The earliest known settlement in what is now Buxton dates from the Middle Stone Age or late Mesolithic period around 5300 BC. Stone Age farmers made the area their home at about 3500 - 1800 BC and left numerous monuments in the form of barrows and the famous henges at Arbor Low and Bull Ring. They were followed by dwellers of the Beaker and Bronze Ages, who’s stone circles and burial cairns are still visible around Stanton Moor and elsewhere. Evidence of Iron Age settlements can also be seen in the hill forts at Castle Naze and Castleton’s MamTor.
The Romans called the town “Aquae Arnemetiae” which translates as “The Waters of the Goddess of the Spring”. Buxton was an important Roman site with no less than three bath houses and a shrine and only Bath (“Aquae Sulis”), was elevated to such levels with the granting of the appellation, “Aquae”. Coins dating from 100 - 400 AD have been found in the area and there is evidence of Romano British farming settlements throughout the period.
‘Bug-Stan’ meaning ‘’Rocking Stones’ is just one suggested origin for the name of Buxton, the other being ‘Buck Stan’ when it was known that the King’s deer came to drink at the warm spring.
It wasn’t until the Tudor period that the reputation of the spa waters was enhanced when Mary, Queen of Scotland, under the custodianship of the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, was given leave to take the waters for her numerous ailments. The Hall, now the Old Hall Hotel was specially built to house her visits between 1573 and 1584.
The medicinal properties of the waters were now recognised and as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Peak’, their fame grew throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries. The 5th Duke of Devonshire was inspired to build the Crescent and Great Stables for the benefit of wealthy visitors. Between1780 and 1811 he was also responsible for the development of the Square, Hall Bank and St John’s Church.
The Railway arrives - Georgian Buxton enjoyed only modest success but after 1850 visitors started to arrive in substantial numbers to holiday and take the waters. New baths, a Pump Room, churches, hotels and hydros were built to accommodate them. The Stables were converted into the Royal Devonshire Hospital and had its magnificent slate roof added in 1881. The Pavilion and Gardens were laid out and in 1903, the Opera House was opened to much acclaim.
An Inland Resort - The end of the First World War saw the popularity of the Spa decline after the heady days of the Edwardian era. But it’s popularity as a holiday destination and conference centre was enhanced as it offered a wide range of entertainments, dances and, as the heart of the Peak District, unrivalled scenery and walking. With the opening of the University and its Spa and the proposed development of the Crescent, Natural Spa water is enjoying a revival and Buxton is looking forward to a very happy future.
More Information
Archaeological Tours - www.pdat.co.uk
History of the Peak District - www.peak-experience.org.uk |
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