This engraving, with the title Matlock Bath from the Temple house, shows the Old Bath Hotel. On this particular engraving it isn't easy to distinguish the oval stone commemorating the Old Bath's
rebuilding by Smith & Pennel.
Visiting Matlock Bath about 1824, Ebenezer Rhodes described the three inns that were in Matlock Bath at the time as excellent in his book "Peak Scenery"[1]. He wrote:
'The principal one [hotel] is denominated the Old Bath, and it is a spacious building capable of affording accommodations to nearly one hundred visitors. At this inn there is an excellent assembly room, lighted with elegant glass chandeliers; and a hot and cold bath are included within the establishment.' Rhodes went on to discuss the Temple, a 'lodging house' kept by Mrs. Evans. 'It is connected to the Old Bath by a spacious terrace carried along the side of the hill, which forms a most delightful promenade.' (p. 256)
Of the evening entertainment provided he wrote 'we returned to the village of Matlock ... on our arrival we found the promenades deserted; the lights were glimmering through the trees, and the musicians at the Old Bath were tuning their instruments for the evening's assembly.'(p.259)
This picture is hand coloured. At this point I'm unable to provide further information about the source.
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