Harrogate (pop. 65,000) lies 36mi/58km east of York and is an important spa town in the north of England. It owes its fame to the medicinal springs discovered here in the 16th century, which are mainly rich in sulfur and iron. Today Harrogate is primarily a holiday resort and a venue for congresses. Its parks are filled with flowers, often
earning the town the title of "Britain's Floral Resort". Harrogate is also a popular residential town, and, although it has little industry, many large firms have their administrative offices here. Harrogate enjoys a good reputation for shopping on account of its elegant boutiques and numerous antiques shops.