The Spa, Scarborough
| Scarborough Spa | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Former names | Scarborough Spa Complex |
| Alternative names | The Spa, Scarborough |
| General information | |
| Type | Conference, exhibition, entertainment and live music venue |
| Location | South Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England |
| Coordinates | 54°16′32″N 0°23′50″W / 54.27556°N 0.39722°WCoordinates: 54°16′32″N 0°23′50″W / 54.27556°N 0.39722°W (grid reference TA0487) |
| Current tenants | Sheffield International Venues |
| Owner | Scarborough Borough Council |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Sir Joseph Paxton |
| Designations | Grade II* listed |
| Website | |
| www |
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Scarborough Spa is a Grade II* listed building in South Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. It is a venue for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment, live music and events on the Yorkshire Coast. Originally built around the source of Scarborough's spa waters, it is owned by Scarborough Borough Council and is managed by Sheffield International Venues.
The Spa has a Grand Hall, which seats nearly 2,000 and hosts live entertainment including the Scarborough Spa Orchestra and the annual Scarborough Jazz Festival. The Spa Theatre, a 600-seat Victorian theatre, is home to summer season shows and Christmas pantomimes. The Spa Ocean Room is used for dances, conferences and other events, including the Scarborough Jazz Festival and Coastival.
The Victorian Cliff Tramway links the Spa complex with South Cliff, 200 ft above the South Bay.
In the 17th century, spa waters were discovered by Thomasin Farrer, the wife of one of Scarborough's leading citizens, John Farrer. She found natural spring water bubbling out beneath the cliff to the south of the town. The waters, which stained the rocks a russet colour, tasted slightly bitter and were said to cure minor ailments. She told her friends and neighbours about the medicinal effects and drinking the spa waters became an accepted medicine. Later, thousands of visitors flocked to benefit from their supposed medicinal qualities. The southern part of Scarborough became popular. The precursor to the present Scarborough Spa complex became a fashionable attraction.
The first Spaw House (a term used until the early 19th century) was built on or near the site in the early 1700s, and Dickie Dickinson, a great character, was appointed its governor. The house, a wooden structure where the waters were sold and dispensed, provided basic amenities to visitors eager to try their curative effects. The water was also bottled and sold further afield.
By the mid-1700s, Scarborough was established as a seaside resort and a spa town, with horse racing on the beach, boating and sea-bathing. Scarborough was one of the first places to use bathing machines. In 1737, a major cliff fall obliterated the house and the wells. Within five weeks, the wells were uncovered. Then, two distinct types of water, both said to have their own particular restorative or health-giving powers, were evident.
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