Pictures of Cheltenham

About Cheltenham

Cheltenham, the very mention of this grand old town conjurs up not only images of gracious georgian houses but also of superb thoroughbred horses thundering round the town's famous Prestbury Park race-course. Cheltenham is never more alive that it is each March when the race-course plays host to the famous Gold Cup horse race. Then, many thousand of visitors flock to the town and especially racegoers from Ireland, all hoping that this illustrious meeting will indeed bring them - the luck of the Irish.

The life of this town began as a typical Cotswold village but owing to the discovery on a mineral spring a Pump room was built here in 1738. The town then received the personal approval of George 111 and within a few short years architects were commissioned to build a new town. The result was wide boulevards and gracious houses that attracted many people of wealth and education to settle here. They came as much for the medicinal properties of the waters as for Cheltenhams' fashionable elegance. Many of the beautiful buildings in the town are attributed to Papworth, and Forbes designed and built the Pump room - both these men were celebrated Architects of their day.

The composer, Gustav Holtz, was a pupil at the towns Grammer school. His family home still exists today and is instantly recognised by the brass commemorative plaque displayed to the front of the building.

Cheltenham has wonderful gardens, flowers bloom here in great profusion presenting the visitor with a riot of colour. There are wonderful expanses of grass on which to sit and while away an hour or two enjoying the music played by visiting bands.

The famous promenade is full of intoxicating shops, all with a vast array of merchandise. In fine weather many of the cafes and pubs place tables and chairs outside thus giving the town a 'continental' atmosphere.

From its humble origins Cheltenham has developed into a busy, thriving, cosmopolitan town which is a joy to visit at any any time of the year.