io8 Bath in its relation to Art. 



the latter proved inadequate, and both plans collapsed, but 

 the establishment of an Art Museum cannot be long post- 

 poned. 



Music. 



In its relation to the art of Music, Bath has no ancient 

 claims. Traces of song in British, Roman, Saxon, and 

 Norman times are found elsewhere, but not here. When at 

 length the city regained repute, the Abbey bells were rung 

 to welcome visitors, and violins were straped when they 

 danced or drank the waters. Hence Anstey makes his hero 

 write : — 



" No city, dear mother, this city excels 

 In charming sweet sounds both of fiddles and bells." 



As early as 1744 something was done in 



The Herschels. 



musical organisation. We read of a Festival 

 in that year at Salisbury Cathedral, " at which several bands 

 from Bath attended." Two decades passed, and Linley did 

 good work, in furtherance of which he induced the brothers 

 Herschel to settle here. They were engaged for the Pump 

 Room Band, and William also became organist at a fashion- 

 able chapel. His abilities soon brought him into great 

 request, the work of a private teacher being added to his 

 engagements at balls, concerts, and oratorios. Caroline 

 Herschel, his sister, aided him largely as his leading solo 

 singer, training the trebles and copying the scores. 



From this time Bath was known for its good 



The Linleys. ■ t ■ , > r -, ,, . , . 7 ■ 



music, Lmleys family, "the nest of nightin- 

 gales," as Dr. Burney called them, being in high repute. 

 Far and wide their fame extended. Wherever grand per- 

 formances took place, Eliza Linley was the bright particular 



