I am based in Leamington Spa for the next few weeks and seeing as though The Royal Leamington Spa was recognized as the most beautiful bathhouse in the area, a song about the good ol bath tub seemed apt.
The song was written in 1958 by Bobby Darin, alongside DJ Murray Kaufman who had bet Bobby that he wouldn't be able to write a song starting with the words "Splish Splash, I was takin a bath" . Challenge accepted. The opening words - splish splash - were suggested by Murray's mum and several characters from songs in that time are featured in the lyrics - Peggy Sue, Good Golly Miss Molly and Lollipop.
Splish splash, I was taking a bath
Long about a Saturday night, yeah
A rub dub, just relaxing in the tub
Thinking everything was alright
Leamington Spa is a lovely town in Central England. It achieved "Royal status" in 1838 - one of only three towns in England with this status.
The town was originally known as Leamington Priors (which the high street shopping centre is called) and was named after the River Leam which runs through the town.
The natural spa waters in Leamington were famous for helping to cure rabies and for preserving meat and the 19th century pump rooms are now a museum and art gallery (although sadly closed at the moment due to Covid). The town is home to the beautiful Jephson Gardens, war memorial and the impressive All Saints Church of England. Magnificant Regency architecture and colourful flowers line the wide boulevards in the town and the name and there is a feeling of tranquillity and relaxation. Certainly fitting of it's name as the Bath of Warwickshire.
Claire, great article! Nice pictures too, thanks for the read. =)