Bath, United Kingdom
| Name of the Inscribed Sector | City of Bath |
| Year of inscription on the World Heritage List | 1987 |
| Location and site | Located in Somerset, 150 km. west of London, Bath was constructed in a meandering section of the Avon River, on the site of a natural amphitheatre in the Cotswold Hills. The city occupies the site of hot springs (feruginous and salted). |
| Historical Function | City of hot springs. |
| Foundation | Around 60-70 A.D. |
| Population | 83000 |
History
- Bath (Aquae Sulis) was part of Roman England (Britannia Province) and its river, the Avon, was originally integrated into the Roman system of border defense. The baths were constructed as part of the first temple, which was dedicated to Sulis (whom the Romans identified as Minerva). From 411 A.D., which marked the end of the Roman rule, until the 9th century, the site was abandoned.
- Bath was a centre for the wool industry in the Middle Ages. From 1147, it also served as a hospital centre for those suffering from rheumatism.
- Bath was also known for its religious importance, and served as the Episcopal Seat between 1091 and 1206.
- In the 18th century, under the reign of George III, the forgotten baths were rediscovered. During the same century, the city experienced major architectural and planning developments. Today, Bath remains a centre that is known for its hot springs.
Urban Morphology
With the exception of the medieval quarters and the streets that run alongside the river, the layout of Bath was designed according to the most up-to-date principles: its streets, which are laid out in a rectilinear grid, provide perspective views. In the central districts, these streets cross each other at right angles.
Apart from the medieval pedestrian centre which surrounds the perpendicular Gothic abbey church, the urban landscape of Bath dates to the 18th century. The striking transformation of the city which took place at this time was based on Palladian principles, and its architecture and natural context are in harmony. Large-scale Neoclassical monuments with generous windows are elegantly integrated into the ensemble.
Inscription Criteria
C (i) (ii) (iv)
