In the 17th century, spa waters were discovered by Thomasin Farrer, the wife of one of Scarborough's leading citizens, John Farrer.
She found natural spring water bubbling out beneath the cliff to the south of the town.
The waters, which stained the rocks a russet colour, tasted slightly bitter and were said to cure minor ailments.
She told her friends and neighbours about the medicinal effects and drinking the spa waters became an accepted medicine.
Later, thousands of visitors flocked to benefit from their supposed medicinal qualities.
The southern part of Scarborough became popular.
The precursor to the present Scarborough Spa complex became a fashionable attraction.
In the 17th century, spa waters were discovered by Thomasin Farrer, the wife of one of Scarborough's leading citizens, John Farrer. She found natural spring water bubbling out beneath the cliff to the south of the town. The waters, which stained the rocks a russet colour, tasted slightly bitter and were said to cure minor ailments. She told her friends and neighbours about the medicinal effects and drinking the spa waters became an accepted medicine. Later, thousands of visitors flocked to benefit from their supposed medicinal qualities. The southern part of Scarborough became popular. The precursor to the present Scarborough Spa complex became a fashionable attraction.
The Spa, Scarborough