The Bath Road

"The Bath Road: History, Fashion, & Frivolity on an Old Highway" by Charles G. Harper explores the rich history and cultural significance of the Bath Road, a major route connecting London to Bath. This road was not only a vital artery for trade and travel but also a symbol of the social and economic changes in England from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Harper details the evolution of travel along this route, beginning with the era of no coaches, where travel was primarily on horseback or by foot, through the slow and fast coach periods, and culminating in the advent of railways. The Bath Road was particularly significant during the 18th century when Bath became a fashionable spa town, attracting the elite of society. The road witnessed the introduction of the first mail-coach in 1784, which revolutionized postal services and passenger travel by offering a faster and more secure means of transportation. Harper also highlights the challenges faced by travelers, such as poor road conditions, highwaymen, and severe weather, which often made journeys perilous. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes of the coaching era, including the competitive nature of coach services, the role of coachmen and guards, and the social dynamics within the coaches. The book concludes with the decline of coaching due to the rise of the railway, which offered a more efficient and cost-effective means of travel, marking the end of an era for the Bath Road.