The Harrogate Story
September 16, 2025
West Park United Reform Church, on the corner of Victoria Avenue and West Park in Harrogate was opened in 1862. It catered for a congregation of 700.
Three years ago, with barely 30 worshipping there, it was in a bad state. Peeling plaster and multiple leaks made it, in spite of its listed status, a candidate for demolition. Now however the future of the building is assured and it’s hosting ‘The Harrogate Story’, an exhibition which draws on the archive of the late Malcolm Neesam, Harrogate’s primary historian.
John Harris, who’s been very much involved with the development of the building, gave us a talk which incorporated some of the history of this amazing town, the ‘Queen of the Spas’, from the 16thC to the present day. So if you’re visiting Harrogate why not pop in and take a look. It’s well-placed in the centre of town centre – just up the road from Betty’s café, so not far to walk after your morning coffee.
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