Scarborough: The history of spa water in Yorkshire coast town as 2026 marks 400 years since it was discovered
Spa water was first discovered in Scarborough 400 years ago this year - here is the history behind it.
Spa towns are where mineral-rich spring water were used to give medicinal baths, these treatments are known as balneotherapy.
The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters and hot springs dates back to prehistoric times.
This year marks 400 years since the spa water of Scarborough was discovered, making the coastal town the first seaside resort in Britain.
History of spa water in Scarborough
Spa waters were discovered in Scarborough by Thomasin Farrer, the wife of one of the town’s citizens, John Farrer, during the 17th century.
She found natural spring water underneath the cliff to the south of the town and the waters had a bitter taste and were thought to cure minor ailments.
After spreading the news of the medicinal effects, drinking the spa water became an accepted medicine.
Thousands of visitors ended up ascending to the town to benefit from their alleged medicinal qualities, making Scarborough South Bay very popular.
By the middle of the 1700s, Scarborough had a reputation as a seaside resort and spa town, with horse racing on the beach, sailing and sea-bathing. The town was one of the first places to use bathing machines.
A major cliff fall destroyed the house and the wells in 1737 and within five weeks, the wells were discovered, exposing two different types of water thought to each have their own restorative or health-giving powers.
A building or saloon with views overlooking the sea was built in 1739 and the wells were entered by a long staircase.
When the modern day Scarborough Spa venue was built between 1877 and 1880 and during the 1800s, the significance of music and entertainment was surpassing interest in the spa waters.
Over the years, the chemicals from the spa water changed and public consumption ended in the late 1960s.