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The medieval
town of Cheltenham became a spa in 1716 after a spring,
believed to have healing properties, was discovered in the
town.
Legend
has it that curious locals tried the waters after noticing
that pigeons thrived after pecking at the salty deposits around
the spring. When King George III came to drink the waters
in 1788 many aristocratic and notable figures followed suit.
The town
was a very fashionable resort between 1790 and 1840 and during
this time it developed in the architectural style popularised
by the Prince Regent in Brighton, with classical crescents,
terraces, squares and elegant villas set amid formal avenues
and gardens.
Designed
specifically for leisure and pleasure, the town was frequented
by a host of royal, noble and distinguished visitors including
Princess (later Queen) Victoria, the Duke of Wellington, Lord
Byron, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Complimenting
the Regency architecture are some interesting late-19th century
buildings including the neo-Gothic Cheltenham College and
the French-Gothic Ladies College.
Although
Cheltenham's popularity as a spa town eventually declined,
the town remained prosperous and after World War II grew in
importance with the establishment of the Government Communications
Headquarters (G.C.H.Q.), one of the West's most important
secret surveillance centres.
Today
Cheltenham has a thriving commercial centre and an important
tourist destination as a base from which to explore Gloucestershire
and the Cotswolds.
The early
19th century layout has survived and today Cheltenham is the
most complete Regency town in England. Most of the town centre
is a conservation area of outstanding national importance.
The town's
finest Regency attraction is the Pittville
Pump Room. This splendid Grecian-style building was designed
for balls and entertainments as well as the taking of medicinal
waters. At this Grade I Listed Building visitors can still
take the famous spa water.
The Pump
Room is set amid the delightful Pittville Park with its ornamental
parkland and lakes. The town has many other open spaces including
the tree-lined Promenade, Sandford Pak and the Imperial Gardens.
Cheltenham
has museum to visit include the Cheltenham Art Gallery and
Museum and the Holst Birthplace Museum, located in a restored
Regency house.
Between
October and April visitors can also enjoy a day at the world
famous Cheltenham Racecourse, home of the National Hunt racing.
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the internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Visit
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Racecourse , home of National
Hunt Racing. One of England's top racecourses, it hosts
16 fixtures from October to late April including the 3 day Open
Meeting in November and the National Hunt Festival in March.
The racecourse also hosts conferences, exhibitions and concerts
throughout the year. Open for racing Oct-Apr. Tel:
01242 5130144
