We stopped in Paragon as we came along, but as it was too wet and dirty for us to get out, we could only see Frank, who told us that his master was very indifferent, but had had a better night last night than usual. In Paragon we met Mrs. Foley and Mrs. Dowdeswell with her yellow shawl airing out, and at the bottom of Kingsdown Hill we met a gentleman in a buggy, who, on minute examination, turned out to be Dr. Hall -- and Dr. Hall in such very deep mourning that either his mother, his wife, or himself must be dead. These are all of our acquaintances who have yet met our eyes.

This is a picture of the Paragon as it is now:

Mrs and Mrs James Leigh-Perrot werre leasing number 1, The Paragon. They were taking the waters in Bath for the good of Mr Leigh-Perrots health.

You migth be intersted to know that the Bath Rate Book for 1799 is still in existance in the local archives in Bath and it shows that the building leased by the Leigh-Perrots was in fact owned by the Atwood family.

It was normal practise for visitors not to own houses in Bath but to lease them as needed for your stay.

The Leigh Perrots as lessors had to pay the rates on the building( which was a from of local incoem tax on houses, if you like). The yearly rates for buildings in the Paragon for 1799 range from 9 shillings and 4 pence per year to 15 shillings p.a.

Most of the residents in the Paragon seem to have paid 11 shillings and 3 pence per year: James Leigh-Perrot paid 11 shillings and 9 pence, making his house, not the best in the ares but pretty close.

Here are two pictures of Mr and Mrs Leigh-Perrot for you;-)