12 Secrets And Mysteries Of Bath

A city that had its beginnings more than 2,000 years ago has many secrets and mysteries. Charles Nevin reveals 12 he has written about in a new collection of stories

- Charles Nevin

1 You may be aware that Bath is said to have been founded by the legendary King Bladud - but did you know that his reign came to an abrupt if predictable end when he tried to fly?

2 The Romans of Aquae Sulis (their name for Bath) would curse thieves by writing on small lead or pewter tablets, beseeching the Bath goddess, Sulis Minerva, to do horrible things to the perpetrators. The tablets would then be thrown into the hot spring at the baths sacred to the goddess. Bloodcurdling examples can be seen at the Roman Baths Museum. But did they work?

3 Alfred the Great strengthened the walls of the city against the Vikings. Little of the walls remain, but one of the four Medieval gates survives, tucked away by Pulteney Bridge.

4 Sir John Harington, the Elizabethan wit and courtier who saved the Abbey from ruin and decay, also invented the water closet.

5 The Bath Oliver biscuit is said to have been invented by the famous 18th century Bath physician, Dr William Oliver. But why did he give the recipe to his coachman?