In the 18th century, when it’s medicinal waters were discovered in a field to the south of the town, where Cheltenham Ladies’ College now stands. These were regarded as beneficial for a whole range of illnesses and by the late 18th century the town was one of England’s leading spas. In 1788 King George III spent five weeks at Cheltenham, drinking the waters for his health’s sake. His visit ‘set the seal’ on the town’s popularity and during the following years the number of visitors and residents increased dramatically. Between 1700 and 1800 its population rose from 1500 to over 3000 and by 1850 it was the largest town in Gloucestershire, with a population of more than 35,000. Among famous visitors were members of the English and Continental Royal families, including Princess (later Queen) Victoria, the Duke of Wellington, and the novelists Jane Austen and Lord Byron.
Width: 2 ⅜”
Condition: Base chips restored