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The History of Healing in Bath

With The Roman Baths being one of the popular tourist attractions and among the 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK, there is certainly something special about the ancient monument, to which the site's origins date back to the Celts.

Known as a sacred place of healing, it is time to delve into history and discover why The Roman Baths, and indeed the city as a whole is steeped in wellbeing powers.

The discovery of the hot bubbling spring water was at the hands of the Celts hundreds of years before the Romans put their mark on the city. The legend tells of a King Bladud, who contracted leprosy, but the swamp-like waters at the time healed him, hence the first shrine is rumoured to have been set up around this time in honour of the Celtic goddess of healing, Sulis.

"Roman Baths" (CC BY 2.0) by pdbreen

Whilst it is hard to find much to prove the legend, the development of this site by the Romans as a place of worship lends credence to the Celtic beginnings, the similarities between Sulis and the Roman goddess Minerva being recognised. From then on, Aquae Sulis became the Roman name for the city of Bath, a town back then, and there is even a bronze head of Sulis Minerva dating back to the Roman era, further bringing to life the long history of the monument.

From then on, large numbers of people would go to bathe in the hot waters to be healed. However, over the centuries the original Roman buildings fell into disrepair, so let's fast forward to the Georgian and Victorian eras, when healing and spirituality found a new wave of popularity, which is why a lot of the buildings that now surround the baths are from these periods, rather than Roman.

Whilst The Roman Baths were originally known for their physical healing properties, the psychic and spiritual healing which the Victorians loved has also found a place in today's society. From local opportunities in Bath such as church healings, to online and phone psychic readings such as those offered by TheCircle, there is a rich culture for healing, both physically and mentally.

"psychic" (CC BY 2.0) by Claire Winter

Nowadays, the water is no longer used for swimming, but that has not stopped the tourist flocking to visit this sacred healing location. Bath's connection to Jane Austen brought visitors to The Roman Baths, with the Pump Room being featured in her novels of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. In the 1986 film adaptation of Northanger Abbey, there was an extra scene added which took place in the Roman Baths. The healing powers of the water in Bath have not ceased to be used though. The Thermae Bath Spa in the heart of the city allows visitors to experience the thermal waters, as well as enjoying a relaxing spa day.

There we have it. A quick guide to healing in Bath, both past and present. Being steeped in history, the healing culture found in Bath is unique and something to be explored.