Old Theatre Royal
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Overview
12 Old Orchard Street has seen a lot over its two and a half centuries. From 1750 to 1805 it was a theatre, the first purpose-built one in Bath. World-renowned actress, Sarah Siddons made a name for herself here in the 1780s, not long before the building moved on to it's second life as a chapel. The Benedictine Mission purchased the derelict theatre and made it their principal place of worship, from 1809 to 1863. In 1865 the building was taken over by three local Masonic Lodges who clubbed together to make this their shared home. Part of the old theatre housed an extensive Masonic Museum, but much of the collection was lost during the Baedecker Raids in 1942, although there is still a small museum here, as well as the library which survived the bombs. The Old Theatre Royal can only be visited by guided tour, unless you make your way there for one of the musical or theatrical performances that take place here from time to time.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Guided tours: Tue-Thu 11am & 2.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
Somerset remains rural and unspoiled, and ever popular areas to visit are the limestone and red sandstone Mendip Hills rising to over 1,000 feet, and by complete contrast, to the south and southwest, the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. Another popular spot, the Quantocks, once the haunt of poets Coleridge and Wordsworth, are noted for their gentle slopes, heather-covered moorland expanses and red deer.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Hotel
Z Hotel Bath
- Family rooms:
- WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
Z Hotel Bath
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The Paragon Townhouse
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The Paragon Townhouse
Set over six floors, the Paragon Townhouse is a spacious four-bedroom Georgian property in the centre of Bath, next to a house once occupied by Jane Austen’s aunt and uncle. Located jus...
The Admiral's House
Staying at The Admirals House is a bit like staying at a National Trust property, but without the crowds. This is an impressive Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on The Paragon, a stre...
The Admirals House
Staying at The Admirals House is a bit like staying at a National Trust property, but without the crowds. This is an impressive Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on The Paragon, a stre...
Russel Street Apartment
This elegant first-floor apartment in a Grade II-listed Georgian building gives you the full Bath experience, ideally situated for the Assembly Rooms, the Royal Crescent and the townhou...
