Bath’s sole surviving Elizabethan mansion has a fascinating history. For centuries the Master of St John’s Hospital had a house here. It was rebuilt along grander lines by Dr Robert Baker around 1590. His great chamber is still there, with its Elizabethan panelling and elaborate chimney-piece. Leading members of the Elizabethan court enjoyed his fine lodgings including a private spa water bath. Sadly the house was so badly hit in the Blitz that the whole west front is a post-war restoration.
