Bus Challenge No 240

Ralph Allen’s Townhouse, Bath - circa 1727

“...the grandiose town house of Ralph Allen, a man who had a huge influence on the development of the city. Allen was Bath’s postmaster, but his main claim to fame is that he bought Combe Down quarries, a principle source of Bath stone. Allen marketed his stone effectively. He installed a wooden railway and was involved in making the River Avon navigable so the stone could be transported more cheaply. Bath builders bought the stone enthusiastically and soon new houses clad with this beautifully creamy material were appearing all over the city.”

Back in the summer when I did a guided walking tour of Bath we were told about this impressive house which is hidden away and can’t be seen from the street as the city has since grown up around it and buildings have surrounded it. Ever since then I’ve wanted to track it down. I recently discovered that the only way you can see the townhouse is by going through a neighbouring bookshop and out of the shop’s back door, so that’s what I did today! 

By tweaking the time of this afternoon’s two hours cover I managed to whizz into Bath and had 50mins in town, just long enough to hunt for the townhouse and do a spot of shopping. Bath was heaving, despite the damp weather, but incredibly mild at 13 degrees.

Total bus journey time = 53mins

Thank you for your kind stars for yesterday’s Bristol Bus Challenge.