Regency Hot Spots: Royal Pump Rooms

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THE ROYAL PUMP ROOM in the erection of which upwards of 20,000 were expended is situated on the northern bank of the Leam adjoining the main drive through the town from the Victoria bridge to the Union Parade This magnificent building displays a grand frontage towards the east of more than a hundred feet in length exclusive of two wings each thirty feet by twenty which are appropriated to the different baths and a noble colonnade gives to it a most imposing effect whilst at the same time it presents a sheltered promenade or the use of subscribers The interior decorations of this spacious and lofty Ipump room which is
entered by folding doors at each end are extremely chaste and classical The orchestra is placed under the large western window of beautifully coloured glass a range of seven windows on the opposite side gives light during the day and a splendid chandelier abounding with rich cut glass ornaments suspended from the centre diffuses a grateful lustre for evening recreations The pump enclosed within a neat mahogany balustrade stands on an ornamental pedestal of fine Derbyshire marble in the south and opposite to it are glazed doors of wide dimensions through which an agreeable view is commanded of the principal walk attached to the premises The grounds are planted and diversified with judicious and pleasing taste the whole being carefully kept in excellent order and preservation A very superior band under the able superintendence of Mr Elston is stationed during the summer evenings in the garden where the subscribers are gratified by the performance of the best and newest selections of instrumental music which they have also the opportunity of enjoying between the hours of eight and ten in the morning within the pump room when it is customary to seek at the crystal fount the cheerful offerings of its handmaids The baths twenty in number are divided and arranged in each wing for the separate use of ladies and gentlemen for whom hot cold tepid or shower baths are prepared in a
few minutes by Mr and Mrs Wincott the obliging and attentive managers of the establishment who will supply cards of terms for the use of them and for drinking the waters such terms being in accordance with the general usage observed at similar institutions But although the Royal Pump Room enjoys a priority of claim to our notice on the score of size and importance it would appear last in the list if date and origin were the foundation of our arrangements Precedence in the latter respect should of course be assigned to the ORIGINAL SPA IN BATH STREET Of which honest William Abbotts must be considered as the founder On the site of his humble edifice which contained at first only two small rooms for bathing an enlarged and handsome range of buildings was erected afterwards by his grandson Mr William Smith the present occupier of the Lansdowne hotel and these have lately passed into the hands of Mr John Goold by whom they have been remodelled and further increased the exterior presenting a very elegant frontage both to Bath street and Smith street in the Grecian style of architecture after designs by Mr Joseph Plevins of Birmingham Where courtesy and attention are the prevailing cha The terms for drinking and bathing at the different wells will be found in the Appendix New Guide to the Royal Leamington Spa, the Neighbouring Towns, and Surrounding Country (1839)

Leamington Spa, in the midlands, is situated near the River Leam.  As early as the 1600s, various springs were discovered.  By 1803 the Earl of Aylesford had a small stone building erected over the original well near the church.  This building was demolished in 1813 to make way for the new (and current) stone building.

The medical community was taking note of the springs medical benefits in the late 18th century, so that Leamington Spa was quickly a notable resort for health and wellness.  Its popularity saw a need for a larger building.  The Pump Room was built in 1814 and would later attract royalty and other notable persons.

There was also the Leamington Spa Charity, founded in 1806, that provided free baths for infirmed people unable to pay the fees.

BATHS AND WELLS Royal Baths and Pump Room TERMS Warm Baths 0 3 for Children 0 2 Cold Baths 0 1 Shower Bath Warm 0 2 Cold Baths 1 Exclusive of the Gratuity to the Attendant The Baths open at all Hours 0 6 0 6 1 0 6 2 Drinking the Water and Promenade in the Pump Room One Person for the Season 1 Two Persons of the same Family 1 11 For a Family 2 One Person for a Month 0 10 Two of the same Family 0 15 For a Family 1 1 One Person for a Week 0 3 6 Exclusive of the Gratuity to the Pumper A Band attends at the Pump Room from half past seven to half past nine o clock every morning Sundays 6 0 0
excepted and it is open every day from seven till three except during the time of divine service on Sundays Terms at Mr Wise's Biths Douche d Eau Shower or Warm Bath 0 3 0 For a Child 0 2 0 Cold Bath 0 1 6 Bathing by Candle Light an extra 0 0 6 Drinking the Water per Week 0 Exclusive of the Gratuity to the Attendant 2 6 6 6 Mrs Smith's Original Bath Warm Bath 0 2 6 Child's ditto 0 1 Shower ditto 0 2 Cold Shower Bath 0 2 6 Drinking the Water per Week Ladies and Gentlemen who make use of these Baths or Board in Mrs Smith's house are not charged for drinking the Water 0 6 Mr Robins Baths Marble Bath 0 3 0 Child's Bath 0 1 Wood Bath 0 2 6 Cold Bath 0 1 0 Drinking the Water per Week 0 2 6 Exclusive of the Gratuity to the Attendant Imperial Sulphuric Medicinal Fount and Ladies Murbli Baths CLEMENS STREET DRINKING THE WATERS A Family for the Season 2 0 0 Two of the same Family 1 10 0 One Person 0 0 A Family for a Month 1 0 0 Two of the same Family 0 15 0 One Person 0 8 0 for a Week 0 2 6 Baths open at all hours Warm Bath 0 3 0 Cold Bath 0 1 6 No Gratuity required for the Attendants A 3 The Visitors’ New Guide to the Spa of Leamington Priors, and Its Vicinity (1824)

For more on the history of the baths I recommend Moncrieff’s Guide to Leamington Spa (1830).

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