Cheltenham is a spa town to the North of the county. The settlement of Celtan Hom, which may mean steep hill, was first recorded in 803CE. It appeared in the Domesday Book as Chintenham and received a market charter in 1226.
Cheltenham's fortunes changed when mineral springs were discovered there in 1716. In 1788 the town and it's spas were visited by King George III and other royals which made the town a highly fashionable place to visit. Horse racing at Cheltenham began in 1815, adding to the visitors who thronged to the town every year. Many visitors came via Cheltenham Spa railway station which opened in 1840.
The town is said to be one of the most complete Regency era towns, it also has a number of fine churches including St Mark's.
