It was January 1801 when Jane Austen moved to Bath. Considered a spinster at the grand age of 25, she followed her family as they left the countryside for the southwestern city, where her parents had married decades before. The move was, in hindsight, somewhat mistimed.
Bath had been the beacon of high society in the 18th century, when it climbed the ranks as an elegant spa town, centred around hot springs and built up in Palladian fashion.
By the time the Austens settled in, it was past its heyday. Seaside resorts like Brighton had come into vogue, and wellness retreats in northern Europe had grown more accessible.
Still, their arrival would have fallen in the swing of the 'season', or social calendar.
Between October and June, Bath drew moneyed visitors from London and beyond, who rented flats for weeks on end to make the most of its events. A day might have started by 'taking the waters' - soaking in the Roman Baths, the city's thermal complex. Afternoons were typically spent promenading along fashionable addresses like the Circus and Royal Crescent, or across Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon. There were plays on in theatres and balls held at the Assembly Rooms, where romance might be sparked mid-cotillion: step forward, turn back; see, be seen. For many, this heritage remains a big draw.
Bath has much going for it: its reputation as a health centre has spawned modern spas,and the uniform neo-classical architecture, built from honey-hued Bath stone, contributed to the city's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the only UK city to be listed in its entirety. The centre is walkable and community-focused, with independent hotels, shops spotlighting artisanal work and restaurants celebrating local produce. Yet Austen's fans flock to see the sites associated with the author and the Regency era, be it her former residence or the streets featured in works like Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January/February 2025-Ausgabe von National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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