Prince Bladud and the Pig Statue in Parade Gardens, Bath

The Legend Behind Bath’s Founder

The statue represents Prince Bladud, a figure from British legend credited as the founder of Bath. According to the tale, Bladud was a young prince who contracted leprosy while studying in Greece. Shunned by his family and society, he fled disguised as a swineherd, tending pigs in the countryside near what is now Bath. Noticing that his pigs, afflicted with the same skin disease, were healed after wallowing in the warm, mineral-rich mud of a local spring, Bladud bathed in the mud himself and was miraculously cured. This discovery led him to found the city of Bath, renowned for its healing thermal waters.

A Symbolic Statue in Parade Gardens

The statue of Prince Bladud was sculpted in 1859 by Stefano Valerio Pieroni and stands on a stepped plinth in Parade Gardens, a picturesque green space along the River Avon. The pig, a later addition carved from Bath stone, was added in 2009 to complement the prince and symbolize the animals central to the legend. The figures face into the gardens with their backs to the river, inviting visitors to reflect on the story of healing and renewal that Bath embodies.

Bath’s Thermal Heritage and Cultural Significance

Bath’s identity as a spa city is deeply intertwined with this legend. The natural hot springs have been used for therapeutic bathing since Roman times, and Bladud’s story connects myth with the city’s historical use of these waters. The statue stands not only as a piece of public art but also as a cultural landmark celebrating Bath’s unique heritage. Nearby, other tributes to Bladud include a stone relief at the Cross Bath and a statue within the Roman Baths complex, reinforcing his enduring legacy.

The Surrounding Environment and Visitor Experience

Parade Gardens, where the statue is located, is a partly private garden with an entrance fee, offering tranquil views of the river and the city. The gardens provide a peaceful setting for the statue, blending natural beauty with historical storytelling. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, floral displays, and seating areas, making it a pleasant spot to contemplate Bath’s origins and the legend of its founder.

Artistic and Historical Context

The statue’s Victorian-era craftsmanship reflects 19th-century artistic styles, while the pig’s modern addition adds a playful and contemporary element. The statue’s presence in Parade Gardens complements Bath’s Georgian architecture and historic urban landscape, contributing to the city’s rich tapestry of art, history, and legend. The story of Bladud also inspired local architecture, such as the acorn finials on the Circus, symbolizing the pigs’ favorite food.

Legacy and Local Celebrations

The legend of King Bladud continues to inspire local culture, with references found in pubs like Bladud’s Head and public art projects such as the King Bladud’s Pigs sculpture trail. The statue remains a focal point for those interested in Bath’s mythical past and its longstanding association with healing waters, inviting visitors to connect with the city’s unique blend of history and folklore.