Bath and North East Somerset commonly known as B&NES or BANES is a unitary authority that was formed on 1 April 1996. It constitutes the ceremonial county of Somerset. The place has a total area of 220 square miles or 570 km2, of which 66.33% is greenbelt. It stretches from the borders of Bristol to the Wiltshire borders, Mendip hills and Cotswold Hills. The city of Bath is the main settlement in the area, but BANES also covers Midsomer Norton, Keynsham, Chew Valley and Radstock.
The city has a varied geography, which include rolling hills and river valleys.
In relation to its history, there was a great increase of population in the city during the Roman Times. Industry evolved from agriculture to coal mining, with the construction of railways and canals. Bath turned into a spa resort during the Georgian times and continues to become a principal cultural tourism centre because of its World Heritage City status.
Bath and North East Somerset is believed to have existed early on before the Neolithic period, as suggested by the old monuments, chambered tombs and a hill fort constructed in the Iron Age. The city is very rich in arts and architecture. It is the site of the main spring of the Roman Bath, a very important structure in ancient times. Furthermore, several villas, Roman remains, wooden writing tablets and a Roman temple were excavated from the place. The city also served as a battlefield for many ancient wars of the Saxons and the British, which took place in 577 A.D. In 675 A.D., Osric created a monastic house in the area. In 973 A.D., Edgar of England was crowned king in Bath Abbey, an Anglican parish church.
There are several local governments surrounding Bath and North East Somerset. These include North Somerset, Bristol, Witshire and Gloucestershire. Several bodies of water flow across the area including River Avon, Midford Brook and River Chew. The place is bordered by the higher grounds of Dundry Down, Lulsgate Plateau, Mendip Hills, Hinton Niewett, Newton Saint Loe Plateau and Marksbury. In addition, Langridge, Landsdon and Solsbury Hills can be found in Bath.
The total population of Bath and North East Somerset is 170,238, of which almost half reside in the city of Bath. There are several non-white ethnic groups living in the area, which include Asians, Blacks and people from two or more races. The population is comprised of 71% Christians, while no other religion exceeds more than 0.5%.
Bath and North East Somerset is about 15 miles south east of the city of Bristol, connected through the A4 road. The place is served by the A368 and A37 trunk roads, as well as several smaller roads. Bath and North East Somerset is connected to Bristol by the sea and the River Avon. The area is also served by a railway, the Bath Spa railway station.