From c.1100,  English monarchs owned the land and waters that made Harrogate world famous. In c.1596, one of Harrogate’s springs was named the “English Spa” by Dr. Timothy Bright, physician to Queen Elizabeth 1. Having sampled the water, he was so impressed by the unique quality, that he immediately recommended it to his friends and patients. These events led to Harrogate becoming  known as a Spa town. In 1778, in recognition of Harrogate waters’ unique qualities, the celebrated springs were presented to the public by King George 111.

In later years, Harrogate developed as a spa town, offering a variety of activities to promote general good health. They were: medicinal water (for drinking and bathing); exercise (notably promenading); and entertainment.  During the Victorian era, doctors would recommend 'taking the waters' to their wealthy patients. Luxury hotels and elegant public buildings such as the Royal Baths were constructed to cater for these visitors who brought increased prosperity to the town.

By the 1920s Harrogate was the UK's leading bottler and exporter of table water, but the Second World War brought about the decline of the water industry and during the 1970s water bottling ceased in Harrogate.