Eligible free admission
Free
The programme contains both free and paid events; each dated listing controls admission.
The former Bath residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, now a community and heritage centre focused on his exile and legacy. Visits and events connect the house with Haile Selassie's years in exile, its later gift to the city and its continuing community role.
The former Bath residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, now a community and heritage centre focused on his exile and legacy.

Fairfield House stands in the Newbridge area of Bath as the former residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie during his period of exile. Today, this historic site functions as a community and heritage centre that preserves the memory of his residency and subsequent gift to the city. Visitors engage with a space that bridges Ethiopian, Caribbean, and local histories through its architecture and ongoing community programs. The experience highlights how personal history shapes public heritage, inviting guests to explore the house as a living cultural narrative.

In 1936, Emperor Haile Selassie I acquired Fairfield House after arriving in exile from Ethiopia. During the following five years, the Emperor and his court lived in Bath while campaigning against fascist occupation. In 1958, the Emperor gifted the property to the city in gratitude for the community's hospitality. Today, the residence serves as a *significant heritage site*, with Ethiopian, Rastafari, and local communities collaborating to preserve its legacy as a cultural and spiritual landmark.
Identify specific historical sites based on your personal interests.
Use your specific interests to discover the depth of Bath culture. Whether you prefer local social history or astronomical exhibitions, locate the right heritage spots to suit your personal journey through the city.