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The Circus (Bath) - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: O, Agora, Amphitheater, Annulus, Arena, Areola, Auditorium, Aureole, Background, Bowl, Burlesque, Campus, Canvas, Carnival, Circle, Circuit, Circumference, Cockpit, Coliseum |
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The Circus is a famous Georgian feature in the city of Bath. The name comes from the original latin word 'circus', which means a ring, oval or circle. Circus became a common name in England for early roundabouts or road systems which move around a central island.
Designed by the architect John Wood the Elder, the Circus was part of his grand vision to recreate a classical roman-style architectural landscape for the city in the 18th century. Other projects included the Forum, but the Circus is undoubtedly the most successful.
Divided into three segments of equal length, the Circus is a circular, central space surrounded by large townhouses. The central area was originally paved, as it was intended to use it as a venue for small sports events. It has subsequently been grassed over and is now home to a selection of venerable plane trees.
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