extract from chapter 25
1806: Clifton
The coach reached Clifton the same afternoon, and they alighted to the modern resort, with its ballrooms, pleasure gardens and shops. They were curious to see it for themselves after hearing it spoken of so often by newcomers to Bath who had stopped there on the way. The parish was less than two miles square and very hilly.
Photo: Clifton, Bristol
Photo: Clifton, Bristol
The streets had been designed with mathematical precision, and rows of avenues and crescents were layered one on top of another down the sloping landscape, interspersed with well-tended gardens to bring nature into their midst.
On one side of the resort was the Avon Gorge, with its craggy cliffs standing menacingly high on a precipice. Like birds in a tree, intrepid onlookers could see right down to the steely river below and watch the pleasure boats snaking their way seawards.
The high-altitude fresh air was restorative for those visitors who came from smog-filled industrial towns, and they went riding and took walks or played cricket on the Downs.
Photo: The Avon Gorge, Clifton
Former Assembly Rooms, Clifton
The water cures at the Hotwells spa were limited and always very busy, but as the prospect of being seen was as important as seeking a cure, it doubled as the place where people promenaded. Fine lodging houses stretched away from the central hub, offering card parties and musical concerts. There was an assembly room and theatre amongst the library and the shops.
The Austen ladies pottered about perfectly happily, and Jane’s spirit of creativity returned. She penned an amusing poem to send to Martha in Harrogate and another verse for her niece, Fanny, in Godmersham. Frank and Mary were honeymooning there, and she wanted to commemorate the occasion.
Author's own photo
After four weeks in Clifton, they felt energised and ready for the next step of their journey to Adlestrop.
Copyright Diane Jane Ball 2025