The town was founded when Dudley, Lord North (1602-77) discovered a mineral spring in the area, and after drinking the water found his ill-health had improved. He persuaded his friends to try it and by 1636 two houses had been built next to the spring. It became fashionable, and was visited by several personalities of the time including Richard 'Beau' Nash, David Garrick and Samuel Johnson. It was given its 'royal' title in 1909 by King Edward VII.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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