Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Erasure

Love To Hate You

Listen Live

Harrogate's first hospital celebrates 200th anniversary

Thursday, 16 October 2025 09:26

The Royal Bath Hospital, pictured in 1910.

Harrogate's first hospital will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year, marking two centuries since it first opened its doors in 1826.

A special event is planned to celebrate the milestone of the Royal Bath Hospital.

A special exhibition organised by the Harrogate Medical Society and Harrogate Hospital will open at the West Park Centre on 6th April 2026, running for six weeks.

The event will explore the town’s medical and spa heritage, tracing how Harrogate became known internationally for its healing waters and health facilities.

Visitors will be able to view historical artefacts, photographs and documents, and take part in a programme of weekly talks and activities.

As part of the celebrations, Harrogate Hospital will host public open days, and the Harrogate Civic Society will unveil a memorial plaque in honour of Wilfrid Edgecombe, described as “perhaps the last remaining spa physician” and an important figure in Harrogate’s medical history during the interwar years.

Additional exhibitions will be held at the Royal Pump Room Museum and Harrogate Library, with guided tours offering further insight into the town’s development as a centre for health and wellbeing.

Local schools will also be involved through creative projects.

Primary pupils will design posters inspired by Victorian-era advertisements for Harrogate’s spa waters, while secondary students will take part in a writing challenge titled “A Day at the Harrogate Spa,” producing diary entries, short stories or poems imagining life as a patient or doctor from the past.

Organisers hope the anniversary will encourage residents and visitors to reflect on Harrogate’s long association with health and healing.

The event is being supported by local businesses, societies and individuals. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact organiser Liz Leinhardt on 07752 251121.

Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton has been catching up with Sian Greenwood, a member of the Harrogate Medical Society and Civic Society, plus, David Lionheart from the Harrogate Medical Society:

More from Local News

Which roads will be closed for the Knaresborough Bed Race?

Motorists are being urged to plan ahead as a series of road closures come into force across Knaresborough for the annual Bed Race.
Provenance Collection announces new Managing Director after offloading three sites

Provenance Collection has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director after selling three venues from its North Yorkshire portfolio.
High-powered super cars to roar back into Harrogate for annual event

The hugely popular Harrogate Concours will return next week with some of the world’s most expensive and high-powered sports cars roaring back into the town centre.
Harrogate Town announces second summer signing

Harrogate Town have confirmed their second signing of the summer with the arrival of Will McGowan for an undisclosed fee.
Have renovations awakened another ghost at Ripon Workhouse Museum?

Builders working on the multi-million-pound transformation of Ripon Workhouse Museum have reported hearing unexplained footsteps inside the historic building – leading to speculation that another spirit may have been disturbed.
Charity 5k fun run to be held at Fountains Abbey

A new family-friendly 5K fun run raising money for children and young people's mental health services is set to take place at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this summer.
Police arrest man and woman after '2-in-1' burglary in Bilton

A man and a woman have been arrested following a suspected '2-in-1 burglary' in Harrogate.
Otley Garden Centre unveils plans for new outdoor play area

Otley Garden Centre has unveiled plans for an exciting new outdoor play area.
NHS perinatal team to take on Knaresborough Bed Race

A team of NHS clinicians are taking on the Great Knaresborough Bed Race this weekend to spread understanding about postpartum mental health.
Harrogate MP challenges prosecution rates on violence against women in Parliament

Local MP Tom Gordon has challenged prosecution rates for violence against women and girls (VAWG) during a session in Parliament.
Trees could get greater protection under new council policy

North Yorkshire Council is set to consider a new countywide policy aimed at protecting trees and woodlands while creating greener and healthier communities.
Councillors to discuss new plan to strengthen action on anti-social behaviour

Plans to improve how anti-social behaviour is prevented, managed and tackled across North Yorkshire are set to be discussed by councillors.
Housing target could be the "death of villages" in North Yorkshire, councillor warns

A Government target to build thousands of new homes in North Yorkshire could lead to the "death of villages", a councillor has claimed.
Harrogate karate club scoop 11 medals at international open

A Harrogate karate club has secured a whopping 11 medals at a major international competition in Scotland.
Local MP marks 60th Knaresborough Bed Race with motion in Parliament

Local MP Tom Gordon is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race with a motion in the Houses of Parliament.
'No business support, no show', say Ripon Theatre Festival organisers

Organisers of Ripon Theatre Festival say business support is vital to the event's success, as they put local sponsorship centre stage ahead of this year's festival.
Harrogate tutoring firms shortlisted for national award

Two Harrogate tutoring providers have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Free water safety sessions for children to be held in Harrogate

Free water safety sessions for children are set to be held in Harrogate this summer as part of an initiative to help families stay safe around water.
Yorkshire health firm partners with Harrogate gym to raise bone health awareness

A Yorkshire health company is teaming up with David Lloyd Harrogate as part of its mission to raise awareness of bone and muscle health and encourage people to take a more proactive approach to ageing.
Historic members club faces opposition to alcohol licence from neighbours

A 145-year-old members club in a North Yorkshire town is facing opposition to its bid for an alcohol licence from neighbours.