60 Year 9 Latin students had a fabulously festive trip to Bath on 21st November, with the next batch of 65 visiting on the 27th. They visited the steamy Roman Baths, once home to the ‘haruspex’ Memor and his evil overseer Salvius, explored the Christmas Market and had a walking tour of the city led by Mr Adams.
We boarded the mammoth two-decker coach festooned with a luxury toilet. One student described the coach as ‘the best [he] has ever been on in [his] life’. A quick jaunt down the road, and we descended upon Bath, plunged into the merry rush of the Christmas market, accompanied by a solo tuba playing ‘Silent Night’ and the smell of steaming mulled wine and cider. Sadly, no Santa this year.
Students were provided with an updated map of Bath, hand-drawn by Mr Adams and his trusty Crayolas. Bath Abbey and the surrounding area were where they filmed the upcoming film ‘Wonka’.
We then arrived in the iconic Roman Baths. Students wandered around slowly to explore the steamy tepidarium, the ancient hypocaust heating system, the cold plunge pool and the curse tablets (defixiones) which Romans used to curse their enemies. The highlight is always the Great Bath itself, and we chatted to some Romans about their daily life and the content of the Cambridge Latin Course, before being snapped unknowingly in a candid photograph.
After the tour, students explored the Christmas Market and bought some memorable souvenirs. Then a spot of lunch – Wagamama once again proved a favourite. We also purchased some fudge from the local fudge shop, where a ‘soft sell’ sales approach was exhibited. Mr Morrison stocked up on Lush products. All was well.
Mr Adams then led an excellent walking tour around Bath, visiting our ‘amici’ at the Abbey, the stunning Pulteney Bridge with its majestic waterfall, the Jane Austen Museum, Circus and Royal Crescent. The latter array of Georgian terraced houses remains home to the rich and famous, and was used as a filming location for ‘Oliver!’ and ‘Paddington’.
We had a final spot of free time, before receiving a festive greeting as we boarded the coach home to Emanuel. A quick ‘beep beep’ and off we flew through the night.
Students were very well behaved, and asked lots of good questions at the Baths. Thank you to Mr Morrison, Miss Henderson and Mr Davis for all their help on the trip.
Valete!
Mr Adams (Head of Classics)
