Nowadays when people think of the history of the city of Bath, its rich heritage and lucrative tourism industry, they probably think of Jane Austen, and a side-order of the Romans. It never used to be like this. Not that long ago, the images that sprung to mind were slightly more racy and vulgar; corpulent 18th century squires wallowing in the waters in the hope of relief from gout, the landed aristocracy arranging marriages for their children, people winning, or more usually losing, huge fortunes at the gaming tables.
And at the head of all this was Richard “Beau” Nash, the “reigning monarch” of Bath, the Master of Ceremonies who did more than anyone else to turn the city into a fashionable resort for the rich, rather than just a health spa. Nash used to be a key part of Bath’s “brand”, the colourful and surprisingly vulgar gambling addict who could order duchesses and princesses around. In the 20th century his name was stuck onto everything from streets to pubs, a cinema and more – fancy having your party catered by a firm called “Beau Nosh”? He’s not been written out or forgotten, but he’s no longer the iconic figure that he once was.
October 18th is the 350th anniversary of his birth, but there seem to be few celebrations, unlike his 300th in 1974, when Bath hosted a week of events to celebrate his memory. BT will not allow such an important anniversary to pass unnoticed, so ..
. here we give you quick summary of Beau Nash, his life and times. Discl.
