Royal Leamington Spa, commonly known as Leamington Spa or Leamington /ˈlɛmɪŋtən/ or Leam /ˈlɛm/ colloquially, 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. It is named after the River Leam which flows through the town.