GREAT BRITAIN: One Hardly Knows Anyone

"Beau" Nash, a sort of combination of Elsa Maxwell and Ward McAllister in his day, "made" Bath. In 1705 he found the town squalid and cramped, the famous mineral baths (started by the Romans) badly run. Worst of all, there was no place for the fashionable to dance except the bowling green, and it was frequented by swaggering armed swells who unsheathed their swords at the slightest affront to honor.

New 'Rules. Beau Nash changed all that. He made himself master of ceremonies, raised money for buildings, started the Pump Room Orchestra, organized...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!