Scarborough - Spa Complex

	About Scarborough  To learn more about Scarborough, visit the Scarborough Peasholm Park page
	The Spa 'waters' were first discovered in 1620, and led in no small measure to the rise in the popularity of Scarborough as a holiday resort. The 'waters' were found to be 'efficacious for many complaints', and Scarborough later came to be known as "The Queen of the Watering Places".
By the time of the Victorian era, Scarborough had blossomed even more, and hydropathy had become an extremely fashionable pursuit. When a new and larger Spa was built in 1837, it was soon found to be too small to the 2000 or so people who attended. Yet another larger salon in Gothic castellation style was built in 1839.  New pleasure grounds were greatly improved by walks cut in the cliff, and surrounded by plantations.

The last time the Spa sustained damage from the elements was in January 1953 when another violent storm struck. The sea penetrated into the Grand Hall and caused considerable mayhem, meanwhile tossing boulders and rocks along the Spa Promenade.  Today, the Spa Complex still stands, dominated by the Grand Hall, the Theatre, and the Ocean Ballroom. The Spa Sunlounge is still a very popular venue for outdoor concerts and other entertainments.  If Scarborough is the Queen of resorts the Spa Orchestra  is a jewel in her crown. The Orchestra has developed out of a rich heritage of seaside entertainment; Scarborough is the last seaside resort to offer its visitors and residents a professional orchestra.

 

Crédits    Links   Pictures   Alan Green  Webshots Gallery  Information  A brief history of Scarborough Spa, condensed from: ‘Scarborough Through The Ages.’  by Keith Snowdon. Scarborough For Your Holiday On The North Yorkshire Coast