Royal Leamington Spa: A History

The new town of Leamington Spa was established in 1808 but the village of Leamington Priors has existed since medieval times. Both communities took their names from the Leam, the river upon whose banks they grew up. This first full-length history of the town since 1903 traces the evolution of the village, through the spa resort which earnt the right to use the prefix "Royal" after the rare distinction was conferred by Queen Victoria in July 1838, to the thriving modern town of today. The story of the development of the Spa is a fascinating one and it comprises the centerpiece of this new study. The book examines precisely how the fabric of the town was created and gives due consideration to the major buildings. The people responsible for the transformation of this corner of Warwickshire are introduced to us and the extent of their achievement acknowledged. It was certainly noted at the time by individual residents and visitors such as Charles Dickens, John Ruskin, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The two centuries since are the story of how a spa town can survive all the difficulties that beset it and yet manage to retain most of its original qualities, including major buildings such as the Royal Pump Rooms and open spaces such as the famous Jephson Gardens. But this has not been accomplished without considerable effort, and the successful modern town, no longer dependent upon the original mineral springs, is living testament to a great deal of hard work. This beautifully illustrated account pays tribute to the men and women who created Leamington Spa and then ensured its safe passage down to the present. It will be enjoyed by all those keen to know more about the history of this special place.

Lyndon Cave is?a retired architect and local historian?whose family has lived in?Royal Leamington Spa?since 1918. He is former?chairman and secretary of the Leamington Society.