Beau Nash

1674-1762

Richard Nash was born in South Wales in 1674 and educated at Jesus College, Oxford. Nash served as a Guards Officer and studied law at the Inner Temple in London, finally opting for a career as a gambler and organizer. He came to Bath in 1703, first as an aide de camp to the Master of Ceremonies, Captain Webster, who was later killed in a duel. This made it possible for the young Richard Nash to take his place.

He set about changing the social behaviour of the citizens. He created a strict code of etiquette and behaviour. These rules were to become the norm for all walks of life and made the City a much more pleasant and safe place. He became the “Arbiter of Elegance” – the uncrowned King of Bath and made Bath the place to visit. Nash was also the power behind other gaming dens at Tunbridge Wells. The Master of Ceremonies of Bath was to become one of the most influential men in the social history of England.

Together with his mistress, Juliana Popjoy, he lived in his palace, which is now the Theatre Royal in Sawclose. Her name lives on in the property next door to the theatre. He maintained his luxurious mode of living by gambling until gaming was forbidden in 1745. Although he died a pauper, he was buried in Bath Abbey.

Back