Buxton Derbyshire

The spa town of Buxton was founded in 79 AD by the Romans, who discovered a spring from which 1500 gallons of pure water gushed every hour at a constant 28'C. The spring became so famous that Mary Queen of Scots was allowed by her captors to come here for treatment of her rheumatism.

Today visitors can fill their own water bottles from St. Ann's Well, a little street fountain in front of the Crescent.

The development of modern Buxton began with the fashion of "taking the waters" in the 18thC. The 5th Duke of Devonshire planned a northern version of Bath, the splendid Crescent being the centre of his grand design and housing 3 hotels and several baths. With the decline of spas however, the buildings fell into disrepair and are only recently being restored.

He also built a stable block which was built around a circular exercise area. When the buildings were converted into the Royal Devonshire Hospital, this circular area was covered over with a large dome spanning 154'. At the time it was the largest unsupported dome in the world. Open to visitors today, we have often sat in the surreal quiet of this immense space, enjoying a coffee and listening to the accoustics echoing around the vast dome.

The Victorians set out the gardens and the delightful cast- iron and glass buildings including the concert hall, conservatory, Pavillion and Opera House. Buxton's history is explained in the award winning Museum and Art Gallery near the market place.