Grand Pump Room, Bath

Grand Pump Room
Location Bath, Somerset, England
Coordinates 51°22′52″N 2°21′34″W / 51.38111°N 2.35944°W / 51.38111; -2.35944Coordinates: 51°22′52″N 2°21′34″W / 51.38111°N 2.35944°W / 51.38111; -2.35944
Built 1789-1789
Architect Thomas Baldwin and John Palmer
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: Grand Pump Room
Designated 12 June 1950[1]
Reference no. 442110
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: North Colonnade
Designated 12 June 1950[2]
Reference no. 442111
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: South Colonnade
Designated 12 June 1950[3]
Reference no. 442112
Location of Grand Pump Room in Somerset

The Grand Pump Room in the Abbey Church Yard, Bath, Somerset, England is a historic building. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building.[1]

The main block, built of Bath stone, was begun in 1789 by Thomas Baldwin. He resigned in 1791 and John Palmer continued the scheme from 1793. It was finally finished in 1799.[1] The facade of the building features Corinthian half columns, perhaps an influence from the Temple at Bassae.

The North Colonnade of 9 bays, with unfluted Ionic columns, was built by Baldwin in 1786.[2] The South Colonnade is similar but had an upper floor added in the late 19th century.[3] The colonnades and side wall of the Pump Room have a facade on Stall Street.

Situated next to main street entrance to the Roman Baths, visitors can sample the waters from the warm spring which fills the Roman Baths. The building also houses a restaurant, where it is popular to sample the afternoon tea.[4] Music in the restaurant is provided by the Pump Room Trio—the longest established resident ensemble in Europe[5]—or by a pianist.

Literary references

The Pump Room was featured in Jane Austen novels, including Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. It was a meeting place for the upper class.

Gallery

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grand Pump Room, Bath.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Grand Pump Room". Images of England. English Heritage. Retrieved 2009-07-22.
  2. 1 2 "North Colonnade at Grand Pump Room". Images of England. English Heritage. Retrieved 2009-07-22.
  3. 1 2 "South Colonnade at Grand Pump Room". Images of England. English Heritage. Retrieved 2009-07-22.
  4. ↑ "City of Bath World Heritage Site Management Plan" (PDF). Bath and North East Somerset Council. Retrieved 2010-11-10.
  5. ↑ "The Roman Baths & Pump Room". Best loved hotels. Retrieved 2009-07-22.
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