The Renaissance in the Eighteenth Century. 89 



up a host of builders, by whom the surrounding hills were 

 made to shine with rows of stately houses. 



To the same century many of the existing public buildings 

 owe their origin. The Guildhall (1766 to 1775) and the 

 Pump Room (1796) were erected mainly from the designs of 

 the City Architect, Baldwin, whilst the school house of King 

 Edward VI. Grammar School (1752) and the Assembly 

 Rooms in Alfred-street (1771) bear upon them the marks of 

 the architectural genius of the elder and younger Wood. 



But perhaps the greatest achievement of the 

 'HospitaK ^^ century was the establishment of the Mineral 



Water Hospital. This noble charity has for 

 its object the extension of the benefits of the mineral waters of 

 Bath to the afflicted throughout the nation. It was a revival 

 ■of those facilities for the reception of travelling invalids, which 

 were destroyed at the Dissolution of the Priory ; and it is 

 pleasant to think that our Triumvirs, Nash, Allen, and Wood, 

 were not too much busied with the reception of the wealthy 

 and fashionable to heed the sacred claims of those whose title 

 was their sickness and their poverty. The foundation-stone 

 was laid in 1738, and whilst Nash exerted himself unwearily 

 and most successfully to collect funds, Allen gave from his 

 quarries the stone for the fabric, besides a donation in 

 money, and Wood contributed the less material but not 

 less valuable gifts of his skill and supervision. The hospital 

 provides accommodation for patients suffering from diseases 

 for the cure of which the waters are effectual. No payment 

 is made ; no recommendation is required, and no preference 

 is given to the inhabitants of Bath. In consequence of the 

 national character thus impressed upon the charity, it is 

 authorised by special Act of Parliament to hold lands not- 

 withstanding the statutes of Mortmain. 



