10 Days in the South West and a little about Aquae Sulis

Mum and Dad were here for 10 days after London, before we were all heading off to France, so we tried not to do too much as we needed to rest up for our big 2 weeks away. The time went so quickly though - we spent a few days at home, looked around the shops in Taunton, took Lani to swimming lessons where she showed them how she swims, showed Grandma the Children's Centre, went shopping at the outlets (which aren't really that good), and we drove through some very 'English' countryside and got to see Wells from the car window! We visited Montacute House & Gardens and got our 'portrait fix', and finally worked out who Mary, Queen of Scots was and where she fitted in!

Unfortunately the kids got colds for a few days and were a bit grumpy, so Mum and Dad headed off to a few places without us so the kids could get some rest at home. Mum & Dad took the kids one day and left me alone to catch up on some much needed house work - I really enjoyed the peace and it felt good to get a few things tidied up. Mick worked most of the week but on his RDO we all visited Bath (or, as it was known in Roman times, Aquae Sulis, which is Latin for 'waters of Sulis').

Mum with Jane Austin

Bath Abbey, which Dad did a self guided tour of.

The Angels climbing Jacob's Ladder on the front of the Abbey - thought that was kinda cool!

I like this picture because it shows just how big this place is, as you can see the people standing around and just how small they look. I still can't believe people actually built this stuff all those years ago!

Even though it was our 2nd time to Bath, we were still seeing lots of new things and we were excited to see the Roman Baths this time, as we didn't get to see them last time because we spent most of our time in the top part of the city marvelling at The Royal Circle and Crescent!

Inside the Pump Rooms

First view of the Baths, which I kinda thought was most of what we were going to see.... but this was just the start! This bath is called the Great Bath and is lined with statues of Roman Governors of Britain, Emperors and military leaders. I was very surprised to find out that the Roman Baths were not discovered and explored until the late 1800's.

Us with our audio guides!

Emily looks like she is texting!

For thousands of years hot water (46˚C) has been rising in the centre of this site called the Sacred Spring. In the past, they believed this was the work of the Gods and in Roman times they built a great Temple next to the Spring dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, a deity with healing powers.

Many objects have been found in the Sacred Spring and are on display here in the museum, it is believed that they were thrown into the Spring as offerings to the goddess.

The Great Bath is less then a quarter of what you get to see when you go in, the site extends underground and you really have no idea where you are - it just keeps going on and on!

The Baths and Temple site in Roman Times, 4th century AD

This is the Temple Courtyard and my favourite part of the tour. These are just some of the pavers that have been excavated - there are still many more uncovered. The Temple fell into a state of disrepair and eventually collapsed sometime in the 5th century.

They had a whole section on Roman building and it all looked very interesting, I lifted 2 heavy rocks up using 2 different 'pulley systems' (some people are so smart!!) and here are some brick moulds. Of course we just had a quick look and kept moving as little hands were pulling us along at this stage!

The Roman Baths is a great attraction and again if you had no kids you could spend all day there! It is a little confusing as to what was built when, and what was discovered when. The baths have been modified on several occasions and sometimes it's hard to keep up. As far as I can work out the Roman Temple was constructed in 60-70 AD and the bathing complex was gradually built up over the next 300 years. The amazing Sacred Spring produces hot water filled with all sorts of minerals. The Temple & baths were then destroyed sometime in the 6th century (because of disuse) and it wasn't until 1100 AD that the Spring became important again for healing. Seven hundred years later Minerva's Head (statue of the Goddess) and parts of the Temple were found, and in 1880 the Baths were discovered. In 1981 archaeologists excavated the Temple courtyard and discovered many Roman finds.

As to what actually went on after the 12th century, and how the baths were used when they started to be remodelled, I'm not too sure. Unfortunately I have too many other things to do to continue reading about it! But it was in 1979 when a girl swimming in the restored baths swallowed some water and died 5 days later that the baths had to be closed for bathing, and still are to this day. (To read more about that visit Wikipedia!)

Some Roman entertainers!

I really enjoyed the Roman Baths, and hope I haven't confused you too much!