YEAR nine pupils from St Nicholas’ School in Church Crookham visited the magnificent Roman Baths in Somerset as part of their Latin and classical civilisation studies.

The girls began their day exploring the abbey itself, admiring its spectacular fan faulting dating from 1608 and colourful stained glass windows. Edgar, the first king of all England, was crowned there in 973.

Then the girls enjoyed a workshop which gave an introduction and presentation on Aquae Sulis, or the waters of the goddess Sulis. They learned about why the baths were located there and the age of the site.

They also heard about Roman tombstones and their inscriptions.

The girls were then allowed to get their hands on real pieces of Roman history when they handled artefacts and replica objects from three categories: leisure and recreation, bathing at the Roman baths, and building and technology.

After lunch, the girls enjoyed an audio tour of the Roman baths.

They saw the spectacular Great Bath, built in 76AD, and the gilt bronze head from the statue of the goddess Sulis Minerva.

Of particular interest were the billowing clouds of steam from the overflow of the ancient sacred spring. It is the only hot spring in Great Britain and its temperature is 46C.

The girls also visited the East Baths for women and the West Baths, with the cold water circular plunge pool, before finally seeing the King’s Bath with its bubbling surface.

Before departing, the pupils were able to taste the spa water, which is rich in calcium and sulphate.

“I really enjoyed learning about the historical Roman baths. I found it extremely interesting and enjoyable,” said one of the pupils.