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| The Roman Baths with Bath Abbey in the background. Photo by Ian Crawford (2017) |
First it was the Celts, who worshipped at the waters bubbling up from beneath the surface of the earth, then the Romans, who created a complex of baths and steam rooms to harness the power of the sacred springs.
Now 21st century engineers are to use the water from the same hot springs beneath the city of Bath to heat its medieval abbey.
Builders will shortly begin work on an underfloor heating system using the waters from the springs which supply the historic Roman baths.
The scheme, being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, envisages 1.5 megawatts of continuous energy being produced, enough to heat the church and surrounding buildings, as well as the Romans Baths and Pump Room complex itself.