Assembly Rooms
Designed by John Wood the Younger, this Grade 1 listed building is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. The New or Upper Rooms as they were known, provided a place for people to meet and enjoy daily entertainments including balls, concerts, teas and gambling. In the Georgian period the city had a vibrant social scene including a thriving queer subculture. As the history of Bath Assembly Rooms is uncovered through extensive research being undertaken to inform the new Georgian visitor experience, hidden histories of same-sex relationships and queer life in Bath is being revealed.
The National Trust are working on a new visitor experience which will enable Bath Assembly Rooms to continue to be a place for assembly, connection and entertainment, welcoming in Bath’s visitors and residents. This redevelopment has a fundraising target of £3.2million. To date £2.4million has been raised through a range of sources including individuals and Charitable Trusts and Foundations.
Alana Wright, Experience and Visitor Programming Manager, Bath Assembly Rooms
“I’m proud that Bath Assembly Rooms can be part of Queer Bath this year, helping to tell the stories that are transforming how history is viewed across heritage places in Bath. Whilst the building isn’t open, we’ve uncovered so much research into the hidden histories of Georgian life in Bath, we want to share that with communities in and around Bath. The research will help to paint a different picture of what Bath was like at the time, a much more inclusive and diverse scene than people might imagine.
As we reimagine Bath Assembly Rooms for 21st century assembly, sharing the stories related to Queer Bath demonstrates we’re looking to build a place that’s welcoming and inclusive to all – much as was the original aim for the building when it opened in 1771.”
Getting There
Currently close for renovations, ready to welcome visitors back in 2027.
The Assembly Rooms
Bennett St, Bath
BA1 2QH
Accessibility
Drop off point. Adapted toilet. Ground floor access, with stairs to other floors.