An Evening in Bath

Outside the house at lovely Queen Square in the city centre

My talk at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution

In the early nineteenth century it was decided that a Literary and Scientific Institution should be created in Bath. So in 1824, the BRLSI opened on Terrace Walk. It housed the Institution’s collection of geological specimens, Roman antiquities and rare books.

Bath at the time was considered to be the home of geology, and in 1830 King William IV gave royal patronage to the Institution. Finally, in 1837, in the reign of Queen Victoria, the word ‘Royal’ was added to the name. Today the institution is in a different historic building – at number 16-18 Queen Square – and I felt very privileged to be speaking in this esteemed place on Monday night.

During the talk I was interviewed by my husband Peter. Photo: © Joe Houlihan

As always, my ‘in conversation’ style talk was followed by a book signing. Several friends came to support me, as this was just a small gathering. Quite a few people also listened to my talk online – hence the huge screen behind me that projected my image. It will be available to watch on YouTube very soon.

Photo: © Joe Houlihan