The first Spaw House (a term used until the early 19th century) was built on or near the site in the early 1700s, and Dicky Dickinson, a great character, was appointed its governor.
The house, a wooden structure where the waters were sold and dispensed, provided basic amenities to visitors eager to try their curative effects.
The water was also bottled and sold further afield.

By the mid-1700s, Scarborough was established as a seaside resort and a spa town, with horse racing on the beach, boating and sea-bathing.
Scarborough was one of the first places to use bathing machines.
In 1737, a major cliff fall obliterated the house and the wells.
Within five weeks, the wells were uncovered.
Then, two distinct types of water, both said to have their own particular restorative or health-giving powers, were evident.

The speed at which the wells were reinstated after such a catastrophe shows their importance to the town.
In 1739, a sizeable building or saloon with views over the sea was constructed, and the wells were accessed by a long flight of stairs.
The first Spaw House (a term used until the early 19th century) was built on or near the site in the early 1700s, and Dicky Dickinson, a great character, was appointed its governor. The house, a wooden structure where the waters were sold and dispensed, provided basic amenities to visitors eager to try their curative effects. The water was also bottled and sold further afield.
By the mid-1700s, Scarborough was established as a seaside resort and a spa town, with horse racing on the beach, boating and sea-bathing. Scarborough was one of the first places to use bathing machines. In 1737, a major cliff fall obliterated the house and the wells. Within five weeks, the wells were uncovered. Then, two distinct types of water, both said to have their own particular restorative or health-giving powers, were evident.
The speed at which the wells were reinstated after such a catastrophe shows their importance to the town. In 1739, a sizeable building or saloon with views over the sea was constructed, and the wells were accessed by a long flight of stairs.
The Spa, Scarborough