A city-wide commemorative programme will mark the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Royal Family arriving in Bath, celebrating a significant chapter in Bath’s history and enduring international connections. Running Aug-Nov 2026, it will honour the arrival of the Ethiopian Royal Family in Bath in August 1936 and its move to Fairfield House in October 1936.
Fairfield House became their home and remains a place of deep historical and cultural significance.
It brings together cultural organisations, educational institutions, community groups and heritage partners to reflect on the historic relationship between Ethiopia and the City of Bath. It marks a notable moment in the city’s past and will explore a wide range of themes: exile and displacement, WWII, racial justice, faith, heritage, international friendship, cultural exchange and shared history.
Fairfield House Bath CIC chair Fisseha Gizaw Combley said: ‘’The Ethiopian Royal Family’s presence in Bath forms an important part of the city’s modern story. The special gift to Bath, Fairfield House, is a powerful symbol of resilience, community kindness and the connections that can be forged across nations and cultures.’‘
HIM Emperor Haile Selassie and a small group of family members first arrived in Bath a few weeks into August 1936. They stayed at the Bath Spa Hotel for three weeks. The Emperor took the waters of Bath and adjusted to life in the city.
In September he purchased Fairfield House. The family moved in October. People of Bath had already previously established connections to Ethiopia. Lectures in Bath about Ethiopia in 1935 and 1936 across the city informed people about the country and the war. Bathonians travelled to Ethiopia on medical missions. Over the years of residence of the Ethiopian Royal family, friendships between people of Bath and Ethiopia deepened.
In recent years more has been done to celebrate these links. In 2021 Fairfield House via Prof Shawn Sobers hosted a 9 month series of events under the banner Freedom in the City. In October 2024 Fairfield House ran a series of events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Emperor’s 1954 return to Bath.
The 2026 programme of events will remind us how deeply engaged Bath people were 90 years ago with significant world events as they welcomed Ethiopian residents of global importance.
The programme will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Emperor’s arrival, promote knowledge of Fairfield House and its heritage identity as the Emperor’s home in exile. Maybe people will contribute more personal recollections, help locate the family silver sold off in 1936, or restore to Fairfield House other artefacts that help us tell the story today.
Working with Fairfield House’s key partners in Bath - Bath & NE Somerset Council, Bath Spa University, the National Trust, Bath Preservation Trust - the programme aims to deepen modern friendships between Bath and Ethiopia and further strengthen our links with the Imperial family and Ethiopia’s Orthodox Church, Government and key institutions.
All this supports Fairfield House’s core aim to protect and celebrate the Emperor’s legacy. Not only did he give us the beautiful building actively used today by diverse communities. But also his life story - his conduct and speeches - exemplify resolute and inspiring anti-colonialism, anti-fascism and anti-racism. These lessons from Bath’s recent history are sorely needed as, along with the rest of the country, we face a rising tide of hatred and intolerance.
Watch future Fairfield House News or our usual social media for details including timings and ticket booking links.
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