Gothic architecture dates back to 1144 AD, when the first Gothic church was built, the Basilica of Saint Denis. Most of the first Gothic structures were built in Ile-de-France, close to Paris. The Saint Denis served as a model for Gothic architecture. Though the term ‘Gothic’ is derived from ‘Goth’ which described a barbaric tribe in Europe between the fifth to eighth century. The Romanesque architecture started before Gothic in 800 AD. It wasn’t until the 11^th century did Gothic architecture begin to unravel. Starting from ribbed vaulting, pointed arches, and flying buttresses that were then added to cathedrals to make the buildings more majestic. It was a change from darkly lit churches, to stained glass windows with geometric and reticulated windows. Other key elements included pinnacles, window traceries, and mullions horizontal bars used for decoration. During the high of the Gothic Era during the 13th century, it was known as 'Rayonnant Gothic.' Rayonnant is...

"The everlasting universe of things
Flows through the mind, and rolls its rapid waves,
Now dark—now glittering—now reflecting gloom—
Now lending splendor, where from secret springs
The source of human thought its tribute brings
...

The Pump Room was a popular place in Bath and still is today. The thermal waters of Bath were a popular thing for people not only to bathe in but to drink, hence the name Bath. The water in Bath was thought to be healing, and people would come from around England to experience the healing waters. People would drink from the stream, and thus William Oliver (a doctor of the time) persuaded the city of Bath to build a building to shelter the drinkers. It was completed in 1706. The Pump Room became a popular place, not only to drink the waters but to promenade and walk with friends. Jane Austen describes the Pump Room in her novel Northanger Abbey as well as her novel Persuasion. It is described as a popular place there as well. People referred to attending the Pump Room as "taking the waters". It is interesting that they believed something was special about the waters of Bath, but indeed it might just be that people did not drink enough water at the time. We know now...