I Wander, I Wonder … #7

A historian may have much interest in Bath, Somerset, and the sheer history behind its famous Roman Baths. A visit there today means you are momentarily sharing space with civilisation from 60-70 AD, when it was known as Aquae Sulis (the waters of Sulis)!

The centuries-old waters might have once been used for public bathing but there are plenty of warnings not to touch any of it today! You can, however, sip for free on some natural spa water from the Great Pump Room; the water is said to contain 43 minerals and has healing properties.

Here’s a photo of some excavated treasures: in addition to the tiny pincers, rings and pottery, look at the middle items in the larger display. Yep! The Romans used ear scoopers, and the scoopers still look the same today, don’t they!

This is the façade of Bath Abbey, founded in the 7th Century. If you look carefully up and to the sides of the entry arch, you will see angels climbing up long ladders on each side – this is Jacob’s Ladder.

For me, Bath holds the added attraction of being the setting of so much my favourite Jane Austen book, Persuasion. Alas, I never saw Captain Wentworth or Anne Elliot, but Mr Bennett popped up the bus to say, “Good morning!”

Have a wonderful day!