Development and Change
The spring displays features from many different periods. The Roman reservoir survives intact below the present water level. The two arches opposite belong to the later Roman building that covered the spring.
In the 12th century, the King’s Bath was built within the Roman ruins.
The stature of Bladud, mythical founder of Baths, and the ornate balustrade were added in the 17th century.
A seat a bench, known as the Master of the Baths, was donated by Anastasia in 1732.
In the 18th century, the Pump Room was built. The steps, or ‘slips’, outside some windows allowed bathers into the water from passages beneath the Pump Room. The ledge around the spring is all that remains of the King’s Bath floor. The orange stain indicates the former water level.
And finally in 1979, the floor was removed and the water lowered to the Roman level.
In the 12th century, the King’s Bath was built within the Roman ruins.
The stature of Bladud, mythical founder of Baths, and the ornate balustrade were added in the 17th century.
A seat a bench, known as the Master of the Baths, was donated by Anastasia in 1732.
In the 18th century, the Pump Room was built. The steps, or ‘slips’, outside some windows allowed bathers into the water from passages beneath the Pump Room. The ledge around the spring is all that remains of the King’s Bath floor. The orange stain indicates the former water level.
And finally in 1979, the floor was removed and the water lowered to the Roman level.