In 1887 the Borough Surveyor was dispatched to Europe to inspect development at several important spas. His findings convinced the majority of councillors that Harrogate had to improve its facilities. At first, it was the Corporation’s intention to extend and improve the Victoria Baths, but the acquisition of the Montpellier Estate in 1888 pointed to a much more ambitious scheme.
An international competition was held with London architects Baggalay and Bristowe the chosen winners.
The principal entrance on Crescent Road admitted visitors to a vestibule beyond which was a central hall capped by a lofty dome with a central counter for dispensing the waters. Beyond this, and on each side, lay extensive series of treatment rooms. The southern section of the building being terminated by a glazed Winter Garden, with entrances from Parliament Street and Montpellier Road. The original plan provided a domed pump room beyond the Winter Garden, but this was dropped for reasons of economy with water drinking facilities being introduced to the great central hall.
When the Royal Baths were finished, Harrogate possessed the finest centre for hydrotherapy in the world, which was a palace of fine woods, tiles, stone, marble and stained glass, and packed with the most advanced technological aids to medicine that were known to science.
Behind the imposing architecture of the Royal Baths’ exterior, there existed a range of treatments which included those available at most other international spas. Along with the Turkish treatments, the Royal Baths offered douche baths, needle baths, the Harrogate combination bath, bouillon rooms, crane and well baths, pulverisation and inhalation rooms, together with luxurious changing rooms, and the usual reading, writing and rest rooms.
Image: Wintergardens