British and Roman Antiquities of Bath. 



The city most probably owed its early celebrity and enrich- 

 ment to its Thermal Springs, and it is not at all improbable 

 that these springs were first utilized by the Romans, in the 

 reign of Claudius, when the south and west of Britain were 

 brought under Roman rule (circa A.D. 49). 



The extent of the Roman baths in Aquce Solis has only 

 lately been ascertained with any correctness, and is not yet 

 complete, as much remains to be explored ; but what has 

 been brought to light indicates massive structure, excellent 

 masonry, a noble plan and arrangements, and indications of 

 elegant ornamentation. The pipes were made and conduits 

 and baths covered with lead drawn from the abundant 

 mines spoken of by Solinus, " largam Variamque Copiam, 

 quibus Britannias Solum undique generum poUet venis locu- 

 pletibus." The lead was no doubt drawn from the Mendip 

 mines, to which further reference will be made. The con- 

 struction of the baths and their plan, is of the best age of 

 ■Roman workmanship. They are probably not later than 

 the time of Agricola, and may have been the work of the 

 preceding governor, Frontinus, whose work " de Aqui- 

 ductibus " still exists, and who had done so much in Rome 

 for the water supply of the city. 



From an early date improvements were doubtless carried 

 ■out in these baths until the final close of the Roman rule 

 over Britain. For further particulars reference must be 

 made to the description by Major Davis. 



The circuit of the Roman city extended about a mile 

 in compass, enclosing the hot springs and a considerable 

 habitable area. 



The Mediaeval walls followed the course of the Roman, 

 and are ascertained to have been built upon the Roman 

 foundations. 



