Bundle of papers and newspaper clippings relating to the archaeological works at the Roman baths in Bath
Reference code
SAL/01/02/78/02
Title
Bundle of papers and newspaper clippings relating to the archaeological works at the Roman baths in Bath
Date
1893-1894
Level of description
file
Scope and content
These papers relate to a differing of opinions between members of the Society and C E Davis, surveyor of the works ongoing at Bath at the time, and the committee put forward to approve the works. There was criticism of the plan to remove sections of the caldarium, which was opposed by many antiquarians and locals around the Bath area. Criticism is also drawn of the committee due to their decision to remove the lead from the Roman piscina only to sell it at scrap metal rates.
There is also opposition, including from C E Davis himself, to the proposal to ‘roof’ the bathhouse by building another building over the original walls, though narrower in parts, which would necessitate the destruction of a number of Roman and Norman architectural features and elements of the building.
There are a number of letters written to the Bath Chronicle and the Bath Herald, written by Richard Mann and L T respectively, discussing plans to convert the pump room of the site into a concert hall and proposing alternate plans in lieu of the proposed works, with some pencil sketches of a Norman capital which was also flagged for demolition under the proposed plans.
There is also a telegram from C E Davis himself, alerting the Society to a series of architectural plans nearing approval, requesting that his name not be brought forward in the matter but highlighting the urgency with which the plans are opposed and the ‘necessity’ of the prevention of ‘the contemplated destruction’. A newspaper clipping detailing the plans is included with this telegram.
There is a report on the excavations from George E Fox, produced during a visit to the site in 1893, attended with William St John Hope.
A note reads ‘see also papers 1886-1887’.
There is also opposition, including from C E Davis himself, to the proposal to ‘roof’ the bathhouse by building another building over the original walls, though narrower in parts, which would necessitate the destruction of a number of Roman and Norman architectural features and elements of the building.
There are a number of letters written to the Bath Chronicle and the Bath Herald, written by Richard Mann and L T respectively, discussing plans to convert the pump room of the site into a concert hall and proposing alternate plans in lieu of the proposed works, with some pencil sketches of a Norman capital which was also flagged for demolition under the proposed plans.
There is also a telegram from C E Davis himself, alerting the Society to a series of architectural plans nearing approval, requesting that his name not be brought forward in the matter but highlighting the urgency with which the plans are opposed and the ‘necessity’ of the prevention of ‘the contemplated destruction’. A newspaper clipping detailing the plans is included with this telegram.
There is a report on the excavations from George E Fox, produced during a visit to the site in 1893, attended with William St John Hope.
A note reads ‘see also papers 1886-1887’.
Creator
Society of Antiquaries of London
Davis, Charles Edward (1827-1902), architect and antiquary
Mann, Richard (fl 1870s-1890s)
Fox, George Edward (1833-1908), architect and antiquary
Davis, Charles Edward (1827-1902), architect and antiquary
Mann, Richard (fl 1870s-1890s)
Fox, George Edward (1833-1908), architect and antiquary