The establishment of hydrotherapy centres in Ilkley, such as the Wharfedale Hydropathic Establishment and Ben Rhydding Hotel, was influenced by the success of similar centres in Malvern. Hamer Stansfield, a former mayor of Leeds, inspired by the hydrotherapy practices at the Gräfenberg centre in Silesia, formed a consortium to develop these facilities in Ilkley to harness the health benefits of the local pure, cold waters.