Julia and the Two Janes: Our Time in Bath and Stonehenge (By Julia Berman and Jane Flautt)

After touring Stratford and Shakespeare’s birthplace, we headed to Bath! Here, what connected the places we visited was their timelessness. Each museum or site—whether it was the Jane Austen Museum or the Roman Baths—gave our group the chance to immerse ourselves in a different time period.

At the Jane Austen Museum, we were able to see letters written by Jane Austen and her family and to learn about her life and her time spent in Bath. It was easy to imagine Jane Austen wandering the streets of Bath, which have not changed that much since the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and becoming inspired to write her wonderful romance novel Persuasion. We, as two Jane Austen fans, loved this museum! Jane Austen (besides having the best name…) and her novels have stood the test of time; her works, from Pride and Prejudice to Sense and Sensibility, still enchant modern readers and provide a fascinating window into 18^th and 19^th century social life.

A view of the Roman Baths

The next day, we started our day by exploring the Roman Baths. As two Latin students (current or previous), this was a life-altering experience that made all of our translation qualms worth it (maybe?). It was so impressive to see such a well-preserved site and to actually taste the water that the Romans would have used two thousand years ago. It was amazing to have this interactive historical experience that has given our studies context.

 AP Latin students Alexa Clare, Claiborne, and Jane enjoying Roman history

Then we hopped back on our trusty bus and a short hour later we were at Stonehenge! Once again, our classes have applied to this trip as Stonehenge is one of our AP Art History works. Although we almost didn’t see the site due to a plumbing issue (probably Alfred’s ghosts doing), after a brisk mile walk we were able to take in the wonders of Stonehenge. We lucked out and had beautiful weather that highlighted the beauty and mystique of the stones.

Our group getting excited to see some ancient stones!

Overall, Bath and Stonehenge were some of our favorite stops. We were able to experience so much history and connect it back to so much that we have learned in school!

Julia and Jane at Stonehenge