A TREATISE ON THE WATERS OF HARROGATE, AND ITS VICINITY. BY ADAM HUNTER, ESQ. M. D. Sirth Edition. LONDON: LONGMAN AND CO.; MOZLEY AND SONS, DERBY; OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 1846. HISTORY OF HARROGATE. To those already familiar with the localities of Harrogate, the following account may appear superfluous; the medical reader in particular may consider it in some measure out of place. It has been customary however with most writers on mineral waters, to advert to the situation and natural history of the spot where they are found. The advantages are sufficiently obvious; there are many to whom, when visiting any watering place for the first time, such information cannot fail to be useful. In the ordinary affairs of life, trifles light as air frequently turn the scale; thus to those leaving their homes for the purpose of regaining health, or for the more mixed motives of health and pleasure; it is often a matter of anxious inquiry to ascertain some of the following particulars, in reference to the place to which they purpose to repair. Harrogate is situated near the centre of the island, at the south-west extremity, and on the B upland of that fine plain which Dr. Drake, in his history of York, considers "the richest, pleasantest, and most extensive in Britain, if not in all Europe." It is divided into two villages, High and Low Harrogate, both of which have their respective mineral springs; they are distant only about half a mile from each other. The increase of buildings will, at no remote period, cause this distinction to be applied merely to situation. High Harrogate is in the parish of Knaresbrough, Low Harrogate in that of Pannal. A curious anomaly until very recently existed in their ecclesiastical superiority, Low Harrogate having been under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Archbishop of York, while High Harrogate was in the diocese of Chester. From the alteration of the Bishopricks they are now in the diocese of Ripon; but in different Archdeaconries; Bilton, which comprises High Harrogate being in the Archdeaconry of Richmond; while Pannal, which comprises Low Harrogate, is included in that of Craven. They are in the wapentake of Claro and forest of Knaresbrough, from which town they are distant about three miles; eleven from Ripon; eight from Otley; fifteen from Leeds; twenty from York; and at nearly an equal distance of about two hundred miles from the capitals, London and Edinburgh. The name of Harrogate is derived from its being in the direct road from Knaresbrough to Heywra Park, and was anciently called Heywragate, as appears from a grant of land to St. Robert. This worthy was contemporary with King John, of Magna Charta notoriety; and in those olden times was highly venerated in the neighbourhood. As a village, Harrogate, at a much later period, could scarcely be said to exist. Long after the discovery of the mineral springs, they were always referred to by authors as being in the forest of Knaresbrough. This forest formerly a wild and barren waste, comprises a district twenty miles long by six or eight wide, which from some local judicatures still retains the appellation; though now almost all inclosed, and covered with fruitful fields and smiling villages. The prospect from High Harrogate and the adjoining heights, is rich, beautiful, and extensive. York Minster, at the distance already mentioned may be distinctly seen. Still further to the east the view is terminated by the Yorkshire Wolds and Hambleton Hills; while the west is more directly though distantly bounded by the bleak rugged moors of Craven. 1 Being at nearly an equal distance from the German Ocean and the Irish Channel, it has been supposed, that from Harlow Hill, adjoining Low |