Medieval City Wall, With Burial Ground

This is a short length of the medieval city wall, encompassing a burial ground, located on the north side of Upper Borough Walls in Bath. Dating primarily to the 15th century, with additions and alterations in 1736 and substantial restoration in the late 19th century, it's a rare surviving fragment of Bath's once extensively walled defenses, which remained in place until the late 17th century. The wall is constructed of rubble, limewashed to the rear, and features dressed stone copings. It rises approximately 1.5 metres from the pavement and is divided into seven bays, characterized by wide merlons and high, double-weathered saddleback copings, along with deep embrasures. The wall abuts No. 18A, Upper Borough Walls, and returns to meet a later section of ashlar wall leading to a gateway giving access to Trim Street. Steps descend to a long, narrow burial ground, with a higher wall on the rear side, extending to approximately 3.5 metres in height. A tablet within the burial ground commemorates its use for the interment of patients from the Bath General Hospital, from 1736 until 1849, when it was closed due to concerns regarding public health. The history of the area reveals that the wall’s route likely followed the earlier Roman city walls. The enclosed burial ground, covering approximately 24 acres, represents one of the smallest walled towns in the country. The 19th-century restoration has resulted in a picturesque appearance. The wall was restored by J.H. Hawkins re Meehan, in 1905. A passage was cut through the wall in 1743 to facilitate the transport of coffins from the new hospital, with formal permission for burial granted in 1767. The burial ground is of historical significance, demonstrating a revival of Roman burial practices within a densely populated area, and the high volume of burials within the confined space is noteworthy. The presence of the burial ground was instrumental in preserving this portion of the wall from demolition. A separate section of the wall also remains in Orchard Street.