Tuesday 16 August 2011

Beautiful Bath

Friday - George took grandson Edward into the city ...
... Ed wanted to visit the Roman Baths ...
... and the Hershel Museum of Astronomy which they both enjoyed ...
Ed said that his feet were on fire by the time they'd walked all that way, and back!
Saturday - my day out sight-seeing - the Abbey first ...
The East Window has 56 scenes from the life of our Lord ...
... the choir ...
... with lovely ivory carvings on the screens ...
The High Alter ... 
... and alter furniture ...
... beautifully simple in silver
The early 16th century ceiling ...
... absolutely stunning ...
... has heraldic shields beautifully painted to the sides of the East Window ...
... looking towards the south transept - fantastic ...
... see how the ribs at the top of the columns splay into the ceiling at the crossing ...
... the north transept showing the columns and arches flowering into that wonderful ceiling ...
... where the Bath Abby Diptychs show the life of Jesus in tapestry
Chantry Chapel of William Birde, Prior 1499-1525 - a serene place for private prayer and reflection
Victorian Font - 1874
Pitman's shorthand - I never did get to grips with it!
Sounds like something from a Jane Austen novel
Water is Best - erected by the Bath Temperance Association (who else indeed)
Sally Lunn's House next ...
.. the oldest house in Bath ...
... circa 1482 ...
... has an interesting museum in the basement.
I had hoped to visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room but the queues were far too long ...
... so I made do with this glimpse over the wall for today - I'll try again during the week

The Guildhall where a wedding is taking place and the market place to the left
St Michael's Church
That fantastic weir on the River Avon in the city centre ...
... and look mooring spaces too - might try them when we've descended Bath Locks next week
Parade Gardens - you have to pay to go in here!
A pretty monument (sorry couldn't find out what it was exactly!)
A didgerydoo ??
Signs of previous occupation in Milsom Street ...
... and on the wall in Union Street.
The Assembly rooms are National Trust Property in the care of Bath City Council and house the fashion Museum ...
Special exhibition of costumes used in films - click to read the information
worn by Johnny Depp (Jenny Green eat your heart out)

worn by Keira Knightly

worn by Kate Winslet
The exhibition is held in the ballroom
The Octagonal Room - used for card playing 
The Tea Room where the richest went to be seen - tea was served behind these pillars.
Wedding Dresses ...
... through the ages ...
1930's to the present day
and day wear ...
... through the ages ...
... seems strange that ...
... clothing similar to what I may have worn ...
... would be in a museum!
Bath Circus taken from the corner of Bennet Street ...
... perfect!
No 1 Royal Crescent - most disappointed to find out that no-one of any consequence ever lived here ...
The dining room (taken before I realised that no photos are allowed!)
... imagine Keira Miss Bennet running from here to see Mr Darcy!

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