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.

Internationally, Cheltenham is probably best known for its horse racing. Cheltenham Racecourse, located on the outskirts of the town in the suburb of Prestbury, is the home of National Hunt, or jumps, racing in the UK. Meetings are hosted during the winter months (when the ground is soft enough for the horses to safely negotiate the fences) from November to April. The highlight of the season is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is normally held in the middle of March. This happy co-incidence (with St Patrick's Day) ensures that the town swells with an influx of Irish horseracing devotees.

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), physician Edward Jenner who invented vaccination and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.

External links

• Visiting Cheltenham (http://www.visitcheltenham.com/libraries/templates/index.asp)
• Art Gallery & Museum (http://www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/home/home.asp)
• Cheltenham Racecourse (http://www.cheltenham.co.uk)
• Cheltenham Festivals (http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk)