Leamington is a spa town in central Warwickshire, England. Formerly known as Leamington Priors, its expansion began following the popularisation of the medicinal qualities of its water by Dr Kerr in 1784, and by Dr Lambe around 1797. During the 19th century, the town experienced one of the most rapid expansions in England. The result was the transformation of Leamington Priors, which in 1800 was a village with a population of around 300, into the fashionable spa resort renamed Royal Leamington Spa, which by mid-century had a population of over 15,000.