Although Royal Leamington Spa has its origins several hundred years ago,
then known as Leamington Priors, the town only came to prominence in the
past 200 years. With the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars raging
between 1792 and 1815, travel to foreign places was restricted, which
led to a growth of holiday and medicinal venues in England. Leamington
is one such venue, being afforded the pre x 'Royal' in 1838 by Queen
Victoria, and still boasting a grand array of Regency buildings today.
Until the 1940s, long after 'taking the waters' was a major attraction,
Leamington remained a haven for retired people, particularly those who
had held very senior positions during their previous careers. However,
the growth of local industries such as the manufacturers Sidney Flavel &
Co., who moved here in 1803, ultimately led to change. Today the
emphasis is on a much younger multicultural population, many of whom are
students. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and
tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret
Royal Leamington Spa will appeal to all those with an interest in the
history of this town in Warwickshire.
