The Rules of the Bath Assemblies

 When Beau Nash came to Bath, he entered a world where the cream of British society came to socialise and address health issues. They all knew each other and had access to almost limitless resources. They were used to and quite capable of organising their own amusements, limited only by the rather primitive facilities and infrastructure that Bath afforded.

Even after Nash took charge, the rules of the Assemblies were very ill-defined. As Goldsmith says, "If the company liked each other, they danced till morning; if any person lost at cards, he insisted on continuing the game till luck should turn.”

Beau Nash’s rules for the company assembled at Bath were a feature of the Pump Room from at least the early 1720s and are quoted in Whatley’s “Characters at the Hot-Well Bristol and at Bath” in October 1723.  There is some evidence that, as early as 1715, Nash was using a popular local puppetry show to ridicule affectations he disapproved of, in particular, gentlemen appearing in boots and other riding attire at the Assemblies. The published rules quoted by Whatley are:

1. That a Visit of Ceremony at coming at Bath, and another at going away, is all that is expected or desired by Ladies of Quality and Fashion:- Except Impertinents.
2. That Ladies, coming to the Ball, appoint a time for their footmen’s coming to wait on them home; to prevent disturbances and inconveniences to themselves and others.
3. That Gentlemen of Fashion never appearing in a Morning before the Ladies in Gowns and Caps shew Breeding and Respect.
4. That no Person take it ill that any one goes to another’s Play, or Breakfast, and not theirs. Except Captious by Nature.
5. That no Gentlemen Gave his ticket for the Balls to any but Gentlewomen. N.B. Added in an unknown Hand: Unless he has none of his Acquaintance.
6. That all whisperers of lies and scandal, be taken for their authors.That all repeaters of such lies and scandal, be shun'd by all company; except such as have been guilty of the same crime.

These rules tell us something about the challenges Nash faced in bringing order to the aristocrats of the fashionable Ton. Bringing order was essential if those who had invested in the necessary improvements to facilities and infrastructure were to make a return on their investment. 

Goldsmith and others suggest that these written regulations were supplemented by a range of verbal instructions and commands, such as banning the wearing of swords, which was probably less intended to reduce acts of violence but to remove a symbol of status as part of a strategy to make access to Bath society easier for those of lesser status but ample funds.

In his biography of Nash, Elgin provides another example of rules designed to generate revenue for his collaborators, colleagues, and sponsors. These rules concern standards of dress such as those above, combined with early "Visits of Ceremony," which meant that visitors often found themselves in a position where they were faced with either appearing in their travelling clothes or acquiring the proper attire from local suppliers, as their luggage often arrived sometime after they did.

In his “Essay towards a Description of Bath”, published in 1765, John Wood tells us that the rules were revised and extended upon the completion of the Grand Parade and quotes those published in 1742. These show that the earlier rules had acquired three new ones, namely:

1. That no Gentleman or Lady take it ill that another dances before them:- except such as have no pretence to dance at all.
2. That the Elder Ladies and Children be content with a second bench at the Ball, as being past, or not come to perfection.
3. That Gentlemen crowding before the ladies at the ball, shew ill manners; and that none do soft the future:- Except such are respect no body but themselves.

Additionally, the original rule 7 acquired an explanatory note as follows:

N.B. Several old women and young ones of questioned reputation are great authors of lies in this place.

The first of these rules suggested that Nash had to address a problem documented in relation to London assemblies. This problem derived from the convention that couples stood up for country dances in order of social status. This led to few issues where the company consisted of people with recognised titles. However, as the organisation of balls was delegated to commercial operators, who, in return, invested in new facilities and infrastructure, there was a financial incentive to increase attendance at balls among wealthy people whose relative social status was more difficult to establish.

The ladies' complete pocket-book,1758, repeats the amended list but adds an additional rule:

That the younger ladies shall take notice of how many eyes observe them. N.B. This do not extend to the Have-at-alls.

It also rewrites the note of clarification to the original rule 7 as follows:

N.B. Several Men of no character, Old Women and Young Ones, of questio’d Reputation, are great authors of lies in this place.

Following the Ball held to celebrate the Queen’s birthday in 1765, the newspapers reported that.

"The Master of the Ceremonies at Bath finds himself under the necessity to republish the following rules.

1. That no Gentleman present himself  for a minuet, except in full dress; or at least in a full dress French frock suit. Regimentals are an exception, being every where a proper dress.

2, That no Lady can dance minuets, without a full dress hoop and lappet head.

3. That no Lady can dance country dances with A HOOP OF ANY KIND, and no lady that attempts it cannot be angry at being desired to sit down, her standing up being against rule:"

Bearing in mind the restricted space and the large numbers, the reiteration and emphasis of this rule suggest that then Master of the Ceremonies Samual Derrick and his assistants must have faced some very awkward situations on the night.

He goes on to point out to Ladies that:

"there is a retirement, always ready, and a maid-servant to assist those that chuse [sic] to put off their hoops."

The last rule is is an additional more formal reinteration of Nash's verbal objections to riding clothes.

"4, Gentlemen in LEATHER-BREECHES must undergo the same fate with the country dancers hoops; there being no servant to assist them.”

These rules begin to reflect a trend that continued throughout the Georgian era, for the rules designed to cajole the rich into behaviour, which facilitated broadening the demographic and creating marketing opportunities, to change into rules designed to enforce conformance with behaviour and dress that maintained the illusion that the Bath social scene was for a fashionable elite, when this was increasingly not the case.

The first full list of his rules of rules we have from Samuel Derricks' reign as "the King of Bath" is from a letter by a visitor to Bath in 1766, as follows:

1. No Chair or Bench can be called on Ball Nights for any person, who does not rank as a Peer or Peeress of Great Britain or Ireland

2. No Lady can be permitted to dance Minuets, without Lappet head, and full-dress long Hoop, such as permitted to dance Minuets at Court.

3. No Lady can be permitted to dance Country Dances with an Hoop of any kind: and those that cause to put them off, will always find a servant maid ready to assist them and a proper Place to retire to for that purpose. The Master of the Ceremonies is under the Necessity of causing all Ladies infringing this rule to, sit down.

4. No Lady, be her Rank or Quality ever so high, has a Right to take place in Country Dances after they have been begun.

5. Every Gentleman chusing to dance Minuets, must present himself in a full Dress, or a French Frock Suit compleat, and a Bag wig. Officers Regimentals are a exception to this rule, being everywhere proper; but every other kind of Lapel is improper for a minuet at Bath.

6. It is recommended to the Gentlemen frequenting the Rooms to remember that leather Breeches are by no means suitable to the Decorum of the Place

7. Before the French Dances begin, such Ladies as chase to dance minuets, are desired to acquaint the Master of the Ceremonies with their Names and Intentions

8. Gentlemen are requested not to stand between the Ladies sitting down and the Country Dancers, the Benches being brought forward solely for the use of the Ladies and sufficient space left behind for the Gentlemen to pass thro’ behind.

9. The Music is always to be dismissed as soon as the Clock strikes Eleven.

10. No Ladies with Hats can be admitted to the Rooms at Bath, be their rank or Quality ever so high, during the season.

11. No large Screens can be brought into any Card-Party in the Rooms on any account, as they not only divide the company into secluded Setts, which is against the fundamental Institution of these Places, but occasions such a Draught of Air, as is not only disagreeable to the rest of the Company, but often detrimental. There are small Screens provided for such Individuals as complain of Cold. 

In a letter of the 22nd May 1766, John Penrose, a visitor to Bath, quotes the same list of rules as above.
The New Bath Guide of 1767’s ‘Rules by general consent accepted’ are identical to those given by John Wood.

The new Bath Guide of 1769 sets out rules on what people should wear and where they are allowed to sit in the Rooms.

1. That Ladies, who dance Minuets, be dressed in a full Suit of clothes, or a full-trimmed Sack, with Lappets and large Hoops, such as are usually worn at St James’s.
2. That the Ladies do not wear Hats in the Public Rooms of an Evening, after the 21st instant.
3. It is humbly requested of those Ladies who do not dance Minuets, not to take up the front seat at the Balls, (except Ladies of Precedence).
4. That no Lady dance Country-Dances in a Hoop.
5. No Bench will be called for at the Balls for any Lady under the rank of Peeress.
6. That the Gentlemen who dance Minuets, do wear a full-trimm'd Suit of Clothes, or French Frock, Hair or Wig dressed with a Bag.
7. Officers in the navy or Army, in their Uniforms, are desired to wear their Hair en Queue
8. Gentlemen are desired not to wear Boots in the Public Rooms in an Evening, or Spurs in the Pump-Room in a Morning.

Bath's New or Upper Rooms opened in 1771, and a new version of Wade's rules was published on 1st October 1771. The 1771 variant is very similar to the 1769 prototype, though a few rules related to dancing were added and some ambiguities were addressed. This new variant is the basic set of rules that was later reproduced with minor variations for the rest of the 18th Century.

The rules were:

1. That Ladies who dance minuets be dressed in a full suit of clothes or a full-trimm'd sack, with lappets and dress'd hoops, such as are usually worn at St. James's.

2. It is requested of those Ladies, who do not dance minuets, not to take up the front seats at the balls.

3. That no Lady dance country dances in a hoop of any kind; and those who chuse to pull their hoops off, will be assisted by proper servants in an apartment for that purpose.

4. That no Lady of Precedence has a right to take place in country dances after they have begun.

5. The places at the top of the room are reserved for Ladies of Precedence, of the rank of Peeress of Great Britain or Ireland; it being found very inconvenient to have seats called for, and placed before the company after the ball has been begun.

6.That Gentlemen who dance minuets do wear a full-trimmed suit of clothes, or French frock, hair or wig dressed with a bag.

7. Officers in the navy or army in their uniforms, are desired to wear their hair or wig en queue.

8. Ladies are not to appear with hats, nor Gentlemen with boots, in an evening after the balls are begun for the season; nor the Gentlemen with spurs at the Pump-Room in a morning.

9. The Subscription Balls will begin as soon as possible after six o'clock, and finish precisely at eleven, even in the middle of a dance.

10. That no hazard, or unlawful games, will be allowed in these Rooms, on any account whatsoever, and no cards on Sundays.

11. That in case any subscriber to the balls should leave Bath before the season is over, such subscriber may, by leaving an order under their hand, transfer his or her tickets for the remaining part of the season.

In the Stranger's Assistant and Guide to Bath of 1773 we read:

'It being absolutely necessary that a propriety of dress should be observed at so polite an assembly as that of Bath, it is humbly requested of the company to comply with the following regulations:

That Ladies who dance minuets be dressed in a suit of clothes or a full-trimm'd sack, with lappets and dress'd hoops, such are usually worn at St. James's.

It is requested of those Ladies, who do not dance minuets, not to take up the front seats at the balls.
That no Lady dance country dances in a hoop of any kind; and those who chuse [sic] to pull their hoops off, will be assisted by proper servants in an apartment for that purpose.

That no Lady of Precedence has a right to take place in country dances after they have begun.
The places at the top of the room are reserved for Ladies of Precedence, of the rank of Peeress of Great-Britain or Ireland; it being found very-inconvenient to have seats called for, and placed before the company after the ball has been begun.

That Gentlemen who dance minuets do wear a full-trimmed suit of clothes, or French frock, hair or wig dressed with a bag.

Officers in the navy or army in their uniforms, are desired to wear their hair or wig en queue.

Ladies are not to appear with hats, nor Gentlemen with boots, in an evening after the balls are begun for the season; nor the Gentlemen with spurs at the Pump-Room in a morning.

The Subscription Balls will begin as soon as possible after six o'clock, and finish precisely at eleven, even in the middle of a dance.

That no hazard, or unlawful games, will be allowed in these Rooms, on any account whatsoever, and no cards on Sundays.

This relates only to the New Rooms.

That in case any subscriber to the balls should leave Bath before the season is over, such subscriber may, by leaving an order under their hand, transfer his or her tickets for the remaining part of the season.

W. Wade, M. C.

The New Bath Guide for 1775 retained this set of rules, but added a further rule pertaining to the purchasing of Tea.

That Ladies who dance minuets be dressed in a suit of clothes or a full-trimm'd sack, with lappets and dress'd hoops, such are usually worn at St. James's.

It is requested of those Ladies, who do not dance minuets, not to take up the front seats at the balls.

That no Lady dance country dances in a hoop of any kind; and those who chuse to pull their hoops off, will be assisted by proper servants in an apartment for that purpose.

That no Lady of Precedence has a right to take place in country dances after they have begun.

The places at the top of the room are reserved for Ladies of Precedence, of the rank of Peeress of Great Britain or Ireland; it being found very inconvenient to have seats called for, and placed before the company after the ball has been begun.

That Gentlemen who dance minuets do wear a full-trimmed suit of clothes, or French frock, hair or wig dressed with a bag.

Officers in the navy or army in their uniforms, are desired to wear their hair or wig en queue.

Ladies are not to appear with hats, nor Gentlemen with boots, in an evening after the balls are begun for the season; nor the Gentlemen with spurs at the Pump-Room in a morning.

The Subscription Balls will begin as soon as possible after six o'clock, and finish precisely at eleven, even in the middle of a dance.

That no hazard, or unlawful games, will be allowed in these Rooms, on any account whatsoever, and no cards on Sundays.

That in case any subscriber to the balls should leave Bath before the season is over, such subscriber may, by leaving an order under their hand, transfer his or her tickets for the remaining part of the season.

The major part of the company having expressed their desire that the tea, on public ball-nights, may be paid for by every person that comes into the rooms; the managing committee at the New Rooms, and Mr Gyde at his room, are come to a resolution, that each gentleman or lady on a ball-night are to pay Six-pence on their admission at the outer door, which will entitle them to tea.

The Bath Chronicle 6th November 1776 - 

That those Ladies who do not intend to dance minuets do not place themselves on the front feats at the Balls: the seats at the top of the room will be reserved for Ladies of precedence of the rank of a Peeress of Great-Britain or Ireland, (instead of calling for benches as formerly) it having been found very inconvenient to have seats called for and placed before the Company, after the Ball has been begun.

That Ladies who intend to dance minuets be dressed in a suit of cloaths, a full-trimmed sacque, or full-trimmed Italian night-gown and petticoat, with lappets and dressed hoops. N.B. Hoops of the smallest size, commonly called Pocket-Hoops, are by no means proper to be worn with lappets: it is therefore expected, that every Lady who chooses to dance a minuet will wear a hoop suitable to the fashion, and proper for the occasion. It is also expected, that no Lady will appear in an apron of any kind at the Monday's Ball.

That as a reasonable time will be allowed between the minuets and country dances, for Ladies of precedence to take their places; all Ladies, whether of precedence or not, who stand up to dance country-dances after they have been begun, must take their places at the bottom.

That Gentlemen who dance minuets do wear a full-trimmed suit of cloaths, or French frock, hair or wig dressed with a bag. All other dresses of fancy, with a cape or lappel, are not sufficient to attend on Ladies, who are obliged by the rules of the Assembly to appear in full dress.

That officers in the navy and army, in their uniforms, will be pleased to wear their hair or wigs en queue.

That the Subscription Ball will begin as soon as possible after six o'clock, and finish precisely at eleven, even in the middle of a dance.

That after a Lady has called her dance, it being finished, her place in the next dance is at the bottom.

That as the major part of the company have expressed a desire, that the Tea on public nights may be paid for by every person respectively coming into the Rooms, each Lady and Gentleman are to pay six-pence on their admission at the outer door, which will entitle them to Tea.

That from and after the first of May, until the Balls begin for the autumn season, the Ladies are permitted to wear hats in the public Rooms in the evening, except on Ball or Concert nights. The Gentlemen are desired not to wear boots in the public Rooms in an evening, nor spurs in the Pump-Room in the morning.

That no Hazard, or unlawful games, will be allowed in these Rooms on any account whatever, and no cards on Sundays.

That as the late great extension of the city of Bath puts it out of the power of the Master of the Ceremonies to be regularly informed of the several persons who arrive here, he hopes they will be so indulgent to him as not to charge him with want of attention: And as it is his wish that all improper company should be kept from these Rooms, he thus publicly requests, that all strangers, as well Ladies as Gentlemen, will desire some person of known reputation to introduce them to him, before they hold themselves intitled to that respect, which he is ambitious, and ever will be studious, to shew to every individual resorting to this place.

The Bath Journal - Monday 15 October 1781 contained the following:

"Ladies are humbly requested to observe, that it is contrary to the established Rules of Bath to appear at the Rooms in an evening in a hat of any kind after the Balls are begun for the autumn season, or to wear any sort of apron at Monday’s Ball.

Wm Dawson Master of the Ceremonies, New Rooms"

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 24 January 1782

New Assembly-Rooms 15th Jan 1782 

To prevent the frequent disagreeable and alarming disputes which arise from Ladies suffering their acquaintance to stand above them in a country dance, it is most humbly requested of the company to comply with the following regulation:-

“That no person shall allow a couple to take place above  above them, unless they choose to go to. The bottom themselves”

It is hoped that this will effectually put a stop to the disorder and confusion which never fails to begin the moment the Company stands up to dance Country Dances, and restore that order and decorum so absolutely necessary to be preserved in all polite assemblies.

Ladies are also requested to observe, that it is an established rule, both at Bath and elsewhere, that a Lady having called her dance and danced it down, her place is next at the bottom

The 1784 Bath Guide

Refers to the original Nash Rules as a "piece of humour"

The New Bath Guides of 1784 & 1785 had the following:

That a certain row of seats be set apart at the upper end of the room, for Peeresses, and Ladies of the first distinction in precedence, or foreigners of fashion.

That those Ladies who dance minuets be permitted to sit in the front of the side rows, for the convenience of being taken out and returning to their places, without giving unnecessary trouble to those Ladies who do not dance.

That the Ladies who dance minuets be in full dress, with lappets; Gentlemen also in full dress; those of the army or navy are considered as very properly dressed when they appear in uniform, with their en queue.

That the Subscription Balls begin as soon as possible after six o'clock.

That after a Lady has called her dance, it being finished, her place in the next dance is at the bottom. N.B. It is deemed a point of good breeding for Ladies that have gone down the dance, to continue in their places till the rest have done the same.

That each Lady and Gentleman on public nights pay six-pence on entering the room, which will entitle them to tea.

That from the first of May, until the Balls begin for the autumn season, the Ladies may, if they please, wear their hats in the public rooms in the evening, except on Ball or Concert Nights. The Gentlemen are not to wear boots ln the public Rooms in an evening, nor spurs in the Pump-Room in the morning.

That no Hazard, or unlawful games, will be allowed in these Rooms on any account whatever, and no cards on Sundays.

That the Balls end precisely at eleven o'clock.

As Bath is now become a central point of meeting for persons of all nations, the Master of the Ceremonies intreats the favour of such Ladies and Gentlemen to whom he has not the honour to be personally known, to offer him some favourable occasion of being presented to them, in order to give him all opportunities of shewing that general attention which is equally his inclination and duty to observe."

 Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 20 January 1785

New assembly Rooms, The company are respectfully informed that it is contrary to the established Rules of Bather Ladies to wear Hats in the Public Rooms on any evening ‘till after the first of May, when they are permitted except on Ball or Concert Nights Wm Dawson

Title: Rules for the Lower Assembly-Rooms, Bath, 1787 Source: The New Bath Guide, 1789, 1791, 1795

The rules were prefaced: “The Master of the Ceremonies respectfully submits the following Regulations to the Company for their assent”

That the seats at the upper end of the room be reserved for Peeresses, and Foreign Ladies of distinction.
That Ladies who dance minuets be permitted to sit in the front of the side-rows, to avoid giving unnecessary trouble to those who do not dance.

That Ladies who dance minuets be in full dress, with lappets: Gentlemen also in full dress: those of the army or navy are considered very properly dressed when in uniform, with their hair en queue.

That after a Lady has called a dance, it being finished, her place in the next dance is at the bottom. N.B. It is deemed a point of good-breeding for Ladies that have gone down the dance, to continue in their places, till the rest have done the same.

That those who stand up after the country dance is called, do take their place at the bottom, unless rank entitles them to precedence: And the Ladies are requested not to permit the intrusion of any couples above them, such compliance conferring a partial obligation, to the material inconvenience of those who stand below them.

That as the Subscription Balls end precisely at eleven, the Company do assemble as soon as possible after six o'clock.

That each Lady and Gentleman on publick nights pay six-pence on entering the room, which will entitle them to tea.

That Ladies may, if they please, wear hats in the publick rooms in the evening, except on Ball or Concert nights. Gentlemen are not to wear boots in the publick rooms of an evening, nor spurs in the Pump-Room of a morning.

That no hazard or unlawful games will be allowed in these rooms on any account whatever, nor cards on Sundays.

That Ladies and Gentlemen coming to town, give orders that their names and places of abode be entered in any of the Pump-Room books; and the Master of the Ceremonies thus publickly requests the favour of such Ladies and Gentlemen, to whom he has not the honour of being personally known, to offer him some favourable occasion of being presented to them, that he may be enabled to shew that attention, which is not more his duty than his inclination to observe.

Aris’s Birmingham Gazette - Monday 12 December 1791

One of the most interesting topics of domestic contention is, at present, to be found in Bath, where it is inquired whether a dreff-hat for the Ladies, called the Toni Hat, can be admitted into the rooms, or not. The two Mafters of the Ceremonies have called in a Council of the most experienced ladies to help with their decision on the question.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 17 November 1791.

The Masters of the Ceremonies, finding the following rules necessary for the maintenance of good order at the balls, beg leave to state them to the public

1st As a reasonable time will be allowed between the minuets and Country Dances for LADIES of PRECEDENCE to take their places they are respectfully informed that those who stand up after the Country Dance is begun, must take their place, for that Dance, at the Bottom.

2dly The prevailing custom of Ladies allowing their acquaintances to stand above them in the set, having been the origin of much dispute, and a material interruption to the Dance; the Masters of the Ceremonies would think themselves highly blameable if they were to suffer it to continue - it is their intention to be extremely attentive to prevent it in future.

The above rules being calculated for the general convenience of the Dancers it is hoped they will meet with their approbation.

The 1791 Bath Guide

Lower rooms is as 1787

Upper rooms 

It is absolutely necessary that the utmost decorum, and a propriety in dress, should be observed at so polite an assembly as that of Bath, it is humbly requested of the company to comply with the following regulations:-

1stly That those Ladies who do not intend to dance minuets do not place themselves in the front seats at the Balls; the seats at the top of the room will be reserved for Ladies of Precedence of the rank of Peeress of Great Britain or Ireland, (instead of calling for benches as formerly) it having been found very inconvenient to have seats called for and placed before the company, after the ball has begun
2ndly That Ladies who intend to dance minuets be dressed in a suit of clothes, a full-trimmed sacque, or full-trimmed Italian nightgown and petticoat, with lappets and dressed hoops

N.B Hoops of the smallest size, commonly called Pocket-Hoops, are by no means proper to be worn with lappets: it is therefore expected that every lady who choses to dance a minuet will wear a hoop suitable to the fashion, and proper for the occasion. It is also expected, that no lady will appear in an apron of any kind at the Monday’s Ball.

3dly. That as a reasonable time will be allowed between the minuets and country-dances, for Ladies of precedence to take their places; all Ladies, whether of precedence or not, who stand up to country dances after they have begun, must take their places at the bottom.

4thly That Gentlemen who dance minuets do wear a full-trimmed suit of clothes, or French flock, hair or wig dressed with a bag. All other dresses of fancy, with a cape or lappel, are not sufficient to attend on Ladies, who obliged by the rules of the Assembly to appear in full dress.

5thly That officers in the navy and army, in their uniforms, will be pleased to wear their hair or wigs en queue

6thly That the Subscription Balls will begin as soon as possible after six o’clock, and finish precisely at eleven, even in the middle of a dance

7thly That after a Lady has called her dance, it being finished, her place in the next dance is at the bottom.

8thly That as the major part of the company have expressed a desire, that Tea on publick nights may be paid for by every person respectively coming into the rooms, each Lady and Gentleman  are to pay sixpence on their admission at the outer door, which will entitle them to Tea

9thly That from and after the first of May, until the Balls begin for the autumn season, the Ladies are permitted to wear hats in the public rooms in the evening, except on ball or concert nights - the gentlemen are desired not to wear boots in the public rooms in an evening, nor spurs in the pump-room in the morning

10thly That no Hazard, or unlawful games, will be allowed in these rooms on any account whatever, and no cards on Sunday.

Lasly That as the late great extension of the city of Bath put it out of the poor of the Master of the Ceremonies to be regularly informed of the several persons who arrive here, he hopes they will be so indulgent to him as not to charge him with want of attention: and it is his wish that all improper company should be kept from the Rooms, he thus publicly requests, that all strangers, as well Ladies and Gentlemen, will desire some person of known reputation to introduce them to him, before they hold themselves entitled to that respect, which he is ambitious, and ever will be studious, to shew to every individual resorting to his place.

The 1794 Bath Guide repeats the rules of 1787 for the lower rooms

Repeats the rules of 1791 for the upper rooms

The 1795 Bath  Guide repeats the 1787 rules for the lower rooms

The rules for the New Rooms are as follows:

That the power of direction and control relative to the public amusements of these rooms is in the subscribers to the dress balls, and them only.

That a subscription of half-a-guinea to the Drefs Balls hall entitles such subscriber to one ticket every night, not transferable. Young ladies and gentlemen at their school vacation will be admitted when

introduced by a subscriber.

That a subscription of half-a-guinea to the Fancy-Ball shall entitle such subscriber to one ticket every ball night; this ticket not transferable.

.

That the Drels and Fancy Balls shall begin as soon as possible after seven o'clock, and conclude precisely at eleven, even in the middle of a dance.

That in future, every person, on admission to these Rooms on Dress and Fancy Ball nights, shall pay 6d. for tea.

That a reasonable time be allowed between the Minuets and Country-Dances, for Ladies of precedence to take their places; and that those who shall stand up after the dance is begun, must take their places for that dance at the bottom.

That no Lady do permit another to come in above her, after she has taken her place in the set.

That Ladies who intend dancing the Minuets do wear Lappets; and it is requested that the rest of their dress be as comfortable as possible to this distinction, regard being had to the prevailing fashion of the times. It is also hoped that Gentlemen will accommodate their dress to the Ladies.

Selected Sources:

Whatley’s “Characters at the Hot-Well Bristol and at Bath” 1723

John Elgin's The Imaginary Autocrat, 2005

The Ladies' Complete Pocket-book,1758

John Wood Description of Bath 1762

The ladies' complete pocket-book,1758

Various Bath Chronicles

Various Georgian Bath Guides