Taking the Waters

The benefits of Bath's water comes from its natural warmth, which relaxes the muscles and the mind. This is supplemented by the rich mineral content of the water, which is good for the skin and flushing out the body's system.

The Romans who built the first spa complex in Bath were continuing the tradition of health, hygiene and worship of natural phenomenon. The baths were a site of cleanliness and well-being as well as a social meeting place where debate and philosophy took place whilst bathing.

St Benedict in his rules for monasteries stipulated that the use of baths could be beneficial to the sick and this propelled Bath's position as a place of charity and hospitality.

The Bishop John de Villula's interest in the healing properties of the water led to the building of a new series of baths for public use in the 11th century. Bath was attracting more and more attention as the waters were regarded as a miraculous cure for anything and everything. Eminent writers congregated in the city and recorded their impressions and experiences in Bath.

In 1562 Dr William Turner published a treatise outlining the benefits of the waters, claiming it could cure 89 problems and encouraged future investment in the baths. Backed up by such authority, the popularity of the baths increased. Queen Anne came for a cure for her dropsy in 1613 and Mary of Modena sought a cure for her infertility in 1687 (this she found, though if it was through the help of the waters or not, we can never know!).

The baths had a reputation for licentious pleasures in the 18th century when the popularity of Bath exploded and fashionable society flocked to frolic in the waters. The first Pump Room was built in 1706 for visitors to drink the famous water in style, though most of the visitors were in Bath for the social pleasures rather than health reasons! There were numerous quacks and private physicians who attracted much satire and dislike for their unfounded diagnosis and so the official Royal Mineral Water Hospital was opened on the basis of need, not money, in 1742.

From the 19th century when more importance was placed on the health benefits, spa treatments and hydrotherapy were on offer in the baths and hospitals. The city lost its frivolous image and became a serious centre for medical treatments. After the First World War, Bath welcomed convalescing soldiers and the NHS introduced prescription based treatments in the baths.

However by the 1970's the Council was finding that the spa was more of a drain on its resources than an asset. Bathing was officially stopped in 1978 and since then the only way to take the famous waters of bath has been to sip a cup in the Pump Room.