In a thrilling excavation project conducted by Wessex Archaeology, a hidden gem from the 18th century has been uncovered beneath the Bath Assembly Rooms - a cold bath, unlike any other. This serendipitous discovery, concealed beneath rubble since the harrowing days of World War Two, has sparked intrigue and fascination among historians and archaeologists alike.
The Bath Assembly Rooms, constructed between 1769 and 1771 by the talented architect John Wood the Younger, were a hub for social gatherings, dances, and elite meetings in the heart of Bath, a city known for its natural hot spring waters. However, this newly unearthed cold bath may shed light on a lesser-known aspect of the city's history, where cold bathing was also endorsed as a therapeutic practice.
The cold bath was buried underneath rubble until recent excavations
The cold bath, hidden under layers of debris, is believed to be a one-of-a-kind feature within an assembly room, suggesting it was intended for an "exclusive experience." Tatjana LeBoff of the National Trust commented on the find, stating, "There are many elements of this discovery that are still a mystery. It is a rare, if not unique, surviving example, and possibly it was the only one ever built in an assembly room. We are still researching records, letters, diaries, and other documents to see what more we can find out that will help us piece it all together."
This archaeological marvel provides an essential link to the past, allowing historians to delve deeper into the ways in which the people of the Georgian era embraced both hot and cold bathing for their health and well-being. During the 18th century, cold baths were recommended by medical professionals as a form of therapy, involving a brisk dip into cold water, followed by a rapid warm-up. The juxtaposition of the cold bath with the hot spring waters that Bath is renowned for adds a layer of historical context to the find.
Bath Assembly Rooms were a place for socialising in a number of ways, including dancing
The excavation revealed not only the cold bath but also a niche where a statue or sculpture would have been placed, enhancing the overall opulence of the Bath Assembly Rooms. The rubble unearthed during the excavation is likely remnants from the Luftwaffe bombings during World War Two, suggesting that the bath had remained buried and forgotten for decades. Bruce Eaton, the archaeologist overseeing the project, commented, "Although historical records indicated that there was a cold bath buried beneath the Bath Assembly Rooms, we had no idea what preservation of the bath would be like. The building suffered damage at the hands of the Luftwaffe, and the rooms were remodeled in the late 20th century."
The Assembly Rooms' history is intricately linked with the medical theories of its time. The New Bath Guide of 1778, for instance, mentioned "…a commodious cold-bath, with convenient dressing-rooms." This find emphasizes the importance of incorporating the latest health and wellness trends of the period into the design of social spaces, reflecting the fusion of medical knowledge and architectural elegance.
Many people wanting to use the cold bath would have arrived by sedan chair, like the ones on the right in this old engraving
The National Trust, now responsible for the Assembly Rooms, is committed to ongoing research to unravel the history of this remarkable cold bath. The unique archaeological evidence discovered promises to provide new insights into Georgian-era society, its devotion to wellness, and the evolution of architectural trends.
The Bath Assembly Rooms have always been a place for socializing, dancing, and elite gatherings. Now, with this newfound treasure, visitors have the opportunity to explore this rare and historical cold bath as part of behind-the-scenes tours during selected weekends in October. As historians and archaeologists delve deeper into the mysteries of this extraordinary find, the Bath Assembly Rooms continue to surprise and delight us with the untold stories of the past, reminding us of the hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed beneath the surface of history.
