York Street Arch

Here is an image of the elegant arch spanning York Street in Bath—an architectural gem often referred to as the York Street Arch or the York Street Bridge.

Constructed in 1889 by Major Charles Davis, this decorative limestone arch was built as part of the Douche and Massage Baths—now incorporated into the Roman Baths Museum complex.

Its intended function was deceptively humble: it concealed the piping that transported warm spa waters from the baths to the city’s laundry facilities across York Street.

Today, the York Street Arch is recognized as a Grade II listed structure, reflecting its architectural and historic significance as part of Bath’s urban heritage.

Although it functions primarily as a charming visual link in the cityscape, its origins lies in the Victorian era’s practical engineering, blending the functional conveyance of spa water with the refined aesthetics that Bath is celebrated for.