More than 100 guests were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Roman Baths during an exclusive event organised by accountancy, investment management and tax group Smith & Williamson.
The event kicked off in The Pump Room with Bath & North East Somerset Council head of heritage services Stephen Bird speaking about the innovative Archway Project, which includes a new learning centre and World Heritage visitor centre in the Grade II-listed former city laundry.
Guests then ventured underground to areas beneath York Street not usually open to the public, including a Victorian store of Roman artefacts that have never been formally identified.
These will form part of a hands-on ‘investigation zone’ for children and educational groups as part of the Archway Project.
Smith & Williamson partner in the private client tax team Imogen Hilton-Brown, who is a trustee of the Roman Baths Foundation, said: “The evening provided a fascinating insight into ‘hidden’ areas of the Baths that we hadn’t previously encountered.
“The information provided by our tour guides was extremely interesting and made for a number of lively discussions during the champagne reception held at the Great Bath afterwards. We had an excellent turnout and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces and meet clients from different parts of the business.”
Pictured below, from left: Stephen Bird, David Beeton, chairman of the Roman Baths Foundation, and guest Dr Louise Brown with Smith & Williamson partners Imogen Hilton-Brown and Mike Lea. All photos by Paolo Ferla www.ferlapaolo.com
Pictured below, from left: Guests Bea Kayani and Rosalind Clapp
Pictured below: Guest Priscilla Faleye
Pictured below: Smith & Williamson tax partner Dave Mouncey
