The Romans built the baths in the 1st century and dedicated them to Sulis Minerva - a Roman-Celtic goddess. The Celtic King Bladud re-discovered these natural hot springs in 860 BC who cured himself of leprosy by rolling in the mud.
It became a fashionable place to be in 1702 when Queen Anne visited. The water which flows into the large, open-air pool is a constant temperature of 115degrees F. You can see the steam rise. As you walk on the terrace above the pool, you see Roman statues of famous people, but they are late 19th Century.
On the sides of the main pool, you will find various other bathing chambers. It's a very impressive and wonderfully interesting place. It's so advanced for its time and construction, a marvel. As you pay to enter, you receive a hand held recorder which tells you the history and points out and explains what you see. This is a must! You got to see this!! Ancient history before your eyes. There is also a Museum of Costume, Victoria Art Gallery, and the Pump Room Restaurant at the Baths.
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