Another example of the extensive emphasis on horticultural influence are Montpelier Gardens. - During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Harrogate was popular among the English élite and was frequented by nobility from Europe[citation needed]. Its popularity declined after World War I. During World War II, Harrogate's large hotels accommodated government offices that had been evacuated from London. This paved the way for the town's current function as a commercial, conference, and exhibition centre.
In 1893 Harrogate doctor George Oliver was the first to observe the effect of adrenaline on the circulation.Former employers in the town were ICI, who occupied offices and laboratories at Hornbeam Park, the Central Electricity Generating Board, (CEGB), and the Milk Marketing Board. ICI's Hornbeam Park laboratories at Hornbeam Park were the location of the invention of Crimplene in the 1950s, named after the nearby Crimple Valley and Beck. The town hosted the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest which was held in the newly developed conference centre.
Harrogate won the 2003 Britain in Bloom in the category of 'Large Town' and won the European Entente Florale competition in 2004. This reprises its win in the first Entente Florale competition in 1977. Harrogate was a gold medal winner of Europe in Bloom in 2004. In 2005, a Channel 4 TV show listed Harrogate as the UK's third best place to live.
Source & More Information: Wikipedia, Harrogate, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrogate