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Soldiers from across the country as far afield as Gateshead and Exeter were coming to Leamington Spa Pump Rooms to receive special treatment for their war wounds. Their Turkish baths and radical radiant treatments were the main attraction.

Approximately more than 7,000 treatments were given to injured soldiers at the Pump Rooms over the four years of the war. There was no NHS at the time and medicine was still being developed. Radiant heat lamps were revolutionary and like giant poise lamps, they were shone on injuries and promoted wellbeing.

The treatments like those received at the Royal Pump Rooms were written about in the medical journal, The Lancet. They argued that the treatments were cost effective, helping men return to the front or have an active life after the war.

Location: Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA
Image: Royal Pump Rooms and Parish Church in Leamington Spa, courtesy of Collection of Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum
Presented by Siobhan Harrison