Established in 2015, the independent charity has been instrumental in driving fundraising and advocacy to ensure the long-term sustainability of The Roman Baths. Over the past decade, the Foundation’s efforts have transformed how audiences experience the historic 2,000-year-old site through the support of The Archway Project which delivered:
- The Clore Learning Centre: a purpose-built education hub where, to date, 50,000 people have taken part in learning sessions and 27,000 participants in wellbeing courses, creative workshops, and social prescribing programmes.
- The World Heritage Centre: a free visitor hub introducing Bath’s UNESCO status, welcoming 300,000 visitors and supporting 74 volunteers over the last three years.
- The Roman Gym & Laconicum: opened to the public in 2023, offering a unique glimpse into ancient wellbeing practices through immersive projections and interpretation and welcoming 3.6million visitors since opening.
With new trustees and a renewed sense of purpose, the next chapter will focus on fundraising for an ambitious programme of research that explores both the archaeological site and the Museum Collection. This work will help shape a future transformation that is inclusive, relevant, and inspiring for all.
Key research priorities include conducting scientific analysis of the human skeletal collection, including ancient DNA, and the application of new technologies, such as AI, to better understand the inscriptions found in the museum’s Curse Tablets - personal prayers and messages inscribed by 130 individuals on small sheets of lead. These tablets are currently listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World UK register and are the only objects from Roman Britain to receive this distinction.
New Trustees
The Foundation’s success is driven by a dedicated Board of Trustees, led by Chair Robert Halton, former Chief People Officer at Burges Salmon. Robert now leads a team of 14, representing finance, communications, marketing, heritage and academia:
- Phil Chubb - Formerly Global Head of Brand and Creative at Bloomberg, leading the marketing launch of the London Mithraeum Bloomberg Space, which returned the Roman Temple of Mithras to its original London site.
- Daniel Dodd – Former BBC editor and National Trust Director of Comms, Content & Media Partnerships and current member of the British Museum's Members' Advisory Council.
- Claire Gosnell - Group Director of Communications at KKCG and previously The National Lottery, plus a volunteer in the education sector.
- John Hallsworth - Former senior partner, board member and board committee chair at KPMG LLP, with expertise in fintech and emerging technologies including crypto, blockchain, and open finance.
- Charlotte Hanna - Group Head of External Affairs at YTL UK & a qualified journalist.
- Professor Claire Holleran -Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Exeter with research focuses on ancient retail, urban life in Rome, diet and nutrition, labour, and Roman migration.
- Liz Kyd - Former partner at Clarke Wilmott solicitors’ Bristol Private Client team specialising in Wills, Trusts and Estate planning.
- Jessica Thompson - Director of Membership and Engagement at The London Library and formerly Associate Membership Director at The Royal Ballet and Opera.
New councillor trustees include:
- George Leach - Head of Compliance at Hymans Robertson Investment Services and Liberal Democrat Councillor for Keynsham North.
- Ruth Malloy - Liberal Democrat Councillor for Weston and Member Advocate for Twinning and Great Spa Towns of Europe, Local Councillor
The new trustees join existing trustees Peter Davenport, Siân Macdonald, Peter Turner and David Baker who bring a wealth of experience across archaeology, education and business.
Chair of The Roman Baths Foundation, Robert Halton, said:
“The Roman Baths Foundation exists to make heritage meaningful for everyone. Over the past decade, we’ve successfully created inspiring spaces for learning, wellbeing, and discovery.As we look to the future, I’m thrilled to welcome ten exceptional new trustees whose expertise and passion will help us deliver our most ambitious plans yet. Together, we will ensure the stories we tell advance knowledge and public understanding of The Roman Baths and continually challenge and question through research and scientific exploration.
The Foundation’s accomplishments have been made possible through the generous support of Bath & North East Somerset Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Clore Duffield Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and countless individual donors. We are deeply grateful for their continued belief in our work”.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said:
“We are delighted to welcome an exceptional group of new trustees to The Roman Baths Foundation. Their dedication and expertise will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission, building on a decade of remarkable progress. Together, we can strengthen our ties with local communities and visitors, ensuring The Roman Baths continues to thrive as a centre for learning, wellbeing, and inspiration”
