —

York-House, York-Buildings, Messrs. Lucas and Reilly; White Hart, Stall-Street, Messrs. Woodhouse and Co.; White Lion, Market-Place, Mr. Arnold; Castle, Northgate-Street; Mr. Temple; Lamb, Stall- Street, Mr. Banks; Grey-hound, Market-Place, Mr. May; Angel, Westgate-Street, Mr. Rose; Fromont and Co. ’s Coach-Office, Market-Place; Christopher’s ditto; Golden Lion, Horse-Street, Mr. Prince.

With respect to Lodging-Houses, Bath rises superior to almost every other place of public resort in the kingdom: these are distinguished for their elegance, convenience, and comfort; the prices vary according to the situation of the house, number of rooms, &c. Among the Boarding-Houses, many will be found calculated to accommodate such visitors as wish to confine their expenditure to certain limits. Eating Houses, or Cook Shops, though so numerous in London, are not to be found in Bath, exceeding three in number; but several of the public-houses have Ordinaries. The Public Libraries are about six in number. The Riding-Schools are situated in Montpelier Row, and Monmouth-Street; they are very commodious, and are kept by Messrs. Stevens and Stokes.

The Sedan Chairs, and two-wheeled Carriages, greatly add to the comforts of Bath, proving a most desirable conveyance for the valetudinarian and invalid, in all weathers. The rates are fixed by the Mayor and two Justices.

In the vicinity of a city where every house may be called a capital mansion, few gentlemen’s seats can be thought worthy of attention; yet the neighbourhood abounds with many pleasing seats and villas; particularly Kelston, the ancient seat of the Harringtons, now Sir J. Caesar Hawkins, Bart. —Batheaston, the seal of Dr. Brodbelt, near which, on one of the finest situations in the kingdom, has been lately built, a house, on an extensive scale, belonging to Dr. Skeete; Midford Castle, built by Disney Roebuck, Esq. now the property of Charles Conolly, esq. But the most magnificent mansion is Prior Park, in the parish of Widcombe and Liscombe, the seat of the late benevolent Ralph Allen, esq.

At the distance of about a mile from the poor- house, near Bath, a large pair of gates protect the private road to Prior Park, the once celebrated seat of Ralph Allen, esq. Pursuing a steady course, another gate is passed which originally was called "Allen’s Walk." The considerate disposition of this humane character had induced him for the accommodation of the public to erect in several parts of this walk, stone seats, but all of which are now removed. A road to the left leads to Widcombe church, and on a lofty eminence stands the fine seat of Mr. Tugwell, the banker. The spectator here becomes so enraptured with the surrounding scenes, that for a moment he is lost in ecstasy in beholding the beauties of nature and art combined.

To the right, on one side of the road, are fine lofty elm trees, which during the time of Allen, were growing on both sides, and their boughs so closely entwined as to form a complete picture of a long Gothic arch. At an opening a few yards further along the road, the Royal Crescent appears with peculiar grandeur. The pleasure grounds of Prior Park in fine cultivation; the water, the foliage of the chestnut, fir, and elm trees increase the effect. At length a slight view of the mansion appears, also a residence for the keeper, and upon an ascent to the left an antique lookout. Prior Park, Mr. Egan observes in his "Walks through Bath," cannot be viewed merely for its delightful situation or distinguished architecture, nor passed over with the common routine of a gentleman’s estate. From the virtues of its once liberal- minded proprietor, and the extraordinary talents of its inmates, such as Pope, Fielding and Warburton, it possesses far more sterling claims to respect and admiration.

Prior-Park House is so called from its having been built on land which formerly belonged to the Prior of Bath, who had a grange or farm at a short distance from it, and a park that supplied the poor mortified monks with venison. This house was erected by Mr. Allen, in 1743, on a slope of land 100 feet below the summit of Coomb Down, and 400 above the city of Bath; and is one of the most magnificent freestone mansions with respect to its outside in the kingdom. A noble house forms the centre; from the extremities of which stretch two sweeping arcades connecting with the main body as many wings of offices, terminated by elegant pavilions, and forming a continued line of building of nearly 1, 300 feet in front. The style is Corinthian, raised on a rustic basement, and surmounted by a balustrade. From the plane of the centre an extremely grand portico projects, supported by six large and elegant columns. But within every thing is dark, little, and inconvenient, excepting the chapel, which is neat and elegant, and adorned with an altar-piece by Van Deest. But the back part of Prior-Park House is extremely elegant, and ornamented with six very lofty pillars of the Doric order; it is singular to remark that the roof is made of stone, and also several of the window-sashes. The prospect from every part of this elegant residence captivates the beholder. On quitting the house, a lodge is passed, contiguous to which are two roads, the left leading to Trowbridge, the right to Bristol. In the time of the worthy Allen this place was a complete grove, and extended for a long distance; but since his exit, profit and the cutting-down system have prevailed over every other consideration. In fact, Prior-Park House, with all its contiguous beauties, is but a mere skeleton, compared with what it was.

In the park are the visible remains of that noble ancient boundary called Wansdyke or Wanditch, which has been noticed before in the early part of the description of this county.

Lansdown, which is noticed in the Agriculture of this county, is one of the most conspicuous and happily-situated hills in the west of England; yielding a fine view of the Bristol Channel, city of Bristol, part of Wales, and great part of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire; and from one point of view the cities of Bath and Bristol may be seen at the same time.

The view from this hill is enchanting, and equalled by few in this or any other county in the kingdom.

Near the top of Lansdown-hill is a spring of excellent water, which is conveyed in pipes to most parts of the city.

On the brow of this hill is a monument, erected by order of Lord Lansdown, to the honour of Sir Bevil Granville, his lordship’s ancestor, who was killed here on July 5th, 1643, in a battle between him and Sir William Waller, the Parliament general.

This monument is erected as near as possible to the spot where this brave man was slain.

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BATH is a city, parliamentary and municipal and county borough, and in conjunction with Wells a bishop’s see, an old established and frequented inland watering place, celebrated for its hot springs, and a market and union town on the navigable river Avon and the Kennet and Avon canal, with stations on the Great Western main line, the Midland railway, and the Somerset and Dorset Extension railway, from Bath to Evercreech, 106 ¾ miles from London, 86½ from Banbury, 87 from Basingstoke, 126 ½ from Barnstaple, 103 from Birmingham, 5 from Box, 216 ¾ from Bradford (Yorkshire), 44 ¾ from Bridgwater, 240 ½ from Bridlington, 11 ½ from Bristol, 56 from Cheltenham, 177 ¾ from Chester, 13 from Chippenham, 54 ¾ from Cirencester, 112 ½ from Coventry, 94 from Crediton, 94 ½ from Dawlish, 135 from Derby, 183 from Doncaster, 87 from Exeter, 49 from Gloucester, 221 from Harrogate, 262 ¼ from Holyhead, 207 ½ from Hull, 106 ½ from Leamington, 203 from Leeds, 183 ¾ from Lincoln, 200 ¼ from Liverpool, 187 ½ from Manchester, 141 from Matlock, 19 ¼ from Melksham, 304 from Newcastle-on-Tyne, 150 ½ from Nottingham, 63 ¾ from Oxford, 140 from Plymouth, 209 from Preston, 71 from Reading, 259 ½ from Scarborough, 174 from Sheffield, 160 ¾ from Shrewsbury, 131 from Stafford, 181 ¾ from Stockport, 71 ¼ from Stroud, 36 ¾ from Swindon, 56 ¼ from Taunton, 64 ½ from Tewkesbury, 112 ¼ from Torquay, 116 from Totnes, 11 from Trowbridge, 32 ½ from Warminster, 28 ¾ from Westbury, 91 ¾ from Windsor, 111 ½ from Wolverhampton, 78 from Worcester, 69 ½ from Yeovil, and 216 ¾ from York. The difference between Greenwich time and Bath time is 11 minutes.

The city is locally in the Frome division of the county, hundred of Bath Forum and within the rural deanery and archdeaconry of Bath and diocese of Bath and Wells.

Bath is supposed to have been founded by the Romans, who held it from circ. 54 till A.D. 410; and the records of ancient history no less than the numerous and varied collection of Roman relics found in this city, and exhibited at the Royal Literary Institution, largely attest this presumption: the city, called by them, on account of its hot springs, “Aquae Sulis,” chiefly occupied a site now covered by the western and southern portions of modern Bath; of the ancient walls a small portion remains, including the eastern gate and part of the old wall now contiguous to the Grove Tavern, New Market row, near which, some years ago, human bones and a considerable quantity of Roman coins of the emperors Carausius (A.D. 287—94), and Claudius (41—54), the tyrant Tetricus (267—74), the Constantines (306—337) and others were discovered in a good state of preservation. The tympanum of a temple to Minerva, founded on the site of the present Pump Room, is preserved in the Institution, as well as some sepulchral tombs and altars found in the city. By the Britons the place was called “Akeman” (“Aquae” and Celt, “man,” a district) and by the Saxons “Akemanceaster.” After the retirement of the Romans, A.D. 410, Bath was taken from the West Welsh by the West Saxons, who settled here in 577. In 676 a convent was founded; Offa, King of Mercia, took it from the West Saxons and founded here in 775 a college of secular canons, who were expelled in 970 by King Edgar, andreplaced by Benedictines; but the place was subsequently wasted by the Danes. Atheletnn is thought to have set up the first mint here.

Bath was the dower of Edith, Queen of Edward the Confessor; and at the time of Domesday Survey was a royal demesne, there being at that time only 570 inhabitants. In the time of William Rufus the mineral springs were neglected and the town was burnt by Geoffrey of Coutances, an adherent of Odo, bishop of Bayeux. In 1088 it was bought for 500 marks by John de Villula, afterwards first bishop of Bath, who made it a bishop’s see, and in 1106 restored the city and the minster of St. Peter, making the head monk a prior instead of an abbot; but in the reign of Richard I. Bath and its privileges were transferred to the Crown in exchange for the rich abbey of Glastonbury, which was then bestowed on Savaric, bishop of Bath and Wells and a kinsman of Leopold of Austria. In 1539 the priory was dissolved, but the church was preserved, and is now the high church of the city. In the Civil War the city and the neighbourhood were the scene of many encounters, and the city was alternately held by both parties, being at an early stage of the contest fortified by the King at an outlay of £7,000; but in 1642 it was taken by Sir William Russell K.B. fifth Earl of Bedford and a general of horse in the parliamentary army, but who afterwards joined the King and was taken prisoner at the first battle of Newbury, Sept. 20, 1643; on Lansdown a drawn battle was fought on July 5, 1643, between Sir William Waller and Sir Beville Grenville; subsequently the former was worsted at Roundway Down, near Devizes, and the Royalists thereupon recaptured Bath and held it for some time. In the reign of James II. the Duke of Monmouth, raising his standard in the west in June, 1685, marched on Bath, but the citizens closed their gates against him. Queen Anne and Prince George of Denmark made the city for some time their place of residence, and thus brought it into favour; and in 1728 John Wood, an architect, began the buildings which contribute so much to the attractiveness of the city, including Queen square, the Parades, the Circus, and many other parts of the town; the Royal crescent was the work of the younger Wood. Richard Nash, the famous “Beau Nash,” was the son of Richard Nash, of Pembroke; he was born in 1674, and matriculated at Jesus College, Oxford, 19 March, 1691—2; in 1693 he was a student of the Inner Temple and was also for some time an officer in the army, but in 1704 came to Bath and became master of the ceremonies at the Assembly Rooms, where he was commonly known as “the Beau”; in spite of his eccentricities he succeeded by his clever management in making Bath a highly fashionable place of resort, and greatly contributed by his influence to the improvement of the town: he died 3 or 12 Feb. 1761, and was buried in the Abbey church.

The city comprises the original parishes of SS. Peter and Faul, St. James and St. Michael, bounded by the river Avon, with the extensive parish of Walcot on the north and west, and separated by the river from Bathwick parish on the east, also in the borough: Lyncombe and Widcombe parish from the southern portion of the city, having the river on the north. Under the Local Government Act, 1888 (51 & 52 Vict. c. 41), Bath became a county borough for certain purposes; for parliamentary purposes, a portion of the parish of Twerton was added by “the Boundary Act, 1868 ’’; it is lighted with gas from works in the Upper Bristol road, the property of a company, and the principal streets by electricity from works established by a company in 1891; water is derived from springs among the hills in the vicinity and transferred to the Corporation reservoirs at Charlcombe and Monkswood.

The city first returned members to Parliament in the 23 Edward I. (1295), and still returns two members. Until the passing of the “Municipal Corporations Act, 1835” (5 and 6 William IV. c. 76), it was governed by the charter granted by Queen Elizabeth at her visit in 1590; the corporation now consists of a mayor, 14 aldermen and 42 councillors, the city being divided into seven wards. There is also a recorder, who presides at courts of quarter sessions, and about 30 justices of the peace, including the mayor and the ex-mayor, with a separate commission. The town clerk is steward of the city leet, a separate court-leet being held for Bathwick. The income of the city, arising from lands, the hot springs of the baths and pump rooms, the cold springs of the water works, and the market tolls, is considerable.

The situation of Bath, embosomed within surrounding hills, is singularly beautiful: from these hills extremely fine views are obtained of the city and the picturesque country adjacent: the temperature, from the sheltered position of the town, is generally mild. The streets, instead of being confined wholly to the bottom of the valley, are laid out along the sides of the hills immediately inclosing it, and thus form terraces of fair stone houses, rising one above another, or arranged as squares and crescents, planted with trees and intermixed with gardens, producing a general effect of much attractiveness, and not inferior in natural beauty to that of Florence. The river Avon, which passes through the city on the south and east, is crossed by several bridges: the old bridge, a structure of five arches, at the end of Southgate street, was originally erected in the 14th century, and there formerly stood on it a small chapel dedicated to St. Lawrence: Pulteney bridge, erected in 1770, and uniting High street and Great Pulteney street, has three arches and shops on either side; the elevations towards the river are in the Italian style and relieved by a pedimented centre; below it is a weir; Cleveland iron bridge, of one arch, unities Bathwick street with Walcot; and another iron bridge connects the North parade with the avenue east of the river: the Great Western railway twice crosses the river as it bends southwards, and it is spanned on the south-west by the Midland bridge and the viaduct of the Midland railway: there are also the Victoria and Albert suspension bridges.

Springs and Roman Baths.-The hot springs, the medicinal qualities of which have made Bath famous, are traditionally of very high antiquity, and baths are said to have been constructed here so early as 860 B.C.; subsequent legends relate that in the 6th century the springs were visited by St. David and King Arthur, and then received, in the presence of the king, the arehiepiscopal benediction: during the period of the Roman occupation, a very extensive and magnificent series of baths was constructed here by the Romans, who gave to the place the name of “Aquae Sulis,” and numerous altars have been disinterred on the site, inscribed to “Sul,” the divinity presiding over springs of water; some remains of these buildings, which had been covered over and lost sight of, were discovered in the 16th century, and even earlier, but it was not until 1754—5, on the removal of part of the ancient palace erected by John de Villula, bishop of Bath (1088— 1122), that the extent and importance of the Roman work began to be manifested. This palace reached westward from the abbey nearly to the confinements of the King’s Bath, and in clearing away the debris of the foundations towards the south-east there was disclosed the fine hall, 43 feet long by 34 wide, which now forms the principal feature at the eastern extremity of the buildings already excavated; in the centre of this hall was a bath, 34 by 15 feet, surrounded by wide “scholce,” or platforms, covered in, and supported by an arcading, and at either end were transverse chambers with semi-circular recesses, perhaps for cold baths; to the east of it was a series of rooms of different temperatures, as in the modern Turkish baths, which have been partially explored, but there are still others beyond, including probably a cooling chamber, which are yet covered up; the materials of the Roman works discovered at this time were largely used in the erection of the Kingston buildings and baths. During the period 1789—99, while excavations were in progress for the erection of the Pump Room, large fragments of stone were found, finely sculptured in low relief with figures and other subjects, and comprising portions of cornices, and the tympanum of a pediment; these remains, conjectured at the time to have belonged to a temple, are now believed to have formed a portion of one of the entrances to the baths from the north; further discoveries were made in or about 1808, on the laying out of York street, and also in 1825; and in 1869 C. E. Davis esq. F.S.A, architect, of Bath, began the works of exploration, which have resulted in the discovery and careful disinterment of extensive remains westward, as well as in the correction of the hypotheses formed by previous explorers. Of these remains the most important are the great bath discovered in 1880—1, the circular bath west of it in 1884—6, and the great Roman well beneath the King’s Bath in 1878; the inclosed hall containing the great bath is 110 feet 4 ½ inches long by 68 feet 5 inches wide, and the bath itself, including the continuous steps surrounding it on all sides, is 81 by 38 feet; around the bath are “scholce” or ambulatories 14 feet wide, with three recesses or “exedrce” on the north and south sides, the central one being rectangular and the others circular; the latter had stone seats, or “stibadia,” and fragments of the backs of these, finely carved, have been recovered; the whole hall, now opened out, was originally roofed in, the division of the roof immediately over the bath consisting of a quadrangular dome springing from a cornice supported on double square pilasters, rising from the “scholce” and the steps of the bath, and 49 feet 2 inches in height from the bath floor; the ambulatories were also covered in and a kind of clerestory lighted both; the approach to this bath was by two large doorways at its western end, and it was filled with hot water from the springs by a rectangular lead pipe, nearly 2 feet wide and 7 inches deep, proceeding direct from the great well, and entering the bath at its northwest angle; cold water was supplied by another pipe on the north side, discharging into a large bronze or stone trough, the plinth of which remains on the steps; the circular bath adjoining is, including the steps encompassing it, about 30 feet in diameter, and has three gangways, one on the north and two on the south; it is constructed of concrete, probably once covered with lead, and is contained in a hall 39 feet 6 inches long by 35 feet, with attached plastered pilasters; the whole hall has now been covered in with an arched vaulted ceiling, panelled, the vaulting riba being continued from pilasters at the sides; to the south is a corridor, and on the south-west a hypocaust on “pilce,” opening on the south to a circular chamber about 17 feet in diameter, besides other apartments, as yet only partially excavated; on the north side of the circular bath is another corridor, the north wall of which, afterwards built up, was originally an arcade opening directly on the great well, discovered in 1878, on the purchase of the Kingston hot springs by the Corporation; the well, situated immediately beneath the King’s Bath, still forms as anciently the great receptacle of the springs, and is in plan an irregular octagon, built so as to inclose the various sources of the springs, and measuring about 50 feet in length from east to west, with a breadth of 40 feet; the walls, built of large blocks of stone, aire 3 feet thick and from 6 feet 6 inches to 7 feet high, and when discovered were found to be largely cased on the inside with lead exceeding half an inch in thickness and weighing 30 lbs. to the square foot, and from 20 to 30 tons of this lead was eventually removed and sold to defray in part the cost of excavation; the floor of the King’s Bath above is constructed of solid concrete, and the only outlet from the well is the central shaft, up which the water rises and flows over into the bath; from the well eastwards ran a culvert, over 120 feet long, which, after being closed for 1,300 years, has been reconstructed, and is now used for carrying off waste hot water.

During the excavations many interesting objects have been met with, including a metal mask of Romano-British character, inscribed tablets, metal vases and a metal cup, two patens, bronze ornaments, ivory and jet objects, fragments of Samian ware, and a bronze sluice from the great bath, now in the Pump Room; and amongst the decayed rushes against the north-west pilaster in this bath was found a teal's egg, showing that on the destruction of the Roman “Aquae Sulis” by the Saxons A.D. 577, after the encounter with the Britons at Deorham, the place must have remained for a long period ruinous and deserted; the mud at the bottom of the bath was full of the shells of tiny molluscs of various species, and also contained a large quantity of “hydrobia ventrosa, " a species of mollusc found in brackish water, as well as different forms of “diatomaceae”; the vegetable deposit above the mud appeared to have grown the Dutch rush and wild oats. The whole systemn of baths, when complete, probably occupied the greater part, if not the whole, of the south side of the Roman forum, the western wing extending some distance down the present Bath street. The excavations described have been carried out by the Corporation and the Bath Antiquities Committee, aided by the Society of Antiquaries of London (who contributed £50), the late Duke of Cleveland K.G. and other noblemen and gentlemen. The preceding account of the springs and Roman baths is compiled mainly from the small “Guide” by C. E. Davis esq. F.S.A.

Ancient and Modern Baths.-The most ancient and famous of all the baths in the city is that now called “the King’s and Queen’s Bath,” but originally known as “the King’s Bath,” and so named, it is supposed, from King Bladud, grandson of the King Lud, and father of King Lear, who is traditionally said to have been cured of leprosy by the use of these waters; the bath, situated in Stall street and attached to the grand Pump Room, was built prior to 1542; it is 59 feet long by 40 feet wide, and is computed to hold 56,332 gallons; it stands, as already mentioned, immediately over the great octagonal well of the springs, and the water, rising through a shaft from below at a temperature of 117 degrees, issues impetuously through a perforated iron plate in the centre of the bath and above the surface of the water; on the north side a vaulted arcade of three arches communicates with a corridor opening into dressing and reposing rooms; and on the east and west sides are arched recesses with seats; apartments are devoted to the application of Massage, Inhalation and Pulverisation; against the south wall is a stone chair given by Anastasia Grew in 1739; on the west and south runs an ornamental balustrading in the Jacobean style, erected in 1697 at the cost of Sir Francis Stonor kt. and repaired by the Corporation in 1863; attached to the walls are votive brazen rings, inscribed with the donors’ names, and in some instances of considerable antiquity and interest. The King’s and Queen’s Bath was enlarged and adapted with all modern appliances, at a cost exceeding £20,000, from the designs of C. E. Davis esq. F.S.A, and opened June, 1889, by H.R.H, the Duchess of Albany. The old Queen’s Bath, constructed in 1597 at the cost of Mr. Bellot, a munificent citizen, was removed during the excavations in 1885—6; it took its name from Anne of Denmark, queen of James I. who made use of it in 1615.

The Cross Bath, in Bath street, about 100 yards southwest of the King’s Bath, has an irregularly shaped area of about 20 feet long by 16 wide, and contains about 12,000 gallons; the water rises from a well 15 feet below the pavement, and has an average temperature of 104 degrees; the bath was partly reconstructed in 1790, under the direction of Mr. Baldwin, but none of its votive Tings now remain. This bath takes its name from a fanciful architectural design erected here in 1688, by John (Drummond), Earl of Melfort K.T. by order of Mary Beatrice, queen of James II.

The Hot Bath is an octagonal building, erected by John Wood, jun. in 1776; the general area is about 3,126 square feet, the bath itself having a depth of 4 ½ feet and holding 9,100 gallons, the temperature rising to 120 degrees. Near it are the Royal Private Baths, to which several dressing rooms, a pump room, and a complete suite of Aix Massage douche baths were added about 1894; there is also a tepid swimming bath erected by the Corporation in 1829, after a design by Decimus Burton; its capacity is 37,225 gallons, the water being supplied from the King’s Bath spring.

The New Royal Baths, attached to the Grand Pump Room Hotel, built by the Corporation in 1870, contain numerous private baths, each having a dressing room &c. There are several “deep” baths, reclining baths and dry douches; the Aix Massage douche has also been fitted up for ladies, while in the basement a fine room has been erected for Aix massage, Vichy douche, Scottish douche and Needle douche, besides reclining and shower baths. In this building there is also a magnificent swimming bath, 80 feet long by 30 wide, used 2 days a week by ladies and 4 by gentlemen; the temperature of the water is reduced to about 84 degrees; a lift connects these baths with the Grand Pump Room Hotel.

The Kingston Baths, in York street, formerly the property of the Duke of Kingston, was discovered on the removal of the Abbey house in 1775, and are now fitted up as cheap baths for gentlemen only.

The new Queen’s Baths in Stall street and York street, the foundation stone of which was laid 23rd July, 1886, and formally opened by H.R.H, the Duchess of Albany, 13 June, 1889, were erected from the designs of C. E. Davis esq. F.S.A, architect, of Bath; the frontage towards both streets is in the Italian style, with Ionic pilasters supporting a deep cornice and attic. The entrance is that of the old baths, and leads to a spacious central hall, with an open timber roof, and luxuriously fitted; the flooring is laid with mosaic and reproduces the pattern of a Roman tessellated pavement found in 1886 in Bridewell lane; the baths partially surrounding the central hall and reached from it, comprise Aix douches, inhalation room and Ragatz reclining baths. The inhalation room contains a large walnut-wood table, on which are extremely delicate and ingenious instruments for applying the water for application to the nose, ears, eyes &c. besides Siegel’s Sprays, for using the water in connection with medicated tinctures, if necessary, for the mouth, throat and respiratory organs. The remaining baths on the upper floor include reclining baths fitted with douches, lave and enemate, and deep baths holding about 800 gallons, with steps down into them and seats all round; one Ragatz bath has special fittings for injections. The lower floor is within a few inches of the original Roman level. In order to utilise the natural vapour from the springs, several vapour baths have been fitted on the Bertholet system, for local application, also boxes in which vapour treatment can be given to the whole body. At no Spa in England or the Continent can natural vapour be had to such advantage or at a higher temperature, viz. 112 to 115 degrees. There are also Electric Hot Air Baths (Greville system) for use in conjunction with the mineral waters.

The Grand Pump Room in the Abbey churchyard, adjoining the King’s and Queen’s Baths, was built by the Corporation in 1704—6, under the auspices of Richard Nash esq.; in 1751 it was enlarged; and in 1786 improved by the addition of a colonnade; but in 1796 the building was wholly removed and the present structure erected, from designs by Mr. Baldwin; the front elevation, a work of the Corinthian order, is 90 feet in length and relieved in the centre by four columns, supporting a frieze and pediments; the hall, 65 feet long, 56 wide, and 34 high, is surrounded by fluted columns of the Corinthian order, supporting a coved and enriched ceiling; the upper portion of the walls on each side is pierced with square openings between the columns, forming a kind of clerestory; at each end are wide arched recesses, one of which has a gallery, and the other contains a marble statue of “Beau Nash,” by Hoare; the mineral waters are supplied from the spring, at a temperature of 114 degrees Fah. the water rising into an elegant fountain placed in an annexe on one side of the room, in front of which is a long balustraded bar from which the water is served; the room is amply provided with chairs and lounges and supplied with newspapers &c. for the use of water drinkers; the room is much frequented at all times, and forms a fashionable promenade, especially in the winter season. The daily concerts throughout the winter season were formerly given in the Grand Pump Room, but, during the last few years an extensive and attractive building known as the Roman Promenade has been erected at great cost in close proximity to it, the features of which comprise a handsome concert room, a spacious museum for sheltering the antiquities discovered on the site, and drawing and smoking rooms for visitors, while the great Roman bath has been surrounded by a colonnade resting on the ancient piers, forming extensive terraces for promenading. The building is also so constructed as to enable visitors to pace the pavements of the ancient Schola and inspect the great baths disclosed, which are still fed and discharged by the conduits of ancient use. This building was opened by H.R.H, the Duke of Cambridge in October, 1897.

Upwards of £80,000 have been expended by the Corporation in recent years in perfecting the various appliances and additions to the establishments, which now include every modern and Continental improvement.

The Mineral Springs which supply these baths yield 507,600 gallons of water daily, at a temperature of 120 degrees Fah.

The following is the analysis of the principal or King’s Bath spring, as taken at the “Lancet” laboratory in 1899:—

This spring supplies the King's and Queen’s Baths, the new Royal Baths, the swimming bath, the Kingston baths, the drinking fountain in the Grand Pump Room, the Royal Mineral Water Hospital and the public drinking fountain.

The whole of the baths are under the control of the Baths Committee of the Town Council, Mr. Lawrence H. Wilson, secretary.

Churches.-The Abbey church of SS. Peter and Paul is supposed to stand near a spot once occupied by a Roman temple to Minerva, and subsequently by a very early church consecrated by St. David in 596; in 676 a church of secular Canons was founded by the Viceroy Osric, and rebuilt in 775 by King Offa; and in this structure King Edgar was crowned on Whitsunday, 973, it being then a Benedictine monastic church; in 1091, on its purchase, as before mentioned, by John de Villula, it became a cathedral, and was completed after a fire by Robert the Norman in 1137; the present building, erected on the site of the former church, is a noble cruciform structure, commenced in 1499, by Oliver King, bishop of Bath and Wells, and it is said that the bishop was led to undertake the work by a vision or dream, the circumstances of which are thus related by Sir John Harrington:-“That as the bishop one night lay meditating in bed he saw the Holy Trinity, with angels, ascending and descending by a ladder, near to which was a fair olive-tree supporting a crown”: Bishop King was, however, prevented by death from completing his design, which was continued by priors Byrde and Holloway (1499—1534) and by the last prior, Gibbes, until the dissolution in 1539, when the church was dismantled, and the glass, ironwork, lead and bells sold for £4,800; it remained in this state for many years, but at length partial repairs were made, and the church was reconsecrated in 1584; by the successive benefactions of Thomas, Earl of Sussex; Lord Burleigh, Thomas Bellot, steward of the household, and Bishop Montague, who held the see from 1608 to 1616, and gave £1,000, the edifice was gradually restored before 1614, the nave being the last portion completed. In 1833 it was extensively repaired and the roofs new leaded; some of the surrounding buildings were also removed, and a stone screen, from a design from Blore, erected, and the church was re-opened Dec. 25, 1835. Between 1859 and 1874 a complete restoration of the fabric was effected by the late Sir G. G. Scott R.A.; the whole exterior of the building having been thoroughly repaired, the ceiling of the nave groined in stone, and the interior renovated and seated with open benches. In 1885 an oak screen was erected at the southwest comer of Prior Bryde’s chapel, in commemoration of the restoration of the church, by the Rev. Charles Kemble M.A. sometime rector of Bath and Prebendary of Wells, who died in 1874. The church consists of a choir of three bays, with aisles and south chapel, nave of five bays, with clerestory and aisles, a transept of two bays on each side, without aisles, and a central tower 162 feet in height, containing 10 ponderous bells, the 1st and and of which were cast in 1774 and the remaining 8 by Abraham Rudhall in 1700; its most characteristic features are found in the length of the choir, the breadth of the nave aisles, the narrowness of the transept, and its profusion of windows, fifty-two in number, a circumstance which has obtained for it the name of the “lantern of England.” The west front is flanked by two stair turrets, which are covered with sculpture representing Bishop Kings dream and having panelled and battle-mented parapets surmounted by modern pinnacles; the fine west window of seven lights has above it a large canopied niche, and the gable is finished with battlements of open tracery, the whole space between these and the arch of the window being filled with a representation of the heavenly host; over the western doors, which date from 1617, is a legend “Domus Mea domus Orationis”; the restoration of this portion of the fabric was completed in 1901, at a cost of about £6,000, under the direction of T. G. Jackson esq. M.A., R.A., F.S.A.; the prominent feature of the nave is the clerestory here of unusual size; the twelve clustered columns which support the elliptic arches of the arcades are set diagonally, and vaulting shafts are carried up from the floor to the ceiling, which is carved and richly panelled; there is no triforium, and externally the clerestory is supported by flying buttresses; the transept has finely decorated ceilings and enormous north and south windows, each of five lights, and in the south transept is a piscina niche; here also is a canopied font, dating from 1710; the tower, of two stories, is wider on the east and west than on the north and south, and has a panelled and embattled parapet, and octagonal panelled turrets, with crocketed spires at the angles: the choir, vaulted in stone, exhibits fan tracery of very elaborate design, and has on the south side Prior Birds chantry, a graceful work, erected about 1515, and restored in 1875 by the late Sir G. G. Scott R.A. at the cost of Mr. Kemble; its style is Florid Perpendicular, and the fan traceried vaulting, canopied niches and rich carving contribute to make this chantry, though not an integral part of the building, its choicest feature: the south screen of the chantry has been restored; a reredos was also erected in 1875; the east window of seven lights and 50 feet high by 20 wide, is flanked by square stair turrets similar to those at the west end, and below the window may be seen the bases of pillars placed by Bishop Robert in 1137—66: there is no episcopal throne, but a chair for the bishop is placed on the north side, below the restored screen: there are many stained windows: in 1888 the north side of the west window was filled with stained glass in memory of Bartlett and Jane Little and six of their children: a new organ was erected in 1838 and has since been enlarged by the addition of several new stops: the church contains numerous monuments, the principal of these being that of Bishop Montague (1608—16) a high tomb in the nave, with effigy and canopy, erected in 1621; the others worthy of notice are those of Alderman Chapman, Mary Frampton, 1698, with an epitaph by Dryden; James Quin, the actor, d. Jan. 211, 1766, with half-effigy, and an epitaph by Garrick; Beau Nash, d. Feb. 12, 1761, with epitaph by Dr. Harington; Lady Miller, 1781, with bust by Bacon, sen.; the Rev. C. Crook; Dr. Christopher Butson, bishop of Clonfert and Killaloe (1804—36); General Sir Henry Johnson: William Broome LL.D, a translator of “Homer,” d. Nov. 16, 1745; Sarah Fielding, sister of the author of “Tom Jones” and authoress of “David Simple,” d. Ap. 1768, with epitaph by Dr. Hoadley; Dr. John Sibthorp, professor of Botany, d. Feb. 8, 1796, by Flaxman; Archdeacon Thomas, Drs. Caleb Hillier Parry M.D., F.R.S. 1822; Lieut.-Gen. Sir Manley Power K.C.B.; Dr. Harington, physician and musical composer, 1816; Baron Thompson; Mr. William Hoare; Fletcher Partis esq. founder of the college for gentlewomen; Admiral Sir Richard Hussey Bickerton bart. d. 1832, by Chantry; Mr. Jacob Bosanquet, 1767, by Carter; Sir William Draper K.B. the opponent of “Junius,” d. Jan. 8, 1787; Venanzio Rauzzini the composer, 1810; Rev. Dr. Trail, Hon. W. Byngham, American senator, by Flaxman; Lieut.-Col. North; Col. Charles-Godfrey, 1714; Lady Cockburn; Admiral Sir William Hargood, captain of the “Belleisle " at Trafalgar; Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. P. Acland K.C.B. d. 1816; Sir Nigel Gresley; William Melmoth, translator of Cicero and Pliny, d. Mar. 15, 1799: the Rev. Thomas Robert Malthus, author of an “Essay on Population,” d. Dec. 29, 1834; and Archibald Maclaine D.D. translator of Masheim’s “Ecclesiastical History,” d. Nov. 25, 1804; there is also a stately monument of marble, with a canopy supported by four Corinthian pillars, to Jane, wife of Sir William Waller, including effigies of both; the figure of Sir William, who died Sept. 19, 1668, was mutilated, according to tradition, by James II.: there are two brasses, one of which, dated 1664, is to the Reeves family; the other commemorates Sir George Ivy or Ive, knighted at Greenwich, Ap. 9, 1605, ob. 1639, Susannah (Hide), his wife and 6 children: Bishops Fitz-Jocelyn (1174—91); John de Tours (de Villula) (1088—1123); Godfrey (1123—35); Robert of Lewes (1135—74); Savario (1190—1206) and Roger (1244—48), were buried in the old cathedral: the length of the church from east to west is 210 feet, and of the transept, 126 feet, and the breadth of nave and aisles, 72 feet. The cloisters, chapter house, dormitory and prior's lodge, built by Bishop Beckington on the south side of the nave, and the abbey gateway on the east side of Stall street, were destroyed after 1569; the name of the almonry is still preserved in the Ambrey on the west side of South street, and the mill remains near the Orange grove, the southern part of which was called “Mitre Green”; near the river are still the “Dolemeads’’: the church has been restored since 1873 and affords 1,690 sittings, of which 154 are free. The register dates from the year 1569. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £400, with residence, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees.

The parish church of St. James, standing at the intersection of the lower Borough Walls with Southgate and Stall street, is a building of stone in the Italian style, erected in 1768—9 from designs by Messrs. Jelly and Palmer, and consists of nave with apse, aisles, with galleries and a western tower 155 feet high, built in 1848, in place of an older structure, under the direction of Messrs. Manners and Gill, and containing a clock and peal of 8 bells: the roof is supported within by four Ionic columns, and in the apse is a reredos with a representation of “Christ and his disciples at Emmaus,” by Benjamin Barker; the organ was built by Steed, of Bristol, in 1782: in a crypt beneath the church, are memorials to Marmaduke Fawkes, 1753; Lady Elizabeth Brudenell, 1760; and others of that family; Col. the Hon, Hugh Mackay, of Bighouse, d. 1770; Walter Chittick M.D.; George Stepney esq. physician, 1759; General John Paslow 1786, and family; and to the family of Broughton; in the choir is a monument to the Mainvarings; the church was restored in, 1888, at a cost of £1,600, and in 1898, choir stalls were provided: there are 1,050 sittings, of which 500 are free. The register dates from the year 1569. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £257, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1893 by the Rev. Gilbert Leny James, of St. Aidans, and a surrogate.

St. Michael’s parish church, Broad street, rebuilt and opened January 4th, 1837, from designs by Mr. George Philip Manners, city architect, at a cost of £8,000, is an edifice of Bath stone, in the Early English style, standing north and south and consisting of nave, with a semi-hexagonal apse at the north end, aisles, and a southern tower with spire 182 feet high and containing 8 bells: the nave is separated from the aisles by arcades of five arches on clustered columns, supporting a groined ceiling; the windows of the apse are stained; and there are sedilia on the south side: the church has been reseated since 1873, at a cost of £590, and affords 570 sittings, half of which are free. The register of baptisms and marriages dates from the year 1569; burials from 1572. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £107, with residence, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1894 by Rev. Henry James Heard M.A. of Caius College, Cambridge.

Bathwick.-The parish church of St. Mary the Virgin, an edifice of stone in a modern Perpendicular style, was erected in 1814 and subsequent years, under the direction of Mr. Pinch, architect, at a cost of £14,000, and consecrated February 4th, 1820, by the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol; it consists of chancel, nave of three bays, and aisles, south porch, and an embattled western tower rising to a height of 125 feet, with octagonal turrets at the angles, and containing 6 bells: the bells were completed and hung in 1880; the tenor bell, weighing 21 cwts. was cast in 1819; on February 2nd, 1875, a large and beautiful chancel, built from the designs of the late G. E. Street esq. R.A. was also consecrated: the east window and all those on the south side of the chancel are stained: the screen, of Mansfield stone and hammered iron, is decorated in gold and colours: the Litany desk was the gift of Mr. Street, and the desk and books for the Communion table were presented by the Rev. T. F. R. Ravenshaw F.S.A, rector of Pewsey, Wilts (1857—82): there is a fine memorial window in the south aisle to William Falconer M.D., F.R.S, of Bath, d. 30th Aug. 1824, erected by his friends: in the north aisle is a memorial window to the Rev. Harry Mengden Scarth, prebendary of Wells and rector of Bathwck (1841—71): the church has over 1,200 sittings, of which 350 are free. The register dates from the year 1668. The living is a rectory with the chapelry of Woolley annexed, net yearly value £390, with residence, in the gift of Capt. Forester, and held since 1871 by the Rev. George Tugwell M.A. of Oriel College, Oxford, prebendary of Wells and surrogate.

The ecclesiastical parish of St. John the Baptist was formed from that of Bathwick June 30, 1871: the church, a building in the Early Pointed style, from designs by Mr. C. E. Giles, was erected in 1861, chiefly at the cost of the Rev. L. R. Hamilton, on a site granted by Lord William Powlett, and consecrated August 1st, 1862, by the late Lord Auckland, bishop of the diocese (1854—69): in 1871 the church was enlarged by the addition of a new nave and chancel, from the designs of the late Sir A. W. Blomfield A.R.A., M.A., F.S.A, architect: the church has now 600 sittings. The register dates from the year 1871. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £132, with residence, in the gift of the rector of Bathwick, and held since 1879 by the Rev. James Dunn M.A. of Brasenose College, Oxford, Walcot parish church (St. Swithin’s), which occupies the site of the old church, a small edifice about 36 ½5 by 26 feet, is a large building of stone in the Italian style, erected in 1780, and consisting of nave with apse, aisles with galleries and a small tower containing a clock and 1 bell; below the church is a crypt belonging to the ancient structure: there are memorials to the Rev. James Sparrow M.A. 40 years rector, 1773; Sir Edward Berry K.B. rear-admiral of the Red, d. 13 July, 1831; Maria Langham, 1793; Christopher Anstey, author of the “New Bath Guide,” d. at Harnage, Wilts, 3 Aug. 1805; Elizabeth (Ashby), wife of Sir Nathan Wright kt. lord keeper, d. 1765; Lieut. J. Lewis Fitzgerald; 1835; Rev. J. Sibley, 44 years rector, 1815; William Hoare R.A. d. 1792, and Elizabeth his wife d. 1793; Rev. James St. Leger, archdeacon of Cloyne, 1834; Col. Brooke, governor of St. Helena, 1811; Count Alexandre Pischard D’Arblay, d. 1818, and Frances (Burney) his wife, dramatic writer and novelist, d. 6 Jan. 1840, and the Rev. A. P. D’Arblay, her son, d. 1837; Col. Thomas Pownall F.R.S., F.S.A. governor of Massachusetts Bay in 1757, and director-general of the office of Control, d. 25 Feb. 1805; Jerrie Peirce F.R.S, surgeon, 1768; and to the families of Whitworth and Aylmer: the fabric of the church, which suffered from the landslip of Hedgemead, was restored in 1891—2, at a cost of £3,850, and affords sittings for 1,056 persons, 600 being free: in the churchyard, once a Roman cemetery, urns and inscriptions have been found. The register dates from the year 1691, and there is a list of rectors from 1547, before which time it was served by the monks of Bath abbey. The living is a rectory, net annual value £510, with 2 acres of glebe, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1892 by the Rev. Joseph Edmund Rogers M.A. of Christ’s College, Cambridge.

St. Andrew’s, Julian road, Walcot, a chapel of ease to St. Swithin’s, Walcot, erected in 1870—3, and consecrated Sept. 11, 1873, is a building of stone in the Early Decorated style, from designs by the late Sir G. Gilbert Scott R.A. and his son, J. O. Scott esq. F.S.A, and consists of chancel, with aisle on the north and organ chamber on the south side, nave, aisles, north and south porches and a tower with spire 220 feet in height and containing a clock and 8 bells: the nave is divided from the aisles by arcades of four arches, supported by columns alternately clustered and octagonal: all the windows are stained: the church cost, with site, over £26,000, mainly raised by contributions, and has more than 1,000 sittings, of which 400 are free.

Christ Church, Walcot, had a conventional disirict, part of the parish of Walcot attached to it, about 1841, but no legal district has yet been assigned to it: the church, erected in 1798 on a site granted by Lord Rivers, and consecrated 7th November in that year, is a building of stone in a Modern Gothic style, consisting of nave with apse, south porch and an embattled western tower with pinnacles and spire, containing a clock and 8 bells: numerous gifts have been made to the church and various improvements effectively carried out: there are sittings for 1,125 persons. The register dates from the year 1871. The living is an incumbency, net yearly value £700, and held since 1884 by the Rev. Benjamin Norton Thompson M.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Holy Trinity is an ecclesiastical parish, formed from the old parish of St. Swifchin’s, Walcot, Nov. 19, 1839: the church, in James street west, is a building of stone in the Florid Gothic style, erected at a cost of £17,000, from designs by Mr. Lowder, and consecrated 10th Dec. 1822, by the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol: it consists of nave, aisle and a western tower, with spire, containing one bell, presented, by the late Rev. Martin Stafford Smith: there are sittings for 600 persons. The register dates from the year 1840. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £140, in the gift of trustees, and held since 1890 by the Rev. Thomas Lavie Sissmore M.A. of St. John’s College, Oxford, and surrogate.

St.-Saviour’s is an ecclesiastical parish, formed out of St. Swithin’s, Walcot, Nov. 19, 1839; the church, standing near Beaufort buildings on a site granted by Miss Tanner, was begun April 2nd, 1829, and consecrated April 28th, 1832, and is an edifice of stone in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave of five bays, aisles and an embattled tower of three stages, 120 feet high, with crocketed pinnacles and containing a clock and 8 bells, cast and hung at an expense of £600 by the munificence of William Hooper esq. of East Hayes: there are 700 free sittings and 400 rented sittings. The register dates from the year 1840. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £220, including glebe (£10), with residence, in the gift of the Church Patronage Society, and held since 1884 by the Rev. John Alexander Jacob M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin, and surrogate.

St. Paul’s is an ecclesiastical parish, formed out of the parishes of St. James and Holy Trinity, Walcot, Feb. 5, 1869: the church, situated at the west end of Queen’s square, and erected in 1873, at a cost of £14,115, stands partly on the site of an old hotel and partly on the site of St. Mary’s Episcopal chapel, designed by the elder Wood: it is a building of stone in an Early Gothic style, from designs by Messrs. Wilson, Wilcox and Wilson, architects of Bath, and consists of apsidal chancel, nave of three bays and north aisle: the aisle was added in 1880 and the total cost was about £8,000: there are 750 sittings. The register dates from the year 1869. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £290, in the gift of trustees, and held since 1901 by the Rev. Reginald Wynne Windsor M.A. of Durham University, who is also minister of Corn Street Mission chapel.

St. Stephen’s, Lansdown road, is an ecclesiastical parish formed by Order in, Council, November 29, 1881, out of Walcot parish and reformed 20 January, 1882: the church, erected in 1840—45, is a cruciform building in the Decorated style, from designs by the late James Wilson esq. F.S.A, and consists of chancel with vestry and organ chamber, nave, aisles, transepts, porch and a tower on the west side of the north transept, 120 feet in height, with a lantern and pinnacles at the angles: below the church is a spacious crypt: the font is in the Florid Gothic style, and has a finely carved oak cover presented by the Pinder family, in 1643, as a memorial to their father: the east window is stained: in 1866 an aisle was erected by the committee for the use of the Royal School for Officers’ Daughters: in 1882—3, a new chancel with vestry and organ chamber was built from designs by Mr. W. J. Willcox, architect, of Bath, at a cost of £3,000, and in 1888-9 a new porch was built, the church was reseated and a new pulpit of marble provided at a total cost of £1,250: since then a Teredos has been erected and in 1895 several stained windows were placed: there are 665 sittings, 185 being free. The register dates from September, 1880. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value about £240, derived from pew rents, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1881 by the Ven. Hilton Bothamley M.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge, archdeacon of Bath and prebendary of Wells.

St. Matthew’s church, an auxiliary to that of St. Thomas, Widcombe, and standing at the foot of Widcombe hill, is a building of Bath stone in the Decorated style, erected in 1846—7 from designs by Messrs. Manners and Gill, architects, at a cost of £5,500, and consists of nave of three bays, with quasi-chancel, aisles, south porch, and a tower on the south side with broach spire 155 feet high, and containing a clock and 6 bells: there are 1,260 sittings, of which above 800 are free.

St. Mark’s, Lyncombe, is an ecclesiastical parish, formed Feb. 8, 1856, out of the previously united parish of Lyncombe and Widcombe: the church, erected in 1831 and consecrated 27th April, 1832, is a fine building of stone in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave of five bays, aisles and a lofty embattled western tower with pinnacles, containing 6 bells: in 1883, the church was restored and re-seated and a new chancel and galleries erected at a cost of £2,000: there are sittings for 770 persons, of which 200 are free. The registers date from 1843. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £300, in the gift of the Simeon trustees, and held since 1896 by the Rev. James Theophilus Miller M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin.

South Lyncombe is an ecclesiastical parish, formed March 31, 1868, out of that of St. Mark: the church of St. Luke is a cruciform building of stone, consisting of chancel, nave, transepts, aisle and a belfry with spire containing 3 bells: there are 412 sittings, of which 120 are free. The register dates from the year 1869. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £280, with residence, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1898 by the Rev. William Laporte Payne.

The temporary church of St. Bartholomew, in Oldfield park, was opened in May, 1892, for the special convenience of the inhabitants of that portion of the parish of Lyncombe, and will seat 300 persons: the services are conducted by the clergy of St. Mark’s.

The Episcopal chapels are numerous, and include the following, some of which present features of considerable interest.

The chapel of St. Mary Magdalen, Holloway, erected in 1495 by John Cantlow, prior of Bath, was restored in 1760 and enlarged in 1823—4, and is a small building of Bath stone in the Perpendicular style, 46 by 14 feet, consisting of chancel, nave, chapel, south porch and an embattled western tower containing one bell: the ceiling is waggon-headed and ribbed, with bosses at the intersections: the chancel walls and the interior and exterior of the porch retain five mutilated tabernacles, four of which are of graceful design: there are also two canopied niches in the nave and another near the chancel; the west window has some fragments of ancient stained glass: in the chapel are memorials to Anne, successively wife to Nathaniel Biggs and Thomas Nicholas, 1662, with arms: John Coxe esq. of London, 1763: Anne Phillips, 1743; and an invocatory inscription in black letter without names: in the south porch is an inscription recording the erection of the chapel by Prior Cantlow; and against the north wall another describing its repair in 1760: there are sittings for 120 persons, 20 being free. The incumbency, net yearly value £100, is in the gift of the Lord Chancellor, and held since 1881 by the Rev. Edmund Juxon Wemyss-Whittaker.

All Saints’ proprietary chapel, which stands on an elevation below Lansdown crescent, is a building of stone in the Greek Classic style, from designs by Mr. Palmer, and was opened 26th October, 1794: the interior is surrounded by a gallery supported on eight columns, rising to and sustaining the roof, which is ornamented in stucco: the organ was presented in 1891 by George Stuckey Lean esq. J.P.: there are sittings for 500 persons: the incumbency, net yearly value £142, in the gift of the trustees, has been held since 1898 by the Rev. Richard Wood-Samuel, of St. Alban Hall, Oxford.

The Brymer chapel, at the General Mineral Water Hospital, is so named after James S. Brymer esq. who, in 1859, presented £500 for its special adornment: it is a building of stone in the Romanesque style, from designs by Messrs. Manners and Gill, consisting of nave, with ante-chapel, and a semicircular apse, approached by two-steps: the ante-chapel is vaulted and separated from the chapel proper by a screen of three arches, and contains a memorial window to Mr. Brymer; here also the organ is placed: the church proper has a panelled roof and is lighted, on the south side only, by five stained windows, the designs in which, partially reproduced from, examples in the Vandarmini Palace, Venice, incorporate various royal, municipal, and other shields: in the apse are seven stained windows: the pulpit is of white Clandown lias, and the eagle lectern of oak: the communion table of oak was presented by J. H. Markland esq.: the chapel is seated with oak benches for about 150 persons, of which 40 are free. The chaplaincy has been held since 1672 by the Rev. Thomas Tyers M.A. of Caius College, Cambridge.

Com Street Mission chapel, in the parish of St. Paul, is a plain, building of stone, with a semicircular apse at the east end, and from 1785 to 1809 was used as a Catholic chapel: it has about 400 sittings, of which 150 are free. The Rev. Reginald Wynne Windsor M.A. vicar of St. Paul’s, is the incumbent.

Kensington chapel, built by subscription in 1795 from designs by Mr. Palmer, was originally a chapel of ease to Walcot, and is a plain rectangular building of stone, with an apse at the east end and has 650 sittings, 153 being free. The living is a perpetual curacy, net yearly value £200, in the gift of the Church Patronage Society, and held since 1898 by the Rev. Thomas Houghton.

St. Augustine’s or Portland chapel, in Julian road, and in the parish of Walcot, was erected in 1816 by Mr. Young, and) is a plain building of stone, but was much improved about 1894: previous to its re-foundation as an Anglican place of worship it had been successively occupied by congregations of Independents and Catholics, but was first devoted to the use of the Established church by the Rev. S. H. Widdrington, formerly rector of Walcot: there are 550 sittings, about 80 of which are free. The incumbency, net yearly value £150, in the gift of the trustees, has been held since 1899 by the Rev. Valentine Francis Rowe.

Thomas Street chapel, erected in 1830, is a plain building of stone, held by the rector of Walcot at a rent of £35 yearly, and repaired by the Rev. Canon Bernard, rector in 1'884, at a cost of £150: the chapel was re-decorated in 1892, and is attached to St. Swithin’s, Walcot, by the clergy of which the services are conducted.

St. Paul’s parish hall and Church house, Monmouth street, erected in 1889, is used for parochial work, religious services and public entertainments.

Prior Park.-The Catholic colleges of SS. Peter and Paul consist of two wings, adjoining the magnificent mansion built by Ralph Allen, in 1743, from the designs of Mr. Wood. The buildings are all in the Classic style, and stand in a commanding and beautiful situation at the head of the vale of Widcombe, 100 feet below the level of Combe Down, and 400 feet above the city of Bath, about a mile distant, the prospect being closed by the more distant heights of Lansdown. The mansion, a stately edifice of the Corinthian order, has a frontage of about 1,300 feet, with a projecting hexastyle portico in the centre, from which arcades, extending on either side, terminate in pavilions; the portico is surmounted by a pediment, but the building generally is finished with a balustrade; this is the residence of the president, who has the schools of philosophy and theology under his immediate charge. St. Peter’s college is for junior pupils, and St. Paul’s for the more advanced classes: this is not entirely an ecclesiastical establishment, but those who desire to embrace the clerical profession pass from St. Paul’s college into Oscott college, or some similar institution. In the corridor is a brass to the Most Rev. George Errington, archbishop of Trebizonde, who died January 14,886, and another to Bishop Clifford, who died August 14, 1893.

Bath is within the Catholic diocese of Clifton.

The Catholic church, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, and situated on the South parade, is a cruciform building of Bath stone in the Decorated style, erected in 1861 from the designs of the late Mr. Charles Hansom, of Clifton, and consists of apsidal chancel, with side chapels, clerestoried nave, transepts, aisles, and a western tower with spire, 222 feet in height, and containing a clock and 8 bells: the aisles are adorned with carvings in stone of the “Stations of the Cross”; the apse has three stained windows: the altar is supported by a double row of marble columns, and the reredos exhibits four large panels, on which are carved in bold relief scenes from the life of St. John the Evangelist: over the tabernacle rises a canopy, resting on four marble columns, under which the Crucifix is placed: on either side of the sanctuary is a tow of stalls for the use of the clergy or others: on, either side of the sanctuary are two chapels, each with its altar and reredos, and lighted by a stained window: in the transept is the chapel of St. Benedict, which has a reredos containing, in a series of niches, carved representations of scenes from the life of the saint, and a finely executed window: most of the windows are stained, some being memorials: there are sittings for 800 persons. Adjoining the church is a priory and schools in the same style, the latter erected in 1883.

The Catholic church of Our Lady Help of Christians, in Julian road, was erected in 1879-81, at a cost of £8,000, from designs by Messrs. Dunn and Hanson, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, architects, the foundation stone being laid on Tuesday, 24 June, 1879, and the church opened by Cardinal Manning, 3 May, 1881; it is an edifice of Bath stone in the Decorated style, consisting of sanctuary, nave, south aisle, sidle chapel, sacristies, with sacristan’s room and organ chamber above: the east window is stained: the cost of erecting the sanctuary and side chapel was wholly defrayed by Mr. J. H. Sperling: the handsome window in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart was the gift of Miss Galton: there are sittings for about 300.

The Catholic Apostolic chapel, in the Vineyards, is a building in the Transition-Norman style, erected in 1840, and consists of apsidal chancel and nave only: the windows of the chancel are stained, and there are 200 sittings.

The Wesleyan chapel, New King street, is supposed to have been first founded by John Wesley himself, in 1779, but was rebuilt in 1847 in the Late Decorated style, and will seat about 1,000 persons.

The Wesleyan chapel, Nelson place east, Walcot, was founded May 31st, 1815, and opened May 30th in the succeeding year: the principal front has a portico of the Ionic order, and beneath the chapel are schoolrooms for 700 children: there is also a Wesleyan chapel at Dafford street, Larkhall, with sittings for 200 persons, and one at Oldfield Park, erected in 1892, to seat 180 persons.

The Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel, in the Vineyards, opened. 6th October, 1765, by the Rev. George Whitfield, is a structure of some elegance, with a gallery, supported on fluted pillars, added in 1783: there are 500 sittings. Adjoining are minister’s and caretaker’s residences and a committee room, in which are portraits of Lady Huntingdon and the Revs. John Wesley, Rowland Hill and George Whitfield. The register dates from 1793.

There are also Baptist chapels in Hay hill and Manvers street, founded originally in Somerset street in 1720.

The Jews have a synagogue in Corn street, built in 1841; and there is a meeting house for the Society of Friends, in York street.

The Moravian chapel, in Charlotte street, founded 19th March, 1834, by Thomas Slater esq. of Bath, and opened 10th October in the following year, was erected at a cost of £2,852, in place of the earlier building in Monmouth street, dating from 1765, and is an edifice in the Classic style with a central portico of the Corinthian order supporting a pediment: there are sittings for 300 persons, the greater part being free: attached are schoolrooms and a minister’s house.

The Congregational church, Argyle street, is a building erected in 1788—9, and enlarged in 1814: in 1821 the front was improved, and in 1852 the upper part was reconstructed at a cost of £2,000: a further restoration took place in 1863: in 1888 a new organ was erected and various structural improvements carried out at a cost of £1,400, and in 1892 the building was new-roofed and renovated at a cost of £1,950. This church derives its chief interest as having been the scene of the ministrations of the celebrated William Jay, who was pastor here for 63 years (1791—1853). The registers date from 1785.

The Congregational church, Charlotte street, is a building of singular design, in the Romanesque style, erected at a cost of £4,000: its principal feature is an irregular decagonal lantern rising from the centre, supported on ten columns of Purbeck marble; to the latter the surrounding galleries are also secured: there are 980 sittings; beneath the church are schoolrooms for 100 children.

The New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian) church, Henry street, is a building of stone of the Ionic order, with a portico, erected in 1844, the total cost being £2,000: there are about 220 sittings. Beneath the chapel are schoolrooms for 100 children, and a valuable library, chiefly theological.

The Unitarian chapel, Trim street, originally erected in 1793, at a cost of £2,500, was modified and greatly improved in 1860; it is now generally in the Romanesque style, with an apsidal recess at the north end: there is a mural monument to Henry Edward Howse esq. who died in 1834, and was nine years chamberlain of the city, and a generous contributor to the erection of this chapel: there are 350 sittings. The registers of this chapel date from 1719.

Cemeteries.-The Abbey Cemetery, at Lyncombe, covers 5 acres, and commands an exquisite view of the Bath valley: it was purchased by the Rev. the Hon. W. J. Brodrick, laid out by Mr, Loudon, and consecrated 30th January, 1844; there is a mortuary chapel in the Norman style, erected from a design of Mr. Manners, and in the grounds are the tombs of the Rev. Edward Tottenham, formerly minister of Laura chapel; Thomas Carr D.D. bishop of Bombay (1836—51), d. 5 Sept. 1859; General Dick and the Rev. Charles Kemble, prebendary of Wells and rector of Bath 1859 to 1874; here also is a memorial column to persons connected with Bath who fell during the Crimean war, Adjoining is the Catholic cemetery, consecrated in 1859, with an entrance in Perrymead. Bathwick cemetery lies in the vale of Smallcombe, and was consecrated: it has two chapels, one for the Established church, designed by Mr. T. Fuller, formerly of Bath, and another by Mr. A. S. Goodridge. Lansdown cemetery, originally a pleasure ground belonging to the late William Beckford esq. was consecrated April 28, 1848, and has a mortuary chapel: near the entrance is a lofty tower 130 feet in height, in the Italian style, designed by Mr. H. E. Goodridge: Mr. Beckford's remains, at first interred in the Abbey cemetery, were removed here after the consecration, and are deposited in a sarcophagus designed by himself; he died 2nd May, 1844, aged 84. A cemetery, consisting of eight acres, in the Lower Bristol road, was consecrated in 1862, for the parishes of Lyncombe, Widcombe and St. James; it was laid out by Mr. Butler, of Widcombe, and has two chapels in the Gothic style of the 14th century, designed by Mr. C. E. Davis F.S.A, architect, of Bath; these are cruciform in plan, with apsidal chancels, and are connected by a cloistered carriage way, over which rises a graceful turret, with a lofty tapering spire. The cemetery for St. Michael’s, at Locksbrook, Weston, consecrated in 1860, has two mortuary chapels. Walcot cemetery, at Locksbrook, on the Upper Bristol road, and consecrated in 1863, covers 12 acres, and has two chapels, in the Early Decorated style, united by a cloister, from the centre of which rises a tower 100 feet in height; all the buildings are from designs by Messrs. Hicks and Isaac, of Bath. The Unitarian cemetery, Lyncombe, presented to that body in 1819 by E. Howse esq. is in the midst of the beautiful scenery of the valley of Lyncombe, and has a convenient mortuary chapel.

The Guildhall, erected during the years 1766—75, is a handsome building of three storeys in the Italian style, from designs by Mr. Thomas Baldwin, architect; the elevation towards the Market place exhibits a slightly projecting centre, relieved in the two upper storeys by four columns of the Composite order, supporting an entablature and pediment, on the apex of which and rising above the balustrading is a figure of Justice bearing the sword and balances; narrow wings project on either side: the whole basement storey is rusticated: the interior contains on the ground floor a vestibule, sessions court, justice rooms and jury room: on the first floor is a committee room, formerly the Council chamber, and the banqueting room, 80 feet by 40 and 31 feet in height, containing portraits of Frederick, Prince of Wales and his consort, Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, which, as well as a silver cup and cover, were presented by his Royal Highness, in grateful recognition of the attentions received from the Corporation and citizens generally during his visit in 1734; there are also portraits of George III. and Queen Charlotte, by Allan Ramsay; of Earl Camden, who represented the city in Parliament from 1757 to 1794, and of William Pitt M.P. for Bath in 1761, both by W. Hoare R.A.; the other rooms contain additional portraits, including those of Beau Nash, by P. Hoare; Ralph Allen esq. of Prior Park; General Wade M.P. for Bath, 1722—48; and William Hunt esq. five times mayor of Bath, by Edwin Long R.A.; in the justices’ room is a bust of George III. by Turnerelli. The Corporation possess two maces, the right to bear which was granted by the charter of Queen Elizabeth in 1590. New municipal buildings were erected in 1894 at a cost of £38,000, on the south side of the Guildhall, from designs by Mr. J. M. Brydon F.R.I.B.A, of London, the present Guildhall being retained as a central and dominant feature, flanked on either side by lower abutting facades, which recede and are terminated by wings rising to the same height as the Guildhall, and capped with dwarf turrets: the new buildings include a council chamber, mayor's parlour, committee rooms and various offices: in the mayor’s parlour hangs a portrait of the late Sir Jerom Murch kt. d. 12 May, 1:895, by S. J. Solomon; a portion of the space on the north side of the Guildhall has been appropriated to the new Technical and Art Schools, erected at a cost of £22,000. Adjoining the Technical Schools, and forming part of the same architectural design, is the Victoria Art Gallery and Reference Library, built at a cost of about £17,000, as a memorial of the Diamond Jubilee of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria: there are upwards of 7,000 volumes in the library, and the Art Gallery contains, besides other pictures, “The Raising of Jairus’s Daughter,” by Edwin Long R.A. presented to the city by his widow, together with a valuable collection of china &c.: loan exhibitions are held twice a year.

The Police Station in Orange grove was erected in 1865, the former building having been found inadequate to the wants of the city.

The Assembly Rooms, between Bennett and Alfred streets, were built in 1769—71, by John Wood the younger; the principal entrance is by a portico of the Doric order on the west side, leading to a central octagonal antechamber, from which a doorway on the left conducts to the ball-room, 105 feet long, 42 broad and 42 ½ high, and adorned with 40 columns and pilasters 12 feet in height; the tea-room, 70 by 42 feet, has a colonnade of the Ionic order; there is also one card-room 56 by 27 feet and another of octagonal shape, 48 feet across, in which, framed with panels on the walls, are full-length portraits of Beau Nash and Heaviside, by Shaw; Captain Wade, by Gainsborough, and of Tyson, by James.

The Jubilee Hall, Broad street, erected by public subscription in 1888, is the local head quarters of the Young Men’s Christian Association, and contains a spacious lecture and concert room, with reading and recreation rooms and a well-furnished gymnasium.

St. James’ Memorial Hall, Lower Borough walls, was erected in 1888, at a cost of about £1,500, in memory of L. R. Valpy esq. and the Rev. W. J. Bolton, and is used for various meetings in connection with St. James’ parish.

The Bath Theatre, in Saw close, erected from designs by George Daw, architect, and totally destroyed by fire on Good Friday, 1862, was rebuilt on the same site in 1862—3 under the direction of Mr. C. J. Phipps F.S.A, architect, of London, and opened on 4th March in the latter year; the construction is at once elegant and ingenious, and affords a degree of convenience not frequently met with in buildings of this kind: the theatre will hold upwards of 1,600 persons.

The Lyric Theatre of Varieties, Saw close, was built in 1895, and will seat 1,000 persons.

The Harington Club, Hawington place, was established in 1874, to promote social intercourse, mental improvement and rational recreation.

The Bath Church Institute, 6 Edgar buildings, founded in 1890, contains reading and committee rooms, ladies’ room, library and smoking, billiard and bagatelle rooms; there are now (1901) about 450 members; the institute forms, a centre for church work in Bath and the neighbourhood.

Hetling House, Westgate buildings, formerly the mansion of the Hungerford family, has been taken on lease for 200 years by the vicar and churchwardens of the Abbey church, and renovated and adapted for Sunday school and parochial purposes.

The Bath and County Club, 21 and 22 Queen square, originally founded in 1790 in York buildings, was established in 1857, and consists of about 300 members, gentlemen of Bath and surrounding neighbourhood: strangers are introduced by permanent members for short periods.

The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Terrace walk, founded in 1825, is a building of the Doric order, with a hexastyle portico, and was erected by Earl Manvers on the site of the old Assembly rooms, burnt down on the 21st December, 1820: it has a library of about 20,000 volumes, and a museum of Roman antiquities, coins, geology, ornithology, and other branches of natural history, including a collection of richly plumaged birds, made by Mrs. Godfrey; and a collection of fossils illustrating the geology of the district, formed by Charles Moore esq. F.G.S.; there is also a reading room supplied with London and provincial newspapers and periodicals, writing, chess and smoking rooms and a lecture hall; in these rooms are several casta from classical sculptures and marble busts of Socrates and Cicero; Francis, 5th Duke of Bedford, d. Mar. 2, 1802, by Nollekens; Sir Benjamin Hobhouse bart. d. Aug. 15, 1831; Hastings Elwyn, 1826, by Chantrey; Sir Isaac Pitman kt. by Brock; Field Marshal Sir John Woodforde and Sir Jerom Murch kt. The Bath Literary and Philosophical Association holds its meetings here on alternate Friday evenings during the session. The Bath branch of the Selborne Society, the Photographic Society, the Bath branch of the Teachers’ Guild, the Bath Chess Club and the Bath Natural and Antiquarian Field Club also meet here. The Bath Athenaeum was amalgamated with the institution in 1899.

The Bath and West and Southern Counties Society for the encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, founded in the city of Bath 1777, and united in 1868 with the Southern Counties Association, is the oldest agricultural society with continuous and uninterrupted existence in the United Kingdom. It holds an annual exhibition in one or other of the chief centres of its area of operations, when prizes to a large amount are distributed; the Society also conducts scientific experiments on crops and undertakes practical investigations in connection with the making of cheese, cider &c; it has also established several schools for instruction in dairy work and farriery, and offers encouragement to young artiste and local artizans, and holds an annual art exhibition: in addition to an ample revenue, derived chiefly from subscriptions and the profits of its annual shows, it has a funded capital of £20,000: the management is vested in a council of 66 members, half of whom retire annually, but are eligible for re-election: the society publishes a journal of its proceedings; secretary and editor, Mr. Thomas F. Plowman, 4 Terrace walk.

The Holburne Art Museum, in Charlotte street, was founded in 1893 by a bequest of the sister of Sir William Holburne: the collection, which is of great value, comprises pictures by old masters, gold and silver plate, china miniatures &c.

The Masonic Lodges here are the Royal Cumberland, No. 41; Chapter Royal Sussex, No. 51; Chapter Royal Albert Edward, No. 906 and Honor Lodge, No. 376; the Masonic Hall is in Manvers place.

The Bath General or Royal Mineral Water Hospital (incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1739, as “The Hospital or Infirmary at Bath”) was established for the relief and support of poor persons from any part of the United Kingdom afflicted with complaints for which the Bath waters are a remedy, and consists of two handsome buildings connected by corridors. The older structure, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Hon. Wm.

Pulteney (afterwards Earl of Bath), in 1737, contains the patients’ sleeping wards, baths and domestic offices, and was opened for the reception of patients in May, 1742. The celebrated Richard Nash, in conjunction with Dr. Oliver and Ralph Allen, was amongst the most prominent promoters of the undertaking. The foundation stone of the new buildings was laid by the late Lord Portman, during the presidency of William Long esq. in 1859, and in 1861 the work was completed: the buildings include spacious day rooms, board room, officers’ apartments, and the Brymer chapel previously mentioned: in the rear are recreation rooms and an exercising ground. The number of beds is 172 (102 for males and 70 for females). Patients are gratuitously provided for, but are required to be in such pecuniary circumstances that the expenses attendant upon a long residence in Bath while using the mineral waters would be more than they could afford; and applicants must also show that the waters are applicable to their case. The annual expenditure is about £5,000, of which nearly £2,000 has to be supplied by voluntary contributions. Forms and all particulars may be obtained by applying to the Registrar at the Hospital.

The Royal United Hospital originated from two kindred institutions-the Bath City Charity, and the Casualty Hospital: the former of these was founded in 1747, under the name of “the Pauper Charity,” and was intended to provide strangers only with the means of benefiting by the Bath waters; in 1792 the scope of the institution was enlarged, and it assumed the character of a general dispensary for medical cases only. In 1788 the Casualty Hospital was founded, each institution taking the particular class of cases for which it was adapted. Suitable buildings having been erected between the years 1824 and 1826 at a cost of £7,000, the two institutions became amalgamated, and were re-opened 24th June, 1826, under the title of “the United Hospitals.” In 1866 a wing was added and the old building raised one storey, as a memorial to H.R.H. Prince Consort, when Her Majesty was pleased to allow the building to be known hereafter by its present title. The elevation of the old building in Beau street, designed by Mr. Pinch, is relieved in the centre with three-quarter columns sustaining a pediment, with the city arms in the tympanum: the building also includes a chapel, board-rooms, apartments for the officers and nurses, the usual wards for patients and an operating theatre. In the entrance hall, in a niche facing the door, is a colossal bust of H.R.H, the late Prince Consort by Noble, with inscription. The institution now holds 130 in-patients; the total number of in-patients treated in 1900 being 1,384, and out-patients, 9,992. The total cost of the alterations was a little over £17,400, of which sum £6,523 was paid for the Albert Memorial wing. In 1889 a children’s ward was built over the Albert Memorial wing at a cost of about £2,000, and in 1893 a laundry was added at a cost of about £2,000. The capital of the institution amounts to £17,252 (stock). The yearly expenditure is about £8,000.

Bellott’s Hospital, in Beau street, founded in 1609 by Thomas Bellott, and rebuilt in 1859, is available or 10 poor persons, and has separate rooms for male and female patients, and well-arranged dormitories. A bath has been constructed within the hospital, and the mineral waters introduced, for the benefit of the patients, each of whom receives medical advice and nursing gratis, together with coals and 2s. 4d. per week. The number of in-patients treated in 1900 was 109.

There are four dispensaries; the Western Dispensary in Albion place, Upper Bristol road, was established in 1837; the Southern, in Claverton street, Widcombe, was established in 1849; the number of patients treated here in 1900 was 680; Russell Duckworth B.A., J.P. president; the Eastern, in Cleveland place east, first established in 1832, was built in 1845, from the designs of Mr. H. E. Goodridge, and is distinguished by its exceptionally convenient arrangement: the principal front consists of a central division relieved by columns and pilasters supporting a pediment with wings on either side, and over the entrance is a tablet inscribed to John Ellis esq. of Southwark, by whose energy and munificence the institution was for some time mainly supported: he died October 31, 1837: the Hahnemann Free Dispensary, in Manvers street, was established November, 1888; there is also a dispensary in connection with the Homoeopathic Hospital, in Duke street.

The Bath Eye Infirmary, 1 Belvedere, was established in 1811, and has 17 beds; over 2,000 patients receive the benefits of this charity annually, of whom more than 300 are in-patients.

The Ear & Eye Infirmary, Walcot terrace, was established in 1837, and is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 12 noon.

St. John the Baptist's Hospital, Chapel court, Hotbatt street, was founded in 1174, by Reginald Fitz-Joceline and rebuilt in 1728 by James (Brydges) 1st Duke of Chandos, under the direction of John Wood, sen. and is now the oldest institution existing in Bath: there are at present 13 in-pensioners and 52 out-pensioners, each of whom receives 10s. per week from the funds: attached to the hospital is the chapel of St. Michael; the mastership and chaplaincy have been held since 1892 by the, Rev. Robert Esbury Whittington M.A. of St. John’a College, Cambridge, who resides at Swanswick.

St. Catherine’s Hospital, or “Black Alms, ’’ in Bath street, founded by Edward VI. in 1542, and rebuilt and enlarged by the Corporation of Bath in 1829, contains 14 tenements for the reception of that number of poor women, being the widows or daughters of inhabitants of Bath; each receives 5s. per week, besides an allowance of coal.

The Convent of La Sainte Union des Sacres Coeurs, Pulteney road, is an educational establishment conducted by the sisters of the order.

The Penitentiary, Ladymead, was founded in 1805; the buildings, designed by James Wilson esq. F.S.A, of Bath, are in the Romanesque style, and include a chapel, with sittings for 300 persons, built in 1825 at the sole expense of Mr. Parish, and restored in 1845.

The Market, in High street, was erected in 1868, at a cost of about £5,000. A portion of the structure has, however, been removed, and the site appropriated for the erection of the new municipal buildings. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday.

The Cattle Market is held on Wednesdays, and the Corn Market on Thursdays.

The early closing day is Thursday.

Races are held on Lansdown hill, where a grand stand is erected.

The Royal Victoria Park, of 49 ½ acres, laid out by Mr. C. E. Davis F.S.A, architect, was originally opened October 23, 1830, by Her late Majesty, then Princess Victoria, and H.R.H, the Duchess of Kent, and is supported by subscription: the park comprises ornamental plantations, shady promenades, and a carriage drive one mile and a quarter in length, and contains a column of freestone, known as the “Victoria column,” set up in 1837: the two Carrara marble vases on the public lawn were designed by Canova, and presented by Napoleon to his first wife, the Empress Josephine: at the north-west corner of the park is a colossal bust of Jupiter, by the late Mr. John Osborne, a self-taught sculptor. The Botanic garden, adjoining the park, was laid out under the honorary supervision of Mr. J. W. Morris F.L.S. and is about three acres in extent; a valuable collection of herbaceous and Alpine plants, acquired by the late Mr. Broom F.L.S. has been presented to the park.

Sydney Gardens, at the end of Pulteney street and at the foot of Bathwick hill, were laid out by Mr. Masters and opened in 1796; the gardens cover an area of 16 acres, and are intersected by the Kennet and Avon canal, here spanned by two bridges and by the viaduct of the Great Western railway; they are maintained at the expense and are under the management of the Band and Floral Fete Committee, and the city band performs regularly in the orchestras during the summer months, both in these gardens and the Royal Victoria Park.

The Bath Horticultural Society holds its meetings in these gardens.

The North Parade and Institution Gardens, which form, an exceedingly attractive pleasure ground in close proximity to the centre of the city, have been enlarged and beautified in the last few years and extended to the river Avon; they are open to subscribers only.

A portion of the Lower Common was in 1897 appropriated for a children's playground.

Henrietta Park, formerly a field of seven acres, on the north side of Great Pulteney street, was presented to the city by Captain Forester, the owner of the Bathwick. Estate, and laid, out as a public pleasure ground in 1897.

On the site of the Weymouth House Schools here, a piece of Roman tesselated pavement in a state of excellent preservation was unearthed in 1897. It is about 9ft. square. The mosaic is of bold pattern, in black, white, and terra cotta, and resembles very closely that found some time ago under the Royal Mineral Water Hospital.

The Earldom of Bath has been borne by Philibert de Shaunde, 1485, and the families of Bourchier, 1536—1656; Granville, 1661—1711; and Pulteney, 1742—64; and the Marquisate since 1789 by the Thynne family.

Among the eminent persons connected with Bath are William Prynne, the political writer and author of “Histriomastix,” born at Swanswick in 1600, recorder of the city and grandson of the first mayor of Bath; Henry Fielding, author of “Tom Jones,” born at Sharpham, 22 April, 1797; William Broome M.A., LL.D, a translator of Homer; William Melmoth, the translator of Pliny; the Rev. Richard Graves, author of the “Spiritual Quixote, ’’ and sometime rector of Claverton, near here, from 1750; James Quin, the actor; Dr. Edward Gordon, a physician; Samuel Derrick, the successor of “Beau Nash” as master of the ceremonies; Dr. John Sibthorp, professor of botany at Oxford, and author of the “Flora Graeca,” who died here 8 Feb. 1796; Christopher Anstey, author of the poem called the “New Bath Guide;” John Anstey, his son, author of the “Pleader’s Guide;” Dr. Archibald Maclaine, translator of “Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History;” the Rev. Thomas' Robert Malthus, the political economist; Sir William Herschel LL.D., F.R.S, astronomer royal; Dr. Harrington; Venanzio Rauzzini, a musician, and teacher of Braham, Madame Mara, Billington, Storace, Mountain and Incledon; William Beckford, the author of “Vathek,” and builder of Fonthill Abbey; John Palmer, the introducer of the mail-coach system, comptroller of the General Post Office, and M.P. for Bath; Mrs. Hester Lynch Piozzi, the authoress; Joseph Glanvill F.R.S, a divine, and writer on “Witchcraft” and “Apparitions; ’’ Thos and Benjamin Barker, painters; Caleb Hillier Parry M.A. a medical writer; Admiral Sir William Edward Parry, his son, polar navigator, born at Bath, 19 Dec. 1790; William Falconer M.D., F.R.S, a medical writer; his son, Rev. Thomas Falconer, translator of the “Classic Geographies, " the antiquarian and historian of Bath, was curate of the living for 30 years; and John Britton, the eminent antiquary, and author both alone and in conjunction with Mr. E. W. Brayley of several important archaeological works, was servant to a cellarman at Bath.

The chief seats are Summerhill, the residence of Lady Blaine, situated in an extensive park; the Moorlands, the property and residence of Edwin Charles Ashford esq. M.D. pleasantly seated in the valley under Bloomfield ridge; and Crow Hall, the residence of Henry William Tugwell esq. at the top of Widcombe hill, and commanding fine views of the surrounding country.

The population, area, and rateable value are as under:

+Includes 138 in the Royal United Hospital.

++Includes 159 in the Mineral Water Hospital.

*Includes 621 officers and inmates of the Workhouse and 206 in the Somerset Industrial Home for Boys.

The population of the municipal wards in 1891 was:-Bathwick, 5,736; Kingsmead, 6,692; Lansdown, 5,497; Lyncombe and Widcombe, 13,770; St. James, 6,426; St. Michael, 3,488; Walcot, 10,235.

The population of the municipal borough in 1901 was 49,817.

The population of the ecclesiastical parishes in 1891 was:-SS. Peter and Paul (Bath Abbey), 1,668; St. James, 3,699; St. Michael, 2,035; St. Paul, 4,415; St. Swithin, Walcot (parish church), 11,228; Holy Trinity, Walcot, 5,434; St. Stephen, Lansdown, 1,761; St. Mary the Virgin, Bathwick (parish church). 3,549; St. John the Baptist, Bathwick, 1,237; St. Mark, Lyncombe, 6,496; St. Luke, South Lyncombe, 2,010.

The population of the parliamentary borough in 1891 was 54,551 and in 1901 was 52,751. The number of electors on the register in 1901 was 7,293.

Petty Sessions are held at the Court House, Locksbrook, Upper Bristol road, every Saturday, at 12 noon. The following places are included in the Petty Sessional Division.-Bathampton, Batheaston, Bathford, Camerton, Charlcombe, Charterhouse Hinton, Claverton, Combehay, Corston, Dunkerton, Englishcombe, Freshford, Kelston, Langridge, Monkton Combe, Newton Saint Loe, Northstoke, St. Catherine, Southstoke, Swainswick, Twerton, Welow, Weston, Woolley.

BATH UNION

Board day, Wed. at the offices, 3 North parade, 10.30 a.m.

The Union comprises the following places:-Bathampton, Batheaston, Bathford, Bathwick, Charlcombe, Claverton, Combe Hay, Dunkerton, Englishcombe, Freshford, Hinton, Charterhouse, Langbridge, Lyncombe & Widcombe, Monkton Combe, St. Catherine, St. James (Bath), St. Michael (Bath), St. Peter & St. Paul (Bath), Southstoke, Swainswick, Twerton, Walcot, Wellow, Weston, Wooley. The population of the union in 1891 was 75,196, & in 1901 was 77,581; area 30,727 acres; rateable value in 1901, £447,113.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of Services

*** r. signifies Rectory; v. Vicarage.

Bath.-Abbey SS. Peter & Paul, r. (parish church), Abbey churchyard-Rev. Frederick George Scovell M.A. Rev. Percy Dewe M.A. & Rev. Hubert Stanley Darbyshire B.A. curates; Sundays 8 & 11 am. & 4 & 7 p.m.; daily, 10 am. & 4 & 8 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m. 12 noon & 4 p.m.; holy communion at all festivals, C. 12 o'clock.

Bath.-St. James, v. (parish), Stall street, Rev. Gilbert Leny James (surrogate); Rev. James Backhouse Holmes B.A. curate; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m. & 3.15 p.m. every 4th Sunday; Thur. 8 p.m.; saints days, 11.30 am.

Bath.-St. Michael’s, r. (parish), Broad street, Rev. Henry James Heard M.A.; Rev. Arthur Wellesley Wolverton A, K.C.L, curate; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 11 am.

Bath St. Thomas’, Thomas street, Rev. Lionel Archibald M’Clintock Newbery B.A. curate-in-charge; 11 а.m. & 6.30 p.m.

Bathwick.-St Mary. r. (parish), Bathwick Rectory, Rev. Prebendary George Tugwell M.A.; Rev. Edward Handley M.A. Rev. Frank Robert Wingfield B.A. & Rev. Claud Parker M.A. curates; 7, 8 & 11 am. & 3.30 & 6.30 p.m.; week days, 8 & 10.30 am. & 5 p.m.; holy days, 11.30 a.m.

Bathwick.-St. John the Baptist, v. (district), Bathwick street, Rev. James Dunn M.A.; Rev. Arthur Charles Roberts & Rev. John Henry Bromby Mace B.A. curates; 7, 8, 10.30 & 11.30 am. & 3.45 & 7 p.m.; Mon. 7.30, 8 & 8.30 am.; Tues. 7.30 & 8 am.; Wed. 7.30 & 11 a.m.; Thur. 8 & 8.30 am.; Fri. 7.30 & 11 am. & 8 p.m.; Sat. 7.30 & 8 am.

Walcot.-St. Swithins, r. with St. Andrew’s & Thomas Street chapel (parish), Rev. Joseph Edmund Rogers M.A.; Ven. J. Frank Browne B.D. Rev. Edward Hyde Burrows M.A. Rev. H. Forster Morris M.A. & Rev. Hugh C. Jenner B.A. curates; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.

Walcot.-Christ Church, Montpelier, Rev. Benjamin Norton Thompson M.A.; Rev. Leonard Oberlin Asplen M.A. & Rev. Arthur Vandeleur Despard M.A. curates; 8 & 11 am. & 3.30 & 6.30 p.m.; 9.30 a.m. daily; Wed. & Fri. 11 am.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Walcot.-Holy Trinity, r. (district), James street west, Rev. Thomas Lavie Sissmore M.A. (surrogate); Rev. Edgar Philip Jones M.A. curate; 8 & 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; daily, 9 am. & 6 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 8 p.m.

Walcot.-St. Saviour’s, r. (district, Larkhall), Rev. John Alexander Jacob M.A. (surrogate); Rev. James Wm. Henry Start M.A. curate; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. & saints’ days, 11 a.m.

Walcot St. Andrew’s, Julian, road, Chapel of Ease to Walcot St. Swithin’s;, 8 & 11 a.m. & 3, 4.10 6.30 p.m.; daily, 5.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m. & Wed. Thur. & Fri. 11.45 a.m.

Walcot.-St. Stephen-Lansdown, Lansdown road Ven. Hilton Bothamley M.A. (airclideacon of Bath & prebendary of Wells); Rev. John. Racster Smart M.A. curate; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 12 noon, & 7.30 p.m.; Fri. & saints’ days, 12 noon.

Walcot.-St. Paul’s, v. (district), near Queen square, Rev. Reginald Wynne Windsor M.A.; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 12 noon, & 7.30 p.m.; Fri. 12 noon.

Widcombe.-St. Thomas A’Beckett, v. (parish), with St. Matthew’s, Widcombe hill, Rev. Herbert Carnegie Knox M.A.; Rev. Edwin Frederick Robins M.A. & Rev. John Henry Robinson M.A. curates; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Lyncombe.-St. Mark’s, v. (parish), St. Mark’s place, Rev. James Theophilus Muller M.A.; Rev. George Edward Kelly Ffrench B.D. curate; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.; Fri. 11 am.

Lyncombe.-St. Luke’s, v. (district), South Lyncombe, Rev. William Laporte Payne; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Episcopal Chapels.

Avon Street School (St. Paul’s); Sun. 7 p.m.

All Saints, Lansdown crescent, Rev. Richard Wood-Samuel M.A.; 8 & 11 am. & 3.15 & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 11 am.; Thur. 8 p.m.

Brymer Royal or Mineral Water Hospital, Rev. Thomas Tyers M.A.; 11 am. & 3 p.m.; Wed. 3 p.m.

Corn Street (Mission), Rev. Reginald Wynne Windsor; 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Kensington, Kensington place, Rev. Thomas Houghton; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Lyncombe (Mission), Lower Bristol road, served by the clergy of St. Mark’s; 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 8 p.m.

St. Michael’s (St. John’s Hospital), Hetling court, Rev. Robert Esbury Whittington M.A.; 11 am. & 3 p.m.; Tues. & Fri. 11 am.

Thomas Street, served by the clergy of Walcot St. Swithin; 11, am. & 6.30 p.m.; 1st Sun. in month at 3 p.m.; occasional week day services.

Penitentiary, Cornwell buildings, Rev. Henry Heard M.A.; 3 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

St. Augustine's (Portland chapel), Julian road, Rev. Valentine Francis Rowe M.A. incumbent; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 11.30 a.m.

Railway Mission Hall, Monmouth street; 3 & 7 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.

Royal United Hospital, Rev. Canon Quirk M.A. chaplain; 11 a.m.

St. Bartholomew’s (Mission), Oldfield park, served by the clergy of St. Mark’s; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

St. Luke’s (Mission), Odd down; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

St. Mary Magdalen, Holloway, Rev. Edmund Juxon Wemyss-Whittaker M.A.; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; no week day service.

Dolemeads Mission Hall, Spring Gardens road; 3 & 6.30 p.m.

St. James Memorial Hall (St. James Mission Band), Lower Borough Walls; 7.30 am. & 7 p.m.; Tues. Wed. & Sat. 8 p.m.

Catholic Churches

St. John the Evangelist, South parade; priests, Rev. Joseph Dunstan Sweeney O.S.B. & Rev. John Edmund Kendal D.D.; Sunday mass, 8, 8.45 & 11; catechism & benediction, 3 p.m.; vespers, sermon & benediction, 6.30 p.m.; daily mass, 9 am.; holy days of obligation mass, 7, 8 & 10 a.m. & devotions & benediction, 4,30 p.m.; benediction, Thur. 7 p.m.

Our Lady Help of Christians, Julian road, Rev. Edward Bates, priest; mass, 8 & 11 am.; catechism, 3.30. p.m.; vespers & benediction, 4 p.m.; daily mass, 8 a.m.; Thur. benediction, 4.30 p.m.; Fri. benediction, 7.30 p.m.; holy days, mass 8 & 11 am.; benediction, 4.30 p.m.

Prior Park College; mass, Sun. & holy days of obligation, 8 & 10.30 am.; benediction, 7 p.m.

Jewish Synagogue, Corn street.

Friends’ Meeting House, York street; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 11 am.

Baptist (Bethel), 45 Walcot street, Rev. Alfred Raddon; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. & Fri. 7 p.m.

Baptist (Bethesda), Weymouth street, Walcot; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

Baptist (Providence), Lower Bristol road; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.,; Mon. Wed. & Fri. 7 p.m.

Baptist, Manvers street; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.

Baptist, Ebenezer terrace, Rev. John. Huntley; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Mon. 7; p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 7 p.m.

Baptist, Hay hill, Rev. Thomas R. Dann; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Catholic Apostolic, Vineyards, Thomas Hogarth; 10 am. & 10.30 am. (Holy Eucharist) & 5 p.m.; Tues. & Thur. 6 am.; Wed. & Fri. 9.30 am.; Mon. Tues. thur. & Sat. 5 p.m.

Church of Christ, Chandos hall, Westgate buildings; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Congregational (Argyle), Argvle street, Rev. James Turner-Smith; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Congregational (Percy), Charlotte street. Rev. Edwin Simon; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Congregational (Rush hill), Bloomfield road; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

Lady Huntingdon’s, Vineyards, Rev. Edward L. Hamilton; 11 am. & 6:30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Moravian, Charlotte street, Rev. Charles Rea; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

New Church (The), Henry street, Rev. H. Gordon Drummond; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

Brethren, Gospel hall, Snow bill, Walcot; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Plymouth Brethren, Manvers hall, Manvers place; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 7.30 p.m.

Primitive Methodist, Claremont (second circuit), Rev. John Hawkey; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.15 p.m.

Primitive Methodist, Westgate buildings (first circuit), Rev. Thos. Storr; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.15 p.m.

Unitarian, Trim street, Rev. John McDowell; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

United Methodist Free Church, Lower Borough walls, Rev. Jn.T. Hodge; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues.7.15 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist, New King street; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist, Nelson place east, Walcot; 11 a:m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist, Oldfield park west; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Mon. 7.30 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist, Daffard street, Larkhall; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. 7 p.m.

Salvation Army Hall, Railway road.

COLLEGES

Bath College Co. Limited.

President, The Right Hon. The Earl of Cork & Orrery K.P., P.C.

Head Master, Rev. William Yorke Fausset M.A. of Balliol College, Oxford.

Assistant Masters, The Rev. G. H. Cooper B.A.; A. N. C. Treadgold esq. M.A.; D. A. Slater esq. M.A.; H. A. Roberts esq. M.A.; A. James esq. B.A.; G. H. Evans esq. M.A. & Cyril Barker esq.

Director of Music & Drawing, M. Watts-Smith esq. (Interm. hon. Mus.Bac).

Junior School, Nethersole, H. L. Maynard M.A.

Junior School, Portland place, C. W. Trask esq. M.A. & C. Cooper esq. M.A.

Hon. Secretary, Graham Simmons esq.Stolen from Fore bears

Bath City Science, Art & Technical Schools, Guildhall; A. Godfrey Day A.M.I.Mech.E. director of studies; Frank Griffin, headmaster; Miss Lawrie, headmistress of school of cookery.

The Grammar School, in Broad street, founded by King Edward VI. July 12, 1552, was revived in the reign of Charles II. & rebuilt by the Corporation in 1734; the present structure was erected in 1752, the foundation stone being laid by Francis Hales, then mayor, on the 29th May in that year; the school has a yearly income of about £2,000, & is conducted subject to regulations embodied in a scheme approved by an Order in Council in 1872: there are four exhibitions tenable at the school & at the universities, the latter being worth £40 yearly for four years.

Clerk to Governors, Frederick Ernest Shum.

Head Master, Edward William, Symons M.A. formerly Fereday fellow & lecturer of St. John’s College, Oxford.

Kingswood School, Lansdown, is a building of stone in the Tudor Gothic style, from designs by James Wilson esq. F.S.A, architect, of Bath, & is exclusively devoted to the education of the sons of Wesleyas ministers: the school was originally founded in 1748 by the Rev. John Wesley, at Kingswood, near Bristol, & was removed to the present site in 1851; the buildings, occupying an area of upwards of 15,000 square feet, are arranged in the form of the letter H, the principal or south front having in the centre a tower 82 feet in height & forming the chief entrance; at either extremity of this elevation are projecting wings, occupied respectively by the seniors’ school-room & the dining-hall, each 70 feet long by 30 broad, & the entire frontage is 210 feet in extent; in 1882 the buildings were enlarged & will at present hold 290 boys.

Governor & Chaplain, Rev. T. Ferrier Hulme M.A.

Head Master, W. P. Workman M.A.

The Royal School for the daughters of officers of the army, Lansdown road, is a building in the Geometric style, from designs by James Wilson esq. F.S.A, architect; the principal front includes a lofty central tower 148 feet high, with north & south wings forming schoolrooms & a dining-hall; the object of the institution is to provide, at the lowest possible cost, a good practical & religious education for daughters of officers of the army & Royal Marines.

Principal, Miss C. M. Blake.

Secretary, George Forster.

Prior Park SS. Peter & Paul (Catholic) Colleges, under the charge of the Christian Brothers; president, the Rev. Brother James J. Strahan.

High School for Girls (in connection with the Girls' Public Day School Co. Limited), 5 & 16 Portland place.

SCHOOLS

A School Board of 11 members was formed January 31, 1871. The board metts every 4th Thursday in the month at the Guildhall.

Clerk to the Board, Hy.Argent Simmons, 8 Edgar buildgs.

School Board Officers, W. Palmer, 7 Sydney buildings; Alfred Neate, 26 Ashley avenue, Lower Weston & Alfred John Salter, 12 Southcot place, Lyncombe hill.

Board Schools.

Kingsmead (girls & infants), Kingsmead street, erected in 1880 & enlarged in 1891, for 220 girls & 250 infants i average attendance, 220 girls & 220 infants.

Lyncombe (infants), Lower Trafalgar place, erected in 1877 & enlarged in 1896, for 330 children; average attendance, 245.

Oak street, Lower Bristol road, erected in 1891 & enlarged in 1897, for 430 children; average attendance, 333.

Walcot, Upper Dover street (boys), erected in 1882 & enlarged in 1895, for 210 children; average attendance, 121; evening school held here for boys from Sept. to April.

National & British Schools.

Abbey & St. James’, Weymouth house, St. James’s street (mixed & infants), erected in 1814 & rebuilt in 1898, for 216 boys, 216 girls & 280 infants; average attendance, 155 boys, 150 girls & 120 infants.

Bath & Bath Forum British (boys), Kingsmead street, erected in 1810 & enlarged in 1890, for 357 boys; average attendance, 310.

Bathwick, Henrietta park, erected in 1846, for 350 children; average attendance, 124 boys, 103 girls & 95 infants. The infants’ school was erected in 1840.

Christ Church (infants), Montpelier, erected in 1895, for 126 children; average attendance, 98.

National (girls), 7 Harley street, enlarged in 1884, for 257 children; average attendance, 160.

St. Luke’s, Rush hill, Odd Down (mixed & infants), enlarged in 1892, for 258 children; average attendance, 184.

St. Mark’s (Lyncombe) (boys & girls), Trafalgar place, Holloway, erected in 1845, for 89 boys & 189 girls; average attendance, 210 boys & 200 girls.

St. Michael's (mixed & infants), Broad street, erected in 1841, for 230 boys & girls & 140 infants; average attendance, 127 boys & girls & 50 infants.

St. Paul’s (mixed & infants), Avon street, for 240 children; average attendance, 180 boys & girls & 110 infants.

St. Saviour’s (boys, girls & infants), Brookleaze buildings, erected in 1845 & enlarged in 1897; average attendance, 183 boys, 182 girls & 160 infants.

St. Stephen’s (Lansdown) (mixed & infants), Beacon hill, erected in 1839 & enlarged in 1885, 1890 & 1891, at a cost of £1,550, for 242 children; new infant school added in 1901, for 100 children; average attendance, 220.

Trinity (boys), James street west, for 164 boys; average attendance, 145.

Walcot (Central) (boys, girls & infants), Ladymead, for 310 boys, 250 girls & 200 infants; average attendance, 200 boys, 140 girls & 130 infants.

Walcot (East), Middle Dover street (girls & infants), for 316 children; average attendance, 184 girls & 128 infants.

Widcombe Boys’ School (Tate Memorial School), in course of erection; to be occupied in 1902, for about 250; average attendance, 180.

Impending erection boys now attend:—

1 The old Dolemead infants’ school.

2 The Gymnasium at Institute.

3 There are also classes at girls’ & infants’ schools.

Girls’ School (Widcombe Parochial), opened in 1900, for about 220 children; average attendance, 170.

Infants’ School (Widcombe Parochial), opened in 1900, for about 250; average attendance, 156.

Industrial Schools.

Industrial School for Girls, 16, 17 & 18 Walcot parade, certified April 17, 1876, for 80.

Preventive Home (Voluntary), 3 Spencer’s Belle Vue, Lansdown road.

Somersetshire Industrial Home for Boys, Lower Bristol rd. certified July 19, 1866, for 180; Donald Young, superintendent; Mrs. J. A. Young, matron.

Sutcliffe Industrial School, Walcot buildings, erected in 1848, for 40 boys.

Blue Coat, Upper Borough walls, founded in 1711 by the exertions of Mr. Robert Nelson, author of “A Companion to the Festivals & Fasts,” for educating & clothing boys & girls, & in 1728 new buildings were erected from a design by Mr. Killigrew, under the auspices of the Corporation; these were again superseded in 1860 by the present structure, erected from the designs of Mr. Manners: the style generally is Elizabethan & the plan includes a square tower of five stories, terminating in a fleche: 100 children are educated free & clothed, & at the age of 14 are apprenticed by the trustees.

Catholic, South parade (mixed & infants), erected in 1883, for 130 children; average attendance, 99: the school has since been enlarged by the erection of the “Sweeney Memorial,” to perpetuate the work of over 20 years, in Bath, of the late Abbot Sweeney.

St. Mary’s Catholic School, Harley street, erected in 1885, for 120 children; average attendance, 102.