The Parlour was a less formal room, a comfortable space used for everyday activities. It would have been used by visitors waiting to be admitted upstairs and sometimes for breakfast or informal tea. The table could be folded away when not needed.

Symmetry was a key feature of Georgian architecture, bringing a sense of order and restraint to interior spaces. Fake doors such as the one in this room to the left of the bureau, were often inserted to ‘balance’ a room.

Decorative impact came from the fashionable carpets at your feet. The British carpet industry flourished and this style of carpeting, fitted right up to the skirting, was seen regularly by the late 18th century. This new narrow weave Wilton carpet has been woven especially for the Parlour from an original 18th century design pattern.

Towards the end of the 18th century this style of Bureau bookcase had developed, which provided a place for letter-writing and business matters that could then be folded away. Portable writing desks or boxes also became popular, which would sit on a table top and were useful when travelling.

This is a portrait of the famous Georgian poet who was a regular visitor of Ralph Allen’s at Prior Park. The style shows Pope in a relaxed and contemplative pose, rather than sitting in a straight backed, more formal manner.

Other theatre tokens on display are for the Orchard Theatre (Gallery and Stalls). Theatre in Bath was very important and whether you were a resident or a visitor, everyone would try to attend. Seats varied from expensive boxes to the cheap standing tickets. The Bath Orchard Street theatre opened at the beginning of the 1750 season (the end of September).

As the health benefits of spa waters and sea bathing became better understood guidebooks such as this one began to be printed. Bath features significantly as the premier spa, which added to its popularity as the original wellbeing city.

In the 18th century Tea was an expensive luxury imported through colonial trade- this tea caddy for loose leaf tea would have been locked and kept in a safe-place. Only the Lady of the House, or perhaps the Housekeeper in a bachelor’s house, would have held the key. At Christmas this is in the Withdrawing Room.