9 amazing photos of Harrogate & the Yorkshire Dales over the last 130 years
You’ll see much that has changed - and in some cases – much that has not!
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
Fancy a fascinating insight into the history of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales? We've gathered together some incredible old photographs of the town and its surrounding areas, including glorious Victorian hotels and baths in their heyday, street scenes packed with horse and carts and a familiar view of Knaresborough that seems almost untouched by time.
Scroll on for a collection of old photos of our area through the years - from Victorian times through to the mid-twentieth century.
Take a look at Harrogate, Ripon & Knaresborough as you've never seen them:
Hotel Majestic, Harrogate c1910
The Majestic opened in the summer of 1900. In its early years it was popular with celebrities, politicians and royalty from around the world. Still a hotel, it is now known as the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa.
Harrogate Hydro c1890
Now known as The Old Swan Hotel, in the late nineteenth century the Harrogate Hydropathic Company redeveloped it as a fashionable spa hotel. It was named "The Harrogate Hydro". It is where Agatha Christie was discovered after her 11-day disappearance in 1926. The "Harrogate Hydro" name lives on at the town's swimming pool.
Royal Pump Room, Harrogate, 1900
The octagonal stone building was finished in 1842. Guests would visit every morning to drink the sulphur water famed for its medicinal properties. Pictured here around the turn of the century, the glazed annexe wasn't added until 1912. The building now houses the town museum.
Royal Baths, Harrogate c1890
When they first opened, The Royal Baths were said to be the most advanced centre for hydrotherapy in the world. There were Turkish Baths, a dispensary for the medicinal waters, mud baths and steam rooms as well as consulting doctors on hand to advise you about treatments. The Turkish Baths are still open today!
Station Square, Harrogate, 1913
The Queen Victoria Statue on the right hand side of the image was unveiled in 1887, the year of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. At the time, this area was an undeveloped field but by 1902, the statue was on a traffic island, surrounded by railings.
Harrogate c1880
A town centre view, thought to date from around 1880.
Harrogate street scene c1925
By 1925, Harrogate town centre was bustling with traffic and shoppers.
Ripon Cathedral, 1910
A monastery was founded in Ripon as long ago as the 660s. The present building is the fourth to stand on the Ripon Cathedral site and was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. This image appears to have been taken from the banks of the River Skell, not far from what is now The Water Rat Restaurant and Bar.
Knaresborough Viaduct c1960
At first glance, little appears to have changed in this familiar image of the Knaresborough Viaduct. To this day, you can hire a boat and admire the view from the water.
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