A ‘fascinating’ talk was given to Westbury & District u3a by an ex-tour guide at their monthly meeting. Dickon Povey, who was also previously an ex-Jane Austen guide in Bath, gave a talk about ‘Curious Bath’.
The club report, “The talk started with King Bladud discovering the healing properties of the spring water and mud; he tried it, after seeing how good pigs’ skin was after wallowing, and was cured of his skin condition, so others arrived to try the waters.
“Forward to Roman times; we discover the original lead lining of the baths is still intact. Elizabeth I visited, decreeing the abbey be restored but cannily omitted to offer funds!
“Reports of Bath were mixed; Daniel Defoe thought it a place of debauchery and Celia Fiennes in 1680 vividly described the baths. Mary of Modena, second wife of James II, hoped bathing in the Cross would help her conceive a son, which worked.
“The new Melfort Cross was built; the only surviving part is a cherub adorning a niche in Milsom Street. The Georgian Bath was built by John Wood the elder and younger. It is interesting that the Royal Crescent was built for holiday lets!
“Jane Austen lived in Bath for four years. Her aunt, Jane Leigh Perrot, was accused of stealing lace, but found not guilty at Taunton Assize following imprisonment. Due to her status as a Bath resident, she stayed with the warder’s family.
“Men wore wigs, having lost their hair from syphilis. Gay Street was where wigs, often full of nits, were powdered.
“We learned of a murder in Marlborough Buildings where Richard Gillam was found guilty and hanged at Illchester prison. We heard of the collapse, with many people on it, of a wooden bridge near the railway station. We also learned that the letters SMP and SPPP on walls denoted parish boundaries.”
The club’s next speaker is Lizzy Etheridge who will give a talk about Fussels Farm (produce will be available to purchase) at 2pm on the 12th April in the URC Hall found on Warminster Road, BA13 3PJ. Parking is at the rear, off Butts Road via Hospital Road. The event is £2 payable on entry.
Report by Julie Vince.
