More Bath

To quote Sean Bean, "one does not simply blog one post about Bath." In keeping with that advice, here are more pictures from this ancient city...

As you might have guessed, the architecture here in Bath is heavily influenced by the Romans (despite the fact that most of the buildings were constructed after the fall of Rome). Furthermore, the cities reputation as a health spa meant that I was a draw for the rich and powerful. This led to many magnificent residences, among them the Circus...

And below, we have the Royal Crescent townhouses. Built in the 18th century, they overlook a pristine park that stretches as far as the eye can see...

In addition, I failed to mention that the Roman baths were the place to go when one needed to curse someone. That's right, in addition to exercising, bathing, and healing, you could also wish death from above for you enemies. The picture below shows some of the threats that the Roman's wrote down.

One last thing before I go. Take a gander at the picture below (hey that rhymed!)

Doesn't look very Roman does it? The statue was added later, and is supposed to depict, according to English legend, the king who discovered the hot springs. According to the stories, this individual was an ancient prince, who was banished from his kingdom because he had leprosy. He stumbled across the spring and, after bathing in it, found himself to be completely cured (and yet that same spring couldn't cure me of my cough). Since he no longer posed a health risk, he was allowed to return to kingdom, take up the crown, and eventually fathered King Lear. Small world isn't it?