Built around the 1750s, the Circus is a perfect example of Georgian architecture. The townhouses here are very large and very beautiful. Sadly none are open to the public, but the exteriors are certainly worth seeing. The Hollywood Actor Nicholas Cage bought one of the houses on the Circus a few years ago. This is an extract from our free Bath City Guide.
The entrances to identical houses at the Circus in Bath
The Circus was originally called King’s Circus and was designed by the architect John Wood the Elder. His inspiration was the Colosseum in Rome and although he never lived to see his plans put into effect, his son John Wood the Younger, completed the scheme to his father’s design. The initial leases were granted in 1755 with further leases available up to 1766. Other projects by the same architect include nearby Queen Square, but the Circus is seen as his masterpiece. Originally the central area was paved, although it is now grassed over with a number of trees surviving from earlier years. Most of the houses in the Circus are split into flats, but when whole houses do come up for sale they are very expensive. In March 2009, No 7 The Circus sold for £3.5 million.
ADDRESS & DIRECTIONS
The Circus, Bath, BA1 2EW
The Circus is a public street and therefore has no specific opening times. Please be considerate towards the people who live there when visiting.
MORE ON BATH CIRCUS
Hotels in Bath - Best prices from Hotels.com
More hotels in Bath – Expedia.co.uk
Wikipedia
360 Degree image
Buildinghistory.org
funtouristattractions.com
Books on Bath’s Architecture - Amazon.co.uk
