Return to Bath

Fanny and her husband returned to England in 1815. Bath was the place Fanny had decided on for their home. She liked it, she knew it, it was less expensive than London and it was good for their health. Alexandre was still wounded and Fanny hoped the Spa would help his recovery.

Bath was their first lodging but as Fanny wrote to Princess Elizabeth (daughter of King George III), “one of my nieces who is a resident at Bath, deceived in her idea of our circumstances by the restoration of Mr. d’Arblay to the rank of General, and ignorant of the deranged state of the French finances, which takes off all immediate security, even for half-pay, had engaged expensive appartments for us, in River’s Street, that we are now hastening, in prudence to relinquish….we have found others…more consonant to our tastes, from being open to one of the surrounding Hills that form the peculiar character of this marvellous City. I have been already 4 times at Bath, and every new visit presents new wonders that gaily invite and richly recompense a new survey. It is at this very time, though near the end of November, in a state of luxurious beauty that would baffle description, and almost surpass even the ideal perfection of a Painter’s fancy. Hills rising above Hills, here smiling with verdure, there shadowed by woods, here undulating to catch the Eye to distant prospects, and there striking with noble edifices, terminate almost every street, and spread in broad exhilarating views before every Crescent, with a variety of attraction, from local position or accidents….Mr Hay has just informed us that within these last 7 or 8 years, the Inhabitants are augmented from 27 to 37000.”

Their income was about £400 a year (including Fanny’s royal pension). Rent at least £5 per week in the summer and more in the winter season

November 29

Move to Great Stanhope Street. Fanny wrote to her brother James:

“We have had difficulty in finding comfortable & pleasant lodgings at a reduced price: but we have at last succeeded…its principal recommendation is a beautiful view of a noble hill from the back apartments.”

They occupied the first and second floors of the building. Once again Alexandre was able to garden in a nearby allotment between Great Stanhope Street and the Avon but later in Crescent Fields, below the Royal Crescent. Their very limited means and his health dictated a very quiet life but they were very content with one another. But Alexandre’s health deteriorated and he was never completely well. He died on 3rd May 1818 and in September Fanny and her son, Alex moved to London.

Fanny died on 6 January 1840 in 29 Lower Grosvenor Street, London. Her funeral was at St. Swithins in Bath and she was buried in the Walcot Road cemetery, beside her husband and son. When her husband died, Fanny had arranged for an elaborate marble tablet to be fixed on the inside wall of St. Swithins which can still be seen. Alexander, the son died in 1837 aged 42 and his remains were taken to Bath and buried near those of his father. Fanny was buried in the same grave as her son. The plot was neglected and the Burney family commissioned a new monument over the grave to replace the decaying one. This monument was later moved up the hill and across the road to the Churchyard of Walcot St. Swithin on the corner of Walcot Street and London Road.

The final resting place of the d’Arblays is revealed on this site.