In the season finale of Susan Calman’s Great British Cities, airing on Channel 5 on Friday 12 April, Susan Calman explores the historic city of Bath, uncovering its rich history, stunning architecture, and the people who shaped its past.
Susan begins her journey at the world-renowned Roman Baths, where she is joined by Collections Manager Zosia Matyjaskiewicz. Together, they peel back 2,000 years of history, revealing the Roman rituals and the Georgian rediscovery of the site. Author Jem Roberts also sheds light on the origins of Bath, which date back centuries before the Roman era, and the legendary tale of Prince Bladud, highlighting the importance of pigs in the city’s history.
Moving forward in time, Susan visits the Royal Crescent and delves into the life of Beau Nash, the man responsible for refining Georgian society and establishing Bath as an essential destination for 18th-century England. She meets historian Anne Buchanan, who discusses the transformative impact of entrepreneur Ralph Allen on the city’s development.
The episode also explores the scientific contributions of two German-born residents at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. Curator Izzy Wall reveals how William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus, and Susan shines a light on the story of his sister, Caroline, an unsung hero in her own right.
Susan uncovers a scandal from the 1950s, when a criminal gang attempted to rig a horse race at Bath racecourse, and their plan was foiled by a keen-eyed witness. The episode concludes with a personal story of World War II, as resident Chris Kilminster shares his experience of the 1942 bombings and his unexpected friendship with a German pilot involved in the air raids.
Susan Calman’s Great British Cities airs on Channel 5 at 9:00 PM on Friday, 12 April 2024.
