Southampton as a spa town – part 1 of 3

At around the same time, the Earl of Peterborough had purchased Bevois Mount. A regular guest was the poet Alexander Pope who was inspired by the views of the Itchen and the eastern shore. Pope said of Southampton: “Its air is salubrious, the scenery in the neighbourhood fine and its society very select”.

In a letter of 1812 to the banker and politician Sir William Elford, the author Mary Mitford wrote "I have just returned from Southampton. Have you ever been at that lovely spot, which combines all that is enchanting in wood and land and water with all that is 'buxom, blythe and debonair' in society - that charming town, which is not a watering place only because it is something better“.

During the 18th century, between these dates, something quite remarkable happened with to Southampton.

Writers were reporting that the air was ideal for people suffering from respiratory diseases and that the death rate in Southampton was lower than in other places in the country except for the Isle of Wight. The air was free of dampness as the gravel on which the town was built drained very quickly. At the same time, the sea spray-laden air was said to be excellent for healthy teeth as witnessed by the teeth of the local women who collected shells along the shore. The climate was enhanced by the salt-laden sea breezes and the rural nature of Southampton was exemplified by the New Forest.

For these reasons, many wealthy families purchased large tracts of land in the locality and developed fine estates with grand houses. One such person was William Chamberlain whose home at Weston Grove overlooked Southampton Water. The journalist and political reformer William Cobbett described Weston Grove as a fine estate with the most beautiful views that can be imagined.

Among these fine houses were Thornhill Park and Shirley House as well as many others all of which are remembered today in the names of the city’s suburbs.

Visitors also came in large numbers to Southampton for the health benefits of the air. In the early 1740s, the Corporation petitioned the Admiralty and complained about the high number of French prisoners in the town as they were riddled with disease which discouraged people of all ranks from visiting the town for health benefits it offered.

An event occurred in 1750 which was to transform Southampton. Frederick, Prince of Wales, was in the area and swam in the Test then quenched his thirst by drinking water from the chalybeate spring. He was so taken by the invigorating effect that his family became regular visitors to the town. Analysis of Southampton’s chalybeate spring water showed it to be more beneficial than that of Tonbridge Wells and Southampton was transformed into a popular spa town.

In 1753, Dr. Richard Russell published “The Use of Sea Water” which recommended its use for healing diseases. “Domestic Medicine”, William Buchan’s book of 1769, also advocated the practice. Many benefits were claimed including the treatment of distempers, eczema, constipation, leprosy, and rheumatism. Southampton’s Dr Speed also claimed it would treat scurvy, palsy, epilepsy and rickets. The seawater of Southampton was also claimed to cure hydrophobia and a large number of people and animals bitten by dogs with rabies were dipped in Southampton’s seawater. Sea water would often be drunk as well, sometimes with added boiled milk to make it more palatable.

Royalty, the aristocracy and the wealthy converged on the Spa town of Southampton for the triple benefits of the sea, the air and the healing waters.

Godfrey Collyer is a tour guide with SeeSouthampton.co.uk .