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DETAILS REGARDING HARROGATE
GEOLOGY
From this point of view Harrogate is probably one of the most
interesting places in Europe. The main well of this Spa lies near
the extreme end of a large geological upheaval. The crest of this
ridge (anti-clinal axis) extends in a north-westerly direction to
Clitheroe in Lancashire-a distance of nearly 40 miles. Along this
line the shales, limestone, and grit belonging to the Harrogate
Roadstone Series, lying normally above the carboniferous limestone
and below the millstone grit, have appeared on the surface, and the
strata in question have taken up positions nearly perpendicular to
the original horizontal plane.
To
this fact is due the enormous number of constant and separate
mineral springs, 87 in all, arising within a radius of two
miles-over thirty of these, indeed, within the area of one small
field (Bogs Field). The unique variety and constancy of constitution
of these waters is undoubtedly attributable to these extraordinary
geological features.
SPORT
Golf - Three clubs : Starbeck, Pannal, and Oakdale
(Sunday play on all). Visitors are welcomed.
Cricket - The local club welcomes visitors, and County
matches are from time to time played upon the ground.
Tennis and Croquet - At the Royal Hall grounds (Tennis),
and both Tennis and Croquet are obtainable at the Dragon Club.
Motoring - The local Automobile Club makes frequent runs
and expeditions during the Summer. Visitors who are members of
recognised Automobile Clubs are welcomed.
The
Angling, Shooting, and Hunting in the surrounding districts is
excellent.
Boating - At Knaresborough and Wetherby boating and
punting is well catered for.
AMUSEMENTS
The
Royal Hall (late Kursaal) is indisputably the finest building of its
kind in the United Kingdom, built
at a cost of nearly
£70,000.
It
is used thrice daily, by
the Municipal Orchestra (50 or more performers),
under the able direction of Mr. Julian Clifford - in the grounds in
the mornings before lunch and in the Hall itself in the evenings and
in the afternoons.
Some
special attraction is always provided. Outside illuminated
Concerts are a feature
on suitable evenings, and excellent
vocal and variety items have also
a place in the programme.
Afternoon Symphony and
Chamber Concerts are held weekly throughout the season, and a
special concert every Sunday evening.
The Opera House provides theatrical, operatic,
and variety programmes
of the highest class throughout
the year.
Picture Houses and a Variety Theatre also assist
in providing good amusement.
Outdoor Concerts - In addition to the Royal Hall
outdoor concerts before lunch, the excellent Military
Band of Lt. Amers (of
Brighton) plays every morning
in
the Crescent
Gardens (opposite the Royal Pump Room) from 7.45 to
9
a.m.,
and every afternoon (including
Sundays) in the
Valley Gardens from
3
to
4.30p.m.
Admission to
both performances
is
free.
Visitors are therefore
assured of
good-class music from
7.30
a.m. to
10.30 p.m.
every day.
EXPEDITIONS AND TOURS
Since the climate is of the most invigorating kind,
visitors are apt to
overdo the excursions at the commencement
of their stay in
Harrogate, but during the
latter part of the visit, which often takes the place of
the after-cure so common elsewhere, these expeditions
may be undertaken by patients with great benefit.
Information as to the many walks and expeditions by
coach, motor, or train can be obtained at the Information Bureau.
Harrogate is in the centre of a most interesting
country, as might well be
expected from its position in
the county of broad acres.
York
is half-an-hour distant by train.
Fountains Abbey, the most magnificent monastic ruin in England, is
about fourteen miles away.
Ripon
Cathedral lies on the route.
Kirkstall Abbey (Leeds)
is at a similar distance.
Selby Abbey is a little further away.
Bolton Abbey and Upper Wharfedale make a most
pleasant day's
excursion, the drive across the Blubberhouse
Moor at an elevation of
1,200
feet being one of
the most charming and invigorating obtainable in the
district.
The Valley of the Nidd (Pateley Bridge and Ripley
Castle) also provides a most enjoyable series of excursions.
Rievaulx and Byland Abbeys, Swaledale (with
Richmond Castle), are accessible by motor.
Aldborough and its Roman remains, and Boroughbridge,
with its prehistoric monoliths
("
devil's arrows"),
can easily be reached by road
or rail.
Knaresborough, its Castle, Cave, and Dropping
Well, are within walking distance, and its historic
association with the murderers of Thomas
a
Becket, with
the Stuarts and Cromwell, need only be mentioned.
Lastly, the Harlow Moor, Pine Woods, Stray and
Public Gardens afford ample walks and amusements for
those whose inclinations, habits, or necessities require
the more quiet forms of relaxation.
EDUCATIONAL AND RESIDENCE
That Harrogate, fed by pure moorland air, is suitable
for a prolonged stay, is indirectly shown by the success
of
the large number (over
so)
of local educational
establishments of the boarding-school type, parents
having found that the climatic conditions in summer
and winter alike are favourable to health and growth,
even in the case of very delicate and backward children.
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