lansdown’s history
Local historian Peter Little shares some interesting facts about Lansdown from his new book, A Detailed History of Lansdown
Did you know there are more women than men in Lansdown in Bath, and the average age is 40? And did you know Lansdown-born Mary Berry’s father was involved in the building of the University of Bath in the 1960s? Or that same Mary used to try out new ovens in people’s homes in Bath by testing her Victoria sponge in them? These are some of the interesting facts uncovered by a new book about the Lansdown area called A Detailed History of Lansdown, written by local historian Peter R Little. One of the most affluent areas of Bath, Lansdown sits on the upper slopes with commanding views of the city and is one of the most sought-after areas of Bath. Not only does it have the city’s most famous addresses – including the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Lansdown Crescent – it also has famous buildings like the Assembly Rooms, Bath’s most upmarket shopping street Milsom Street, lots of parks including Victoria Park and monuments and churches. But Peter’s book is not all about history. Quite quirkily, it also talks about the institution that is Mary Berry, the mother of all celebrity chefs. According to the book, Mary was born on March 24, 1935, the second of three children, to Alleyne William Steward Berry and his wife Margaret. There’s longevity in Mary’s family; her mother died in 2011 having reached the grand old age of 105. Mary’s father was a surveyor and planner, was Mayor of Bath in 1952 and was closely involved in establishing the University of Bath in Claverton down from 1964. At the age of 13 Mary contracted polio and had to spend three months in hospital, which resulted in her having a twisted spine, a weaker left hand and thinner left arm. The book states: “Mary attended Bath High School, where she described her academic abilities as ‘hopeless,’ until she attended domestic science classes with her teacher Miss date, who was particularly encouraging of her cooking abilities. “She then studied catering and institutional management at Bath College of domestic Science. “Berry’s first job was at the Bath Electricity showroom, and then conducting
home visits to show new customers how to use their electric ovens. But aside from the interesting facts about Mary, the book has more than enough important historical information to satisfy anyone who loves Bath. Beckford’s Tower is of course in Lansdown, as well as lots of other attractions and monuments. Peter’s book, his third, has been put together with photographs and lots of interesting details to raise funds for the Rose Cottage Hub in Twerton, where the author is from – he has also written books about Weston and Twerton. Lansdown in Bath is one of the most picturesque areas of the city, sitting as it does on the northern slopes and affording some of the most spectacular views. With rolling hills and stunning buildings, it features some of the finest architectural wonders in the city. But there is a lot more to the area than expensive houses, and boasts the magnificent Lansdown Crescent, the trendy Camden Crescent and St James Square to name a few, than expensive houses in estate agents’ brochures. Peter said: “I love writing about local history and the areas around Bath. “I have also written books about Twerton, Weston village and Claverton Down, it is fascinating finding out all the research. “Next on my list will be Widcombe and Larkhall, it keeps me very busy since I retired in 1995 and people seem to like the books. They raise hundreds of pounds for charity so I feel it is a good cause,” he said. Anyone lucky enough to live in this lush urban setting will be keen to read about some of the facts and figures, but there’s something for everyone interested in Bath’s local history. Some other interesting facts are 93 per cent of people living in Lansdown speak English, according to the book. The other top languages are Chinese, Spanish, Polish, French, Italian, Russian, Arabic and German. Some 41 per cent of people are married, ten per cent cohabiting with a member of the opposite sex, 1.2 per cent with a partner of the same sex. While 32 per cent are single and have never married, and eight per cent are separated or divorced. The book features lots of interesting details about the wider Lansdown area, and photographs old and new of some of the buildings and local attractions including St Stephen’s Church, the Royal High School, St James’s Square, Park Street, Milsom Street, Cavendish Crescent and many more. The contents list reads like a who’s who of Bath’s finest addresses and it is fascinating to learn about their history. There are also a lot of pubs in the area, including the Saracen’s Head (Charles Dickens’ favourite) and the Hare & Hounds, now a popular gastro pub. The name Lansdown comes from the Old English word for long hill, and anyone who has ever walked up with their Waitrose shopping will know all about how it can be a gruelling and unforgiving summit. But the air is fresh and clean and this is why everyone, especially families, wants to live there. There are lots of schools as well, including Kingswood, the Royal High, St Stephen’s Primary and it is very close to the M4. Peter’s book outlines the famous Battle of Lansdown in 1643 during the Civil War, when Sir Bevil Grenville led the Royalist attack against Sir William Waller’s Roundheads forces. Sir Bevil was mortally wounded and some years later a monument was erected by Sir Bevil’s grandson Lord Lansdown. Meanwhile, William Beckford: art collector, traveller and writer and planter of more than a million trees, lived in Lansdown Crescent. His garden reached to the top of the hill, where he built a fabulous 154 foot tower. It became a tenure house for his works of art and he believed the view from the tower was the finest in Europe. Today, this tower houses the Beckford Museum. These are just some of the interesting facts about Lansdown in Peter’s book. One of the buildings featured in the book is St Stephen’s Church in Lansdown, one of the most beautiful churches in Bath and visible from nearly everywhere in the city, sitting as it does on top of the hill and lit up at night like a beacon over the city.
» A Detailed History of Lansdown is on sale at Oldfield Park book shop in Moorland Road, price £10.
» Peter will also be selling it at a garden fete in Millenium Garden, Richmond Road, Lansdown from 2pm on bank holiday Monday, August 27.