Virtual Tour of No. 1
The Entrance Hall
The Entrance Hall is hung with paper skilfully marbled, a fashion adopted in the 18th century when imported marble would have been too costly. The plasterwork, including the cornice, is original throughout. So are the flagstones, which were simply relaid when the restoration was carried out.
The Dining Room
The cornice and mouldings on the walls are original. The paint simulates the effect produced by the thinner paints in the 18th century. All the furniture, glass and china in the room is of the period.
The Study
The Study would have been used principally by the gentlemen of the house. The card table is set in readiness for a game and serves as a reminder of the importance attached to card playing – particularly gambling for high stakes – in the social life of the time.
The Drawing Room
During the 18th century the first floor Drawing Room was usually the most richly decorated room since it was principally used for entertaining.
The Bedroom
The Bedroom has its own frieze and cornice. The jib door gives access to the service staircase which runs from basement to attic for the conveyance of water, coal, clothes and goods from floor to floor.
The Kitchen
The majority of the exhibits here are from the collection of Hugh Roberts. They are shown in such a way to suggest some of the cooking arrangements typical of a Bath town house in the 18th century. Around the walls and on the table can be seen a variety of domestic tools and equipment which demonstrate the wide range of household activities based in the kitchen – from cooking, baking and dairying to ironing and ensuring the house was adequately lit.