This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest towns. It provides a nostalgic look at Cheltenham’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.

The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.

Historic England: Cheltenham shows the town as it once was, from its grand streets and squares to its famous tree-lined promenades and gardens surrounding its spas. Once the ‘most complete Regency town in Britain’, Cheltenham became the most fashionable resort in England following George III’s visit and has enjoyed centuries of prosperity based on the discovery of its natural mineral springs. But the town has not rested on its laurels and is now a vibrant centre of festivals and fashionable shops, a Mecca for horse racing, international music, cricket and world-renowned schools and colleges. Cheltenham is one of the country’s most visited towns and this book will help you discover its colourful and fascinating history.