Buildings and architecture of Bath

Bath is a city in Somerset, in the south west of England. All significant stages of the history of England are represented within the city, from the Roman Baths (including their significant Celtic presence), to Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, to Thermae Bath Spa in the 2000s. Most of Bath's buildings are made from the local golden-coloured Bath Stone. The dominant architectural style is Georgian, which evolved from the Palladian revival style that became popular in the early 18th century. The city became a fashionable and popular spa and social centre during the 18th century, based initially around its hot springs, which led to a demand for substantial homes and guest houses. The key architects, John Wood the elder and his son John Wood the younger, laid out many of the squares and crescents which give the city its current layout. The city became a World Heritage Site in 1987 largely because of its architectural history, which has helped it to become a major tourist destination. It is the only whole city in Britain to achieve this status.