Home | Contact Me | Search

 

 
Set as Homepage
Bookmark Me
  Search Site
Latest News
Print this Page Print Page
 
 

Town Brochure for the Season 1920-21 

 

Index

 

DETAILS REGARDING HARROGATE 

GEOLOGY

From this point of view Harrogate is probably one of the most interesting places in Europe. The main well of this Spa lies near the extreme end of a large geological upheaval. The crest of this ridge (anti-clinal axis) extends in a north-westerly direction to Clitheroe in Lancashire-a distance of nearly 40 miles. Along this line the shales, limestone, and grit belonging to the Harrogate Roadstone Series, lying normally above the carboniferous limestone and below the millstone grit, have appeared on the surface, and the strata in question have taken up positions nearly perpendicular to the original horizontal plane.

To this fact is due the enormous number of constant and separate mineral springs, 87 in all, arising within a radius of two miles-over thirty of these, indeed, within the area of one small field (Bogs Field). The unique variety and constancy of constitution of these waters is undoubtedly attributable to these extraordinary geological features. 

SPORT

Golf  -  Three clubs : Starbeck, Pannal, and Oakdale (Sunday play on all). Visitors are welcomed.

Cricket  -  The local club welcomes visitors, and County matches are from time to time played upon the ground.

Tennis and Croquet  -  At the Royal Hall grounds (Tennis), and both Tennis and Croquet are obtainable at the Dragon Club.

Motoring  -  The local Automobile Club makes frequent runs and expeditions during the Summer. Visitors who are members of recognised Automobile Clubs are welcomed.

The Angling, Shooting, and Hunting in the surrounding districts is excellent.

Boating  -  At Knaresborough and Wetherby boating and punting is well catered for. 

AMUSEMENTS

The Royal Hall (late Kursaal) is indisputably the finest building of its kind in the United Kingdom, built at a cost of nearly £70,000. It is used thrice daily, by the Municipal Orchestra (50 or more performers), under the able direction of Mr. Julian Clifford - in the grounds in the mornings before lunch and in the Hall itself in the evenings and in the afternoons. Some special attraction is always provided. Outside illuminated Concerts are a feature on suitable evenings, and excellent vocal and variety items have also a place in the pro­gramme. Afternoon Symphony and Chamber Concerts are held weekly throughout the season, and a special concert every Sunday evening.

The Opera House provides theatrical, operatic, and variety programmes of the highest class through­out the year.

Picture Houses and a Variety Theatre also assist in providing good amusement.

Outdoor Concerts  -  In addition to the Royal Hall outdoor concerts before lunch, the excellent Military Band of Lt. Amers (of Brighton) plays every morning in the Crescent Gardens (opposite the Royal Pump Room) from 7.45 to 9 a.m., and every afternoon (including Sundays) in the Valley Gardens from 3 to 4.30p.m. Admission to both performances is free. Visitors are there­fore assured of good-class music from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. every day. 

EXPEDITIONS AND TOURS 

Since the climate is of the most invigorating kind, visitors are apt to overdo the excursions at the com­mencement of their stay in Harrogate, but during the latter part of the visit, which often takes the place of the after-cure so common elsewhere, these expeditions may be undertaken by patients with great benefit. Information as to the many walks and expeditions by coach, motor, or train can be obtained at the Information Bureau. 

Harrogate is in the centre of a most interesting country, as might well be expected from its position in the county of broad acres.

York is half-an-hour distant by train.

Fountains Abbey, the most magnificent monastic ruin in England, is about fourteen miles away. Ripon Cathedral lies on the route.

Kirkstall Abbey (Leeds) is at a similar distance. Selby Abbey is a little further away.

Bolton Abbey and Upper Wharfedale make a most pleasant day's excursion, the drive across the Blubber­house Moor at an elevation of 1,200 feet being one of the most charming and invigorating obtainable in the district.

The Valley of the Nidd (Pateley Bridge and Ripley Castle) also provides a most enjoyable series of excursions.

Rievaulx and Byland Abbeys, Swaledale (with Richmond Castle), are accessible by motor.

Aldborough and its Roman remains, and Borough­bridge, with its prehistoric monoliths (" devil's arrows"), can easily be reached by road or rail.

Knaresborough, its Castle, Cave, and Dropping Well, are within walking distance, and its historic association with the murderers of Thomas a Becket, with the Stuarts and Cromwell, need only be mentioned.

Lastly, the Harlow Moor, Pine Woods, Stray and Public Gardens afford ample walks and amusements for those whose inclinations, habits, or necessities require the more quiet forms of relaxation. 

EDUCATIONAL AND RESIDENCE 

That Harrogate, fed by pure moorland air, is suitable for a prolonged stay, is indirectly shown by the success of the large number (over so) of local educational establishments of the boarding-school type, parents having found that the climatic conditions in summer and winter alike are favourable to health and growth, even in the case of very delicate and backward children.

 
 

Index

   

Home | Contact Me | Search

 

Copyright © 2004, 2005 Harrogate Historical Society