| Two different views of
the ruins of the Roman baths. It sort of looks like a swimming pool that has not had
any chlorine added in about three years. Actually, the mineral content from the 115°F
spring water make it look that way. The columns and upper walkway were constructed in
the late 19th century for the reopening of the site. |
 |
| If you will look
closely at the photos, you can see the stonework of the original Roman
structure. The newer part of the structure is yellower. The lighter colored stone up the lower level walls about
five or six feet is around 2000 year old. The original structure was excavated and remains
under current street level. There was once a temple on this site. This Great
Bath is only one part of the original temple. |
 |
| Anyone visiting the Roman Temple
would have seen this huge image of the Gorgon looking down at them from the center of the
pediment, 15 meters above their heads. The Gorgon's head was a symbol of the awesome power
of the goddess, for according to legend it was presented
to Minerva by Perseus in thanks for her help in slaying the creature. (Okay, I didn't
write this, but it sounds so much better than "Look at these old carved rocks.") |
 |
| This is the extra water flows into
a Roman drain and flows out to the River Avon. This stone arch and the drain that
runs to the river are also about 2000 years old. |
 |
| Woo hoo! Another
cathedral! Except this one is not in ruins. This is the Bath Abbey. The only
damage this one had was from the Nazi bombing in the Battle of Britain. The broken
windows were replaced. |
 |
| There were several old flags in the
cathedral. This American flag was donated by an U.S. Army or Navy brigade or
something. The older Union Jacks are also from military divisions. I forget who
specifically. There are plaques. If you want to know, you'll have to go over and
look at yourself. |
 |
| Given my current vocation, I
couldn't resist a shot of this ad for a story in that day's edition of the Bath Chronicle
newspaper. |
 |
| The hills surrounding
Bath. This stunning view was from the back patio of the American Museum in
Bath. It used to be a mansion, but now it has a bunch of old American stuff those
Brits stole from us. It was interesting seeing the British version of American
history. They are real big on George Washington over there. |
 |