Nash_1

Nash, Richard, commonly known as "Beau Nash" (1674-1761), was born at Swansea. He was trained to law, but entered the army, abandoning it later for the Temple, where he pleased King William as Master of the Pageant during a royal visit. In 1704 he became master of ceremonies at Bath Pump Room, and as "King of Bath" governed strictly. For a time, gaming and a tax on the tables made him rich, but he fell on evil times, and, dying, was finally buried by the city.