In 1969 they closed as a treatment centre and, although still open as a Turkish Bath, the building as a whole needed to be brought up to date.

With the renewed interest in spa facilities, the Harrogate Turkish Baths are going to be just as successful in the 21st century as they were in the 19th.

Lois Toyne, Head of Culture, Tourism and Sports

The Turkish Baths were refurbished with a project to make the most of its glorious array of rare tiles, great Islamic arches and screens and walls of glazed brickwork. The exquisite workmanship that went into the 19th century hammam allowed experts to demonstrate their skills as they painstakingly restored worn tiles.

Guided tours and exhibitions at the Royal Pump Room Museum help people understand the importance of the Baths in Harrogate and how they had a major role in the development of the town as a tourism and spa centre.

Lois Toyne, Head of Culture, Tourism and Sports whose team manage the Turkish Baths, said: "With the introduction of the National Health Service, spas in England struggled to remain commercially viable in the 1950s and in Harrogate's case we re-invented ourselves as a conference and exhibition venue. But we have never forgotten our roots.

"We are confident enough to say that Harrogate's Turkish Baths are unique in this country. And with the renewed interest in spa facilities, they are going to be just as successful in the 21st century as they were in the 19th."