No.1 Royal Crescent

About

No.1 Royal Crescent is a Georgian town house that creates a wonderfully vital picture of life in Georgian Bath. Built between 1767 – 1774 to the designs of the architect John Wood the Younger, the Royal Crescent is justly considered one of the finest achievements of 18th century urban architecture and represents the highest point of Palladian architecture in Bath. No.1 was the first house to be built in the Crescent and originally provided luxury accommodation for the aristocratic visitors who came to take the waters and enjoy the social season.

No.1 Royal Crescent reopened on 21 June 2013 after a major restoration project, and now provides visitors to the Crescent with an opportunity to look beyond the famous Palladian facade and see what life was like for the wealthy and their servants in 18th century Bath. Each room is an exquisite example of Georgian interior design with authentic furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets. The superbly appointed Dining Room is set for dessert whilst the elegant Drawing Room is ready for fashionable visitors to take tea. The Gentleman’s Retreat reveals the interests of No.1’s first resident, Mr Henry Sandford, including travel and discoveries, electricity and agriculture as well as local gossip and news. Upstairs are a Gentleman’s and a Lady’s bedroom, with original paraphernalia and fittings.

Below stairs are the original kitchen and scullery, coal-holes and servant’s corridors, the Housekeeper’s Room and Servants' Hall. Guides in every room bring the house to life with stories of the past.

Visitor Comments:
“Lovely – a fantastic impression of Georgian life, thank you.” Australia
“Superb – very informative and entertaining.” Canada
“Really interesting...makes this stand out from other museums.” Bath, England
“Absolutely fantastic to see such a beautiful building from the inside.” Kent, England
Open 10.30am – 5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12.00 – 5.30pm on Mondays.

Groups wishing to visit outside of normal opening hours will be welcome. We can provide speakers, refreshments, drinks, workshops and demonstrations. Please contact no1museum@bptrust.org.uk or telephone 01225 428126 to discuss.

Download the No.1 App - The No. 1 Royal Crescent App is free to download and available for iPhone and Android. Simply search 'No. 1 Royal Crescent'

Use the No. 1 Royal Crescent App  to find out more about No. 1 Royal Crescent before, after or during your visit. Features include:
- Introductory film
- Virtual tour of the house, with images of all rooms and selected objects
- Before and after photographs showing how the rooms have changed over time
- Interactive map showing the location of No. 1 and the other Bath Preservation Trust museums.