A visit to one of Britain’s most remarkable historic landmarks has inspired a teenage student to create something truly extraordinary: a new Latin audio guide for The Roman Baths, narrated by Sir Stephen Fry.
Earlier this year, Florence Golding, a London student studying Latin for GCSE, visited The Roman Baths with her family. Captivated by the site’s rich history and immersive experience, she was particularly impressed by the audio guide, available in 13 languages including Mandarin, Ukrainian and Japanese.
As a Latin student, Florence began to wonder how visitors might be able to experience the ancient language at The Roman Baths. In Roman times, the site drew people from across the Empire, bringing with them a rich mix of languages, including Latin, Brittonic, and Germanic. While Latin is most often associated with the Roman era, Florence’s enthusiasm for the subject inspired her to reintroduce it as part of the visitor experience today, offering a fresh way to connect with the past.
She contacted The Roman Baths team and began drafting and translating an abridged version of the guide into Latin. Determined to bring the guide to life, Florence set her sights high and asked actor, writer and classical enthusiast Sir Stephen Fry if he would like to be involved.
Charmed by her initiative, Sir Stephen agreed. He invited Florence and her mother, Sarah, to a recording studio, where he recorded the guide, lending his distinctive voice to a project that bridges past and present in a remarkable way.
Sir Stephen Fry said:
“I was enchanted both by Florence’s marvellous idea – to offer a Latin audio guide to the magnificent Roman Baths, one of Britain’s greatest treasures – and by her infectious passion for the classical word. I have been so thrilled to see over the past decade or so the notable rise in young people’s enthusiasm for the language, art, mythology, history and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome. I apologise in advance to any scholars or Roman ghosts who might raise their eyebrows at my Latin accent and pronunciations…”
Florence’s Latin audio guide, narrated by Sir Stephen Fry, is now available to download from The Roman Baths website, alongside a written version with English translation.
Florence Golding said:
“Visiting The Roman Baths was incredible, and I loved the audio guide, but I kept thinking how amazing it would be to hear it in Latin, right where the Romans once spoke it. I never imagined it would become a real project, or that Sir Stephen Fry would be involved. I hope it helps visitors feel even more connected to the history of the site.”
The Roman Baths: A site that inspires
The Roman Baths is one of Northern Europe’s best preserved historic sites, built around Britain’s only natural hot spring. Originally constructed in the 1st century AD as a temple and bathing complex dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, it has drawn visitors for centuries.
Today, it is one of the UK’s leading heritage attractions, welcoming over a million visitors each year. The site is cared for by Bath & North East Somerset Council, and its remarkable architecture, extensive collections and innovative interpretation bring Roman life vividly to life.
Florence’s project is a powerful example of how this extraordinary place continues to inspire new generations, sparking curiosity, creativity and fresh ways of connecting with the past.
Councillor Paul Roper, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:
“We are constantly inspired by the ways visitors connect with this extraordinary site, but Florence’s idea truly stood out. Her passion for Latin and her vision to share the Baths in the language of its original visitors is both imaginative and deeply fitting. We are delighted to support this project and offer visitors a new way to experience the site.”
The enduring legacy of Latin
Though often described as a “dead” language, Latin continues to shape modern English in surprising ways. Words such as audio (from audire, to hear), video (“I see”), and exit (“he or she goes out”) all have Latin roots, alongside everyday phrases like et cetera, per annum and status quo.
By introducing a Latin audio guide, Florence’s project highlights the lasting influence of Latin, connecting modern visitors with the ancient world in both sound and meaning.
Florence’s Latin Audio guide, narrated by Sir Stephen Fry, is available to download from The Roman Baths website
