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Spas, which had previously served only the elite in society, played their part in the war effort by treating returning wounded servicemen.

In 1919, more than 100,000 were treated in Harrogate spas, at a rate of more than 600 injured people per week.

Harrogate was the only spa town in England during the war years to make a profit, beating places like Bath, Buxton and Wells. The war cut off European spa destinations that had been attractive to British clientele, so the tourism business was retained on home soil.

Hundreds of treatments were available to the troops. Medical advice would have been given to ascertain the correct treatment for the condition. One of the most popular was for troops with wasted limbs

Some soldiers wrote thank you letters to the manager of the Royal Baths in Harrogate and to the War Office.

Location: The Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant, Central Hall, Crescent Rd, Harrogate HG1 2WJ
Photograph of diathermy treatment being conducted, courtesy of Walker-Neesam Archive

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