Spa Waters
Cheltenham Spa Waters
A saline spring discovered over 250 years ago in a Gloucestershire field was to make the owners, a Mr. Mason and his son-in-law Captain Henry Skillicorne (a retired privateer), the real founders of Cheltenham Spa Town.
In 1738, Captain Skillicorne deepened the well, erected a cover and then built an adjacent ballroom and billiard room to encourage visitors. Travel must have made the Captain aware of the uses of landscaping and town planning. His celebrated Well Walk and a serpentine path with trees, bushes and a bridge over the small River Chelt lured visitors into taking exercise afoot or on horseback. From these walks and rides the present magnificent tree-lined Promenade has grown and Cheltenham's ordered terraces and squares of Regency houses have developed and are now acknowledged as some of the finest architecture of the period. During the next hundred years scores more medicinal springs were discovered and other pump-rooms built, including that at Pittville, set in a lovely park, where the waters can be obtained today. The waters are also available at the Town Hall.
Cheltenham became highly fashionable in 1788 when King George III, accompanied by his queen and some of his family, set up court here for five weeks. But the great Duke of Wellington perhaps contributed even more to the growth of the town when, early in the nineteenth century, he found relief for a disordered liver and strongly recommended the waters to his officers and their families.
Cheltenham Waters are the only natural, consumable alkaline waters in Great Britain. Generally speaking, the water is suitable for the same class of cases as those once sent to continental spas.
The effect of the Spa Water is mainly physiological, its chief action being antacid, mildly diuretic and laxative. Taking the Waters combined with a reasonably healthy way of living, pursuing especially a regime of moderation in all things, can contribute to a satisfying standard of physical health.
The percentage of sulphates of magnesium and sodium, combined in the waters with bicarbonate of soda, account for the unique properties of the Cheltenham Spa Water and to this is attributed its health giving properties.
