It was founded in 1872 and is now part of the Priory Group, which was acquired in 2011 by an American private equity firm, Advent International.

[8] Early celebrity patients included, in the 1880s, the wife of the Victorian politician Jabez Balfour,[9] and, in the 1960s, the American singer Paul Robeson.

Firstly, celebrities began seeking treatment at the hospital,[8][2] attracted not only by clinical excellence,[1] but also by location and, according to one press report, "a version, much-updated, of the smartest 19th century spa experience".

[15] In the remaining fifth area, caring for people safely and protecting them from harm, the Commission considered that all standards were met and no improvements were required.

[22] The other facilities include a fully equipped gym with fitness instructor, tai chi, yoga, and aerobics classes, swimming, aromatherapy and shiatsu massage.

[20] It has residential facilities for 107 patients[8] who stay in individual rooms with en-suite bathrooms; fees are said to be in excess of £2,500 per week.

[23] The school specialises in caring for and educating children with autistic spectrum disorders, in particular Asperger’s Syndrome and associated learning difficulties[23] and charges fees of £65,000 per year.