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.
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- 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.
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