Cheltenham, The Promenade c.1945

Photo ref: C75020

More about this scene

As we can see from all the parked cars, petrol is flowing again after wartime rationing. Cheltenham is (rather self consciously) the capital of the Cotswolds; it stands in the Vale under the western escarpment. In medieval times it was a small town, having been granted a charter in 1226. In 1716 a local hosier noted birds pecking at crystals in a field he owned; when he had the crystals analysed, they revealed a high mineral content. His daughter and son-in-law developed the site into a spa. Avenues of trees were planted, and buildings were erected. It became a popular watering place, where one drank the waters - unlike Bath, where one bathed. High society joined the throng, culminating in the visit by King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1788. The Duke of Wellington came to partake, and recommended the water to his officers. Cheltenham's future was assured. Building work proceeded apace, creating the well-planned town with fine Regency architecture which still remains today. The Promenade, with its central well-cared- for flower beds, and memorials to all those lives wasted in wars, is claimed as one of the most beautiful streets in England.