Lucifer and the Angel

Author’s Note

Author’s Note“One would think the English were ducks – they are for ever waddling in the waters,” said Horace Walpole in 1750.

The origins of British spas date back to Roman times, when the thermal waters at Bath were used for bathing.

In the early eighteenth century there were 228 spas in England and Wales. Today there are few which still have a medical reputation for healing. The most important is Harrogate, which averages 120,000 treatments annually.

The usual crosses of the martyrdom at a spa had to be borne at Harrogate according to reports published in 1822. When new arrivals met the famous sulphur waters for the first time hot, stinking, and fizzing – they surreptitiously hid in corners to spit it out.

Later, one of Punch’s anonymous rhymsters, ’Arry at ’Arrygate, reported,

Reg’lar doctor shop ’Arrygate is, see their

photos all over the town,

Mine is doing me dollops of good, I’m quite

peckish and just a bit brown.

I’m making the most of my time, and laying in

all I can carry,

So ’ere ends the budget of brimstone and baths,

from your sulphur-soaked ’Arry.

I stayed in Harrogate some years ago when I visited Harewood House, the home of the Princess Royal who married the Earl of Harewood. Built in 1759, Harewood House is a treasure store of works of art and is now open to the public.