Queen Square

Queen Square is a Georgian square in Bath featuring a row of townhouses arranged in a rectangular formation with classical architectural details and proportions. A central obelisk monument marks the middle of the space, creating a formal focal point within this ordered composition.

John Wood designed this square in the early 1700s as his first major development project in Bath, naming it after Queen Caroline, wife of King George II. The central obelisk was erected in 1738 to honor Prince Frederick, the king's son, by the influential figure Beau Nash.

The square serves as a social gathering space where visitors and residents can observe the harmonious arrangement of buildings that reflects Georgian ideals of proportion and balance. The open layout invites people to pause and appreciate the architectural cohesion that defines this central area of the city.

The square is easily accessible on foot and offers free access to explore the building facades and central monument without entry fees. Visitors should be aware that active vehicle traffic passes through the space, so it is wise to stay alert and use designated pathways.

The original obelisk was considerably taller but was damaged by severe storms and reconstructed in 1815 at a reduced height, losing significant elevation in the process. This rebuilding after a natural disaster left physical traces that remain visible in the monument's structure today.

Location: Bath and North East Somerset

Architects: John Wood

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.38360,-2.36361

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46