Artwork to mark Scarborough’s 400th anniversary as a spa town

The discovery of mineral waters in Scarborough led to the development of tourism in the town, which enjoyed considerable growth in the 18th Century.

Apart from taking the waters visitors could enjoy boating, horse racing on the beach and bathing in the sea, with great importance placed on the spa and the facilities for visitors.

The waters changed over the centuries and by the 1960s public consumption of the waters ceased altogether, with the remains of the wells no longer open to the public due to health and safety regulations.

The Spa Complex is seen as a legacy of Scarborough’s importance as a resort.

North Yorkshire Council said without the discovery made by Mrs Farrer in the early 17th Century, the town would not have developed into one of England’s first seaside resorts.

A spokesperson said the council was working with a group of Scarborough organisations and local history enthusiasts to support the forthcoming anniversary, known as the Scarborough 400 project.

It said the project would “celebrate the spa as the focal point of Scarborough’s history as a spa town and resort”.