[6] The present building replaced an earlier one on the same site, designed by John Harvey at the request of Beau Nash, Bath's master of ceremonies, in 1706, before the discovery of Roman remains nearby.

The main block, built of Bath stone, was begun by Thomas Baldwin, and the foundations of a Roman temple precinct were discovered during preparatory excavations.

[7] Baldwin was dismissed,[8] as a result of financial mismanagement in his handling of the large sums of money allocated to the purchase of raw materials such as timber and stone.

Archaeological evidence reveals that he laid the foundations for a portico at the north front of the Pump Room, but this was never completed, and Baldwin was declared bankrupt in September 1793.

[4] The colonnades and side wall of the Pump Room have a facade on Stall Street, with Corinthian half columns thought to have been influenced by the design of the Temple at Bassae.

In a recess at the West-end is the music gallery, and in another at the East an excellent time-piece, over which is a marble statue of king Nash, executed by Hoare, at the expense of the corporation.

[22] In addition to adaptations of Austen's novels, the Pump Room has been used in films such as The Music Lovers (1969), The Nelson Affair (1973) and television series such as Bonekickers.