Georgian Bath

Pat Dargan explores the city that is regarded as a masterpiece because of its Georgian architecture

During the eighteenth century the city of Bath experienced a period of dramatic expansion, when an extensive range of elegant uniform streets, landscaped spaces, tall stone-built Georgian houses, and public buildings made their appearance. There was no master plan for the development of Bath. The city just expanded piecemeal with various developers taking advantage of the city''s growing popularity as a spa and resort. Nevertheless, such was the extent and success of these developments that today Bath ranks as a masterpiece of urban creative design, both at national and international level. Georgian Bath offers an overview of the development of the Georgian city, its beginnings, its emergence, the eighteenth-century social conditions in the city that underpinned its success, and the significance of its architectural legacy. In addition, the individuals who were responsible for the creation of Georgian Bath are introduced, together with an outline of the economic and stylistic forces that drove and inspired them. The book is supported by photographs, illustrations and maps. In addition, three suggested walking tours are offered.