Cheltenham
- This article is about the town of Cheltenham in England. for other places called Cheltenham see Cheltenham (disambiguation)
Cheltenham (or Cheltenham Spa) is a spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, England, near Gloucester and Cirencester. The town has a population of 110,013 (2001 census). The town motto is: Salubritas et Eruditio - Health and Education
The town is located on the edge of the Cotswolds and is generally regarded as respectable and wealthy. It has been a health and holiday spa town resort since the discovery of mineral springs there in 1716, although the local mineral water is no longer consumed, especially after the pipes connecting to the spring decayed in 2004. It is popular as a shopping centre, and is particularly known for its private schools, Cheltenham College and Ladies' College. Cheltenham is also well known internationally because of the horse racing - the Cheltenham Gold Cup, that is hosted there annually.
Cheltenham holds music, jazz, literary and science festivals every year.
The local football team is Cheltenham Town F.C., who have recently enjoyed success in the football league.
Cheltenham has a number of light industries, including: food processing, aerospace, electronics and tourism. The British government's electronic surveillance operation GCHQ, renowned for its 'doughnut-shape' building, is located in Cheltenham.
Famous people from Cheltenham include the composer Gustav Holst, the explorer Edward Wilson (who joined Scott on his ill-fated Antarctic Expedition) and physician Edward Jenner who invented vaccination.
