Royal Crescent, Bath (must see)

The Royal Crescent in Bath is a notable example of Georgian architecture. It comprises 30 terraced houses, designed by John Wood, the Younger, and constructed between 1767 and 1774. Recognized as a Grade I listed building, the Royal Crescent is a testament to the architectural grandeur of its time and remains a significant historical and cultural landmark.

Spanning 500 feet (about 150 meters), the crescent is distinguished by its 114 Ionic columns on the first floor, supporting an entablature designed in the Palladian style. This design element contributes to its classical and elegant appearance. The Royal Crescent holds the distinction of being the first crescent of terraced houses ever built, embodying the concept of "rus in urbe" or "the country in the city," thanks to its overlooking views of the parkland opposite.

Throughout its history of over 240 years, the Royal Crescent has been home to many notable figures, commemorated by plaques on the relevant buildings. The configuration of the crescent has evolved; of the original 30 townhouses, 10 remain full-size, 18 have been converted into flats of various sizes, one serves as the No. 1 Royal Crescent museum, and two (No. 16 and No. 15) now form The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.

Constructed primarily from Bath stone, these houses have slate roofs, although they were originally tiled with stone. The external appearance of each house is remarkably similar, with only minor variations such as some featuring small balconettes on the first floor. Many windows have been restored to their original style with glazing bars, replacing the horned plate glass sash windows installed in later centuries. Despite various internal modifications over the years, the Georgian stone facade of the Royal Crescent has been meticulously preserved, maintaining much of its original aesthetic and charm.

Tips:
No. 1 Royal Cresent is a museum. Here you'll find it preserved as a historic house, with rooms, furniture, pictures, and other items depicting Georgian life between 1776 and 1796. Among the fully furnished and appointed rooms you can tour, there is a Parlour, a Gentleman's Retreat, a Withdrawing Room, Servant's Hall, Kitchen, and Scullery.