Harrogate, borough, North Yorkshire, northern England. The borough, which was formed in 1974, incorporates the former municipal boroughs of Harrogate and Ripon. The town of Harrogate is a summer resort and has large civic conference and exhibition centers. Of note in the borough are Harrogate's Royal Pump Room (1842), now a museum, and Ripon Cathedral (12th-15th century). Mineral springs were first discovered in Harrogate in 1571 (more than 80 springs were eventually discovered), and in the 18th and 19th centuries Harrogate was a major health resort. Since World War II spa activities have ceased, and Harrogate has developed as an important conference center. Population (1996 estimate) 147,635.
