Vintage: Historic B&W photos of Bath, England (1890s)

In the early 18th century, Bath acquired its first purpose-built theatre, the Old Orchard Street Theatre. It was rebuilt as the Theatre Royal, along with the Grand Pump Room attached to the Roman Baths and assembly rooms. Master of ceremonies Beau Nash, who presided over the city’s social life from 1705 until his death in 1761, drew up a code of behaviour for public entertainments. Bath had become perhaps the most fashionable of the rapidly developing British spa towns, attracting many notable visitors such as the wealthy London bookseller Andrew Millar and his wife, who both made long visits. In 1816, it was described as “a seat of amusement and dissipation”, where “scenes of extravagance in this receptacle of the wealthy and the idle, the weak and designing” were habitual.

From Beechen Cliff, Bath, England

Roman Baths and Abbey, Bath, England (1890s)

Roman Baths and Abbey, II, Bath, England (1890s)

Roman Baths and Abbey, Circular Bath, Bath, England (1890s)

Roman Baths and Abbey, IV, Bath, England (1890s)

Prior Park College with Palladi[a]n Bridge, Bath, England (1890s)

High Street, Bath, England (1890s)

Bath. Grand Pump Room (1890s)