History of Buxton
The history and progress of the town through to the modern age can be linked in a large part to two main factors; its privileged position in a wonderful setting and perhaps more significantly its natural spring waters. The waters which rise up around here are both hot and cold, with the hot variety being classed as thermal springs.
There is plenty of evidence of humans dwelling here before the Romans arrived, with around 5000 BC being cited as a possible starting point in the town's history. It appears that the Roman's appreciation for the thermal water proved crucial in the town's progress to the next stage of its development. The name they used for the settlement was Aquae Arnemetiae (spa of the goddess of the grove) and it become an important Roman dwelling, with important road intersections here showing it's value to the Romans. Archaeological evidence suggest to us that the Romans occupied the area continuously throughout their in England and it is easy to imagine them bathing in the spring waters.
We need to fast forward to around the year 1100 to find the first recorded mention of Bucstones or Buckestones. In the 16th century we see that a well in town is valued at a considerable sum, equivalent to over 25 pounds. The well was closed briefly after this, but was soon up and running and attracting famous visitors like Mary Queen of Scots. Rumours suggest that her time spent bathing in Buxton was an opportunity to hatch plans against her captor. As we move on through Buxton's timeline we see that books begin to appear, paying tribute to the curative powers of it's spring waters, as the fame that the waters of Buxton has achieved continue to spread.
Another step was taken in the development of the town starting in the mid 18th century. The Victorian custom of seeking out spa resorts and the growing tourism possibilities offered by the leaps being taken in the world of industry led to several spa towns being transformed into luxury tourist resorts by the Victorians. The 5th Duke of Devonshire was a key figure in Buxton taking a step up in the ranking of these spa towns, as his founding of the Crescent offered modern and luxurious hotel accommodation for the visiting tourists. By the late 18th century the Crescent and the Great Stables had been built but Buxton still counted with just a small permanent population of fewer than 1,000. The progress continued though, with new hotels, lodging accommodation and baths quickly springing up around town and helping consolidate Buxton's reputation as a top spa town and tourist destination, a reputation which is has maintained to this day, despite the many changes which the world has undergone since its days as being one of the pioneers of Britain's fledgling tourist industry.
