When Queen Victoria granted the prefix “Royal” to Leamington Spa in 1838, it marked a transformative moment in the town’s history. The journey to royal recognition began in the late 18th century when the healing properties of Leamington’s natural springs were first popularized by Benjamin Satchwell and William Abbotts, who discovered the town’s first spring in 1784.
The town’s rapid transformation from a small village into a fashionable spa resort caught the attention of the monarchy. In 1830, Princess Victoria (then aged 11) visited with her mother, the Duchess of Kent, staying at the Regent Hotel. The young princess was reportedly enchanted by the elegant Georgian architecture and the town’s sophisticated atmosphere. Eight years later, now Queen Victoria bestowed the prestigious “Royal” prefix on the town, cementing its status as one of Britain’s premier spa destinations.
Photo of Victoria on the Parade taken by passing 19th century AI image generator
The royal designation reflected not just the town’s popularity among the aristocracy but also its architectural splendour. The Royal Pump Rooms, the Royal Theatre, and the stunning Jephson Gardens all embodied the refined character that earned Leamington its regal title. This heritage continues to influence the town’s character today, visible in its wide boulevards, Regency buildings, and carefully maintained parks.
Royal Towns: A Prestigious Club
The first town to be granted the "Royal" prefix in the United Kingdom was Kingston upon Thames. This honour dates back to the 10th century when it was described as a royal town in a charter by King Æthelstan. The title was through custom, but it was officially confirmed in 1927 by King George V, probably as they where jealous of Leamington!
Æthelstan with regal flair, did give Kingston a title rare.
Royal Wootton Bassett earned its title more recently in 2011, recognizing the town’s respectful tributes to fallen military personnel repatriated through nearby RAF Lyneham.
Test Your Royal Knowledge!
Can you identify which of these fascinating facts about royal towns is false?
1. Royal Sutton Coldfield is the only royal town to have received its prefix from Henry VIII
2. The ceremony granting royal status to Royal Deeside involved Queen Victoria throwing a golden key into the River Dee
3. Royal Greenwich earned its status in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee
4. Royal Hillsborough in Northern Ireland gained its royal status in 2021, making it the newest royal town
Only 1h 15 from Cubbington airport!
Answer: Statement 2 is false! While Royal Deeside is strongly associated with Queen Victoria, who made Balmoral Castle her Scottish home, there was never a ceremony involving throwing a golden key into the River Dee. The area’s royal connections began when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first visited in 1848.
The last (recorded) royal visit to Leamington Spa was by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in April 1951. Surely we’re due another? See you on Thursday to see what's going on over the coming week.
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