Welcome to the History of Bath Research Group
The History of Bath Research Group was founded in 1986 with the objective of bringing together historians who were actively engaged in research in the Bath area. Many of the members have published on different aspects of local history (including studies in the Journal Bath History) and have given papers at meetings or contributed in other ways.
Next Meeting
- Monumental masons in Bath in the 18th and 19th centuries
- St Mary's Bathwick Church Hall
- 09-Mar-2020
- 07:30 :PM
- Kim Jordan
- The study uses the author’s record of over three hundred and fifty signed marble monuments erected in Bath churches over two centuries. The signatures are keys to information sources from which this specialist aspect of the masonry trade in Bath can be described and explored. From small beginnings in the early eighteenth century the trade rapidly developed and reached its peak during the first half of the nineteenth century before declining and almost disappearing by 1900. The reasons for the growth and decline are considered, the craftsmen and their workshops are identified, the factors influencing the success or failure of their businesses are examined and the national and international reach of leading Bath masons‘ work is noted.
Latest Publications Available from Our Website:
The principal activities of the group are:
- To carry out academic research on the history and development of Bath
- To meet regularly – usually monthly – throughout the year
- To hear of the work of other members of the Group
- To invite other researchers to speak on subjects relating to Bath and its locality
- To organise study visits to localities in or near Bath
- To support individuals and organisations with an interest in Bath history
- To help to ensure that Bath archives are maintained and developed for the future
