Unearthed: Exceptional Georgian Cold Bath discovered at Bath Assembly rooms

Archaeologists have uncovered a unique 18th-century cold bath in the Bath Assembly Rooms, an elite social meeting place. The bath had been filled in with rubble and covered after being damaged during World War Two. Its presence in the Assembly Rooms suggests that it was intended for those seeking an exclusive experience. The National Trust, which now manages the Assembly Rooms, described the find as highly unusual and is conducting further research to piece together its history. Excavation work revealed the steps leading down to the bath and a niche that would have held a statue or sculpture. The rubble found is likely to be from the wartime bombing. Cold bathing was recommended by medical professionals in the 1700s, and while it became popular in private houses and estates, the location of this bath suggests it was more exclusive. The Assembly Rooms were constructed between 1769-1771 and were influenced by medical theories of the time. The discovery of the bath offers a rare archaeological insight into this historical practice. Behind-the-scenes tours of the bath will be available on selected weekends in October.