I finally started watching Bridgerton. It had been on my list for a while mainly because I find the actor who plays The Duke incredibly attractive and I have enjoyed Shonda Rhimes' other shows. On a recent visit to Southwest England, I decided to take a day trip from Bristol to the aptly named town of Bath, because I was interested in its Roman history. During my visit, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that many scenes from Bridgerton were taped in Bath.
Pre-Bridgerton era Bath was a Roman settlement. Britain's only thermal spring, which can reach more than 104°F, is located in Bath, which made it an obvious choice for the Romans to settle given their affinity for hot springs. The Roman settlement was called Aquae Sulis. A temple and the baths were built between 60-70 AD. Sadly, the baths lay in ruins 100 years after the end of Britain's Roman rule in the 5th century. During the Victorian era, in the 1870s, the site was finally excavated and Bath's Roman past was discovered below its modern street level. The baths and other remnants of the Romans are the main reasons why the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now back to Bridgerton. I arrived at Bath Spa train station from Bristol (only 10 minutes by train) and it was a quick walk to the City of Bath World Heritage Centre, which is across the street from the Roman Baths Museum. The Center was staffed with knowledgeable and helpful people who explained how to best see the sites in Bath. I was warned to purchase Roman Bath tickets in advance, because they sell out frequently. Note that tickets can only be purchased online. I witnessed security turning away an old lady who wanted to buy tickets onsite. Online only tickets is not a boomer friendly policy.
City of Bath World Heritage Centre staff also told me that many Bridgerton scenes were taped in Bath and that daily free tours (literally free, not tip based) went to some of the Bridgerton sites in the western part of the city. Lady Danbury's house, which is the Holburne Museum, is located in the eastern part of the city. To get to Lady Danbury's house from the western part of the city, cross the Pulteney Bridge, which is unique in that the bridge has shops built across its full span on both sides. Then walk east along The Great Pulteney Street, which is lined with some of the best Georgian architecture in the world. At the end of the street is Lady Danbury's house.
Tribute to Muhammad Ali on The Great Pulteney Street
The Royal Crescent was featured in many Bridgerton scenes. At the end of The Royal Crescent is a fully restored Georgian townhouse that is now a museum where visitors can go back in time to Georgian high society. An interesting and more recent story about They Royal Crescent began when one of the front doors was painted yellow in the 1970s. The council sought the support of the legislation to force the owner to paint the door back to its original white. The case eventually went all the way to the House of Lords. The council lost partly because the owner was a descendant of the Duke of Wellington who is credited with defeating Napoleon.
The Royal Crescent
Another interesting tidbit about the Georgian era high society featured in Bridgerton was that Bath was THE place for summer holidays during the time when high born young women were presented to titled eligible bachelors. Beau Nash was the Master of Ceremonies in Bath in the 18th century, meaning that he was in charge of organizing social activities. Being seen at one of Beau Nash's soirees was a must for anyone who wished to be a somebody. All of those Bridgerton parties had to be organized by a Master of Ceremonies and one had to be well connected to get an invitation.
Pulteney Bridge
Bath is a lovely town. It is clean and posh with unique architecture. The bricks, called "Bath Stone", are honey colored, which further enhances the uniqueness of the town. My tour guide mentioned that there is an active theater scene in Bath. Therefore, he doesn't need to go to London to see great theater. In terms of literature, Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, and the city was inspiration for Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. From its Roman Baths, Jane Austen Center, Georgian architecture, and Bridgerton sites, there's a lot to see in Bath, UK.
SIGHTSEEING
The Roman Baths
The Great Pulteney Street
Pulteney Bridge
Holburne Museum
Jane Austen Centre
Bath Abbey
Royal Crescent
RESTAURANTS
Chez Dominique