Been on a bit of a week-end wander – whilst enjoying effects of unusual bright object in clear blue sky – and spotted a few things of note on the history and heritage front.
The figure of Rebecca at the Well – erected outside Bath Abbey by the city’s temperance society – was restored last year with the help of students from Bath City College.
Water was once again dribbling from her pitcher and l presumed it was turned off during the winter to prevent problems with pipes freezing.
Now the fountain in Laura Place is once again in full flow one is hopeful Rebecca’s delicate contribution towards the city’s running waters will soon begin again.
I couldn’t help noticing that not all the rubbish on the street was being picked up when l peered into the basement well at one side of the original Guildhall a month ago.
Now l have to say well done to whoever got down there and cleared all the detritus away.
Why is it people must park with wheels resting on the pavement kerbstones. It must cost B&NES a fortune re-setting them.
Look at what has happened on the London Road. Should be a parking offence and ticket issued accordingly.
Won’t be long now before people will be able to gaze at the new gilding on the Pinder quote which is etched into the Abbey Churchyard facade of the Pump Room. In ancient Greek it exclaims ‘Water is Best!’
I wonder if you knew where the same quote is used again – on the facade of this complex of public buildings?
Walk around the Stall Street side of the Pump Room and left into York Street. This corner section is Victorian and was built to house the Great Bath and other remains after excavation.
In a niche is an ornately decorated tablet which bears that same Pinder quote – much smaller incised letters.
It’s above a general oration to the Roman Baths and the fact that the ‘ remains of their magnificence are here disclosed.’ Now tet your gaze go higher still and you will see another local ‘double’.
On display in the Roman Baths is the bronze head of the goddess Minerva – minus her headdress – but here – carved in Bath stone – is the goddess and she is wearing her helmet!
This week-end wander was brought to you on behalf of those who are trying to train people to look above and below the ‘shop-window field’ that our culture would like us to remain focused in and on.
