Bath’s modern resurgence as a fashionable destination came after a visit from Queen Anne, and the first pump-room was built in 1706.  Here, a pumper would serve the water from the spring that was drawn up into a fountain.  It was the central feature of the spa town throughout the Georgian Period, and the town’s rise in popularity required extensions of that pump-room.  By 1790, a brand new more spacious construction was required.  The Grand Pump Room still exists, and it is now a cafe where patrons can drink the fabled waters.

While some were drawn to Bath seeking salubrious benefits, the social scene became the more widespread attraction during this era.  Consistent with Mrs. Elton’s remark to Emma that the advantages of Bath for young people were pretty well understood, there were many opportunities for entertainment and to meet new people.  In addition to its salubrious waters, the Pump Room offered music.  Beyond this there was the Theatre Royal that was built in 1805 and concerts every other night. 

Perhaps most exciting for young people, there were balls twice per week, presided over by a Master of Ceremonies who would find partners for newcomers.  These took place in the Assembly Rooms, but dancing was not the only activity undertaken there.  Apart from the ballroom, which included a musicians gallery, there would also be a card room and a room for refreshments.  The New or Upper rooms were completed in 1771 by John Wood the Younger and were considered the most noble and elegant assembly rooms in the kingdom at that time.

John Wood the Younger was an architect responsible for carrying on the planning and building of the town following in the footsteps of his father, John Wood (you guessed it…) the Elder.  The son was responsible for the design and construction of No. 1 Royal Crescent, used in the series Bridgerton as the exterior of the Featherington’s home.  This building was based on Palladianism which was first chosen as the preeminent style for construction in Bath by John Wood the Elder.  Palladiaism employed designs inspired by Roman and Greek architecture as well as Vitruvius’ ideas on perfect proportion.  The elder architect was furthermore inspired by ancient British sites like Stonehenge, especially in the design of The Circus.  Another unifying characteristic of Bath’s architecture was the use of Bath stone, a local Jurassic limestone, as the primary building material.  These designs along with the presence of the Roman Baths have led to Bath acquiring status as a UNESCO-designated World Heritage City.