Smedley's Hydro

A color postcard of Smedley's Hydro, this copy is postmarked 1925. Smedley's Hydropathic Establishment was built in 1853 by George E Statham as architect for John Smedley. Castellated additions were added c 1867, and french chateau style additions in 1885. The Hydro had its own private church, which was demolished in 1958-9.

Smedley's Hydro was enormously successful, and particularly popular with the middle classes of society. In 1867 Smedley treated 2,000 patients, despite competition from nine other spa establishments in Matlock Bath. A visit cost from six shillings per day for food, lodging and treatment. Rooms were palatially decorated in a classical style with pillars, columns, capitals, cornices and arches and furnished with high Victorian style velvet and mahogany. There were many communal rooms for socialising such as the Drawing Room, Dining Room, Winter Gardens and Reception Area. It provided sports facilities such as The Bowling green and the Billiard Room.

Treatment rooms varied from the Well Room (for the drinking of spa waters), massage, Turkish baths, swimming, to the electrical treatment room. The establishment later passed into the hands of the Matlock Bank Hydropathic Company (Limited), and was under the care of Dr William B Hunter. By 1927 The Physicians in charge were Dr Harbinson and Dr MacClelland. It remained in use until the mid 20th century. After the Hydro closed, the buildings were bought by Derbyshire County Council for their headquarters in 1955.