154 THE KURA1, DISTRICTS OF BATH. 



the village, which is situated nearly in the centre of the parish, midway 

 between the River Avon and Lansdown Hill, and about two miles from 

 Bath, with which city it is connected by a good road. Numerous springs 

 of water rise from the sides of Lansdown Hill, and uniting in their ap 

 proach towards the village, form a considerable stream, which runs through 

 the long street of the village, and taking afterwards a south-easterly direc- 

 tion, joins the River Avon. 



On the north side of the village street stands the church, a building of 

 much interest, which, although not in our province to describe, ought not 

 to be passed by without observing, that notwithstanding an addition to the 

 building, the church is still insufficient for the wants of the parishioners, 

 many of whom from deficiency of accommodation are deprived the means 

 of attending the ministry of the present excellent Vicar. If ever an instance 

 existed of all the Christian virtues being united in one individual, that 

 happy combination is to be found in the person of the amiable and highly- 

 esteemed gentleman who now conducts with so much harmony and satisfaction 

 the manifold responsible duties of his holy office. 



The prevailing taste for suburban residences has created a great demand 

 for houses outside of towns, and has caused the erection of ornamental 

 villas and cottages to extend on every side, so as to unite with the villages 

 adjoining. The union of Bath with Weston would long since under the 

 influence of this popular feeling have been consummated, but happily for 

 the inhabitants of Bath, and the admirers of Nature in particular, the 

 beautiful meadows, known as the "Bath Common Fields," interpose, over 

 which, thanks to the wise and benevolent provisions of our ancestors, no 

 houses can be built. To the inhabitants of Bath is thus preserved a de- 

 lightful space for recreation, the attractions of which have been much in- 

 creased by a tasteful arrangement of shady promenades and agreeable drives; 

 and from its proximity to the city, and its easy and gentle ascent, with 

 the extensive and richly diversified prospects of the surrounding country, 

 no spot can be more admirably adapted for the objects intended. The cost 

 of these improvements was provided by subscription, and they were executed 

 with great taste in 1830. On the 21st. of October in that year, the 

 Duchess of Kent, accompanied by her illustrious and interesting daughter, 

 the heiress presumptive to the Throne, arrived in Bath. The occasion of 

 this visit was deemed an auspicious epoch for opening the new improvements, 

 and a request was made to Her Royal Highness that she would be pleased, 

 on her inspection of the different public buildings, etc., to make the first 

 circuit of those improvements. Accordingly on the 23rd., the Royal visitors, 

 attended by the Mayor, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, and several other 

 distinguished characters, with a numerous train of followers, entered at the 

 principal approach from Bath, and after taking the circuit of the drive, 



