Cheltenham
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Cheltenham is renowned for its stylish shopping, colourful parks, floral displays, horseracing, festivals and special events.
Cheltenham became a spa town in 1716. According to tradition, the first medicinal waters were discovered when locals saw pigeons pecking at salty deposits which had formed around a spring. The town received Royal patronage in 1788 when King George III came to drink the waters.
This led to the rapid development of Cheltenham as a fashionable spa between 1790 and 1840. The heritage of those bygone times can be seen in the town´s Regency architecture, with intricate ironwork a feature of distinctive townhouse facades. Cheltenham is probably the most complete Regency town in England.
Most of Cheltenham town centre lies within a conservation area of outstanding importance. The town was patronised by a stream of noble and royal visitors including the Duke of Wellington and Princess (later Queen) Victoria.
Distinguished literary figures who took the waters have included Lord Byron, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Dickens even went so far as to write, "Rarely have I seen such a place that so attracted my fancy."
Daniel Defoe predicted in the early 18th century that Cheltenham would become fashionable. He said: "The mineral waters lately discovered... are what will make this place more and more remarkable and frequented."
Cheltenham is one of the few English towns in which traditional and contemporary architecture complement each other. The Neo-Gothic styled Victorian school buildings of Cheltenham College date from 1843 and Cheltenham Ladies´ College from 1873.
Cheltenham also has many fine churches including the medieval St Mary´s churchyard where John Wesley is said to have preached from the old cross. In the 19th century, through to the ending of British rule in India in 1947, Cheltenham became known as "the Anglo-Indian´s Paradise". Those who had given a life of service to the empire in India sought to retire here. Cheltenham became identified with its population of retired curry-eating colonels.
Visit Cheltenham´s Art Gallery and Museum in Clarence Street to learn more about the history of the town. The Edward Wilson gallery chronicles the life of the Cheltenham Antarctic explorer, who perished with Scott on his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912. The museum also houses an internationally important Arts and Crafts collection inspired by the work of William Morris.
The Holst Birthplace Museum in Clarence Road details the life of the famous musician and composer of "The Planets". Enjoy his music and see his piano in this restored Regency house.
One of the best ways to enjoy Regency Cheltenham is to take an escorted walking tour of the town centre. Departing from the Tourist Information Centre throughout the summer, the tours are led by knowledgeable, qualified guides who can bring Cheltenham´s past to life and keep you entertained with tales from the past.
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