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Mar
New exhibition celebrates 200 years of hospitals in Harrogate
A celebratory exhibition this spring will mark a major milestone for Harrogate: 200 years since the town’s first hospital opened its doors.
The free exhibition commemorates the opening of Harrogate Bath Hospital in 1826 and tells the story of how healthcare in Harrogate was transformed from an exclusive spa experience for wealthy locals and tourists, into univeral healthcare.
As one of a handful of spa towns in the UK, in the late 18th century Harrogate was considered unusual as it offered both iron-rich chalybeate waters, believed to treat conditions such as anaemia and skin complaints, and sulphur waters, thought to ease digestive and joint problems.
For wealthy visitors, the spa experience combined drinking and bathing in the waters with fresh air, gentle exercise, and rest. But for local working people, these treatments were largely out of reach.
The Royal Bath Hospital in 1886, and Harrogate District Hospital in 2026.
Following a public campaign, supported by King George IV and the Earl of Harewood amongst others, plans were made to introduce a voluntary hospital in Harrogate.
Building began in 1824, and on April 6, 1826, the Harrogate Bath Hospital opened its doors.
Sixty years later, in July 1886, the hospital was expanded and reopened as the Royal Bath Hospital by Prince Albert.
Construction of the current Harrogate District Hospital on Lancaster Park Road began in the 1970s, and that site was finally completed in 1998.
Now, 200 years on from the very first Harrogate hospital, this exhibition offers visitors the chance to explore how philanthropy, medicine and civic pride have shaped the town we know today.
The exhibition will take place in the West Park Centre (corner of Victoria Avenue) from Monday, April 6 to Saturday, May 16. To find out more about the exhibition, click here.
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