The Buxton Experience.

Lower Buxton is a charming area of the town with much fine architecture, a beautiful park and an interesting history.  Nineteen Spaggers travelled by chara for two fascinating tours which were enjoyed by us all.  On each tour the group was split into two to ensure that all of us could hear our guides.

The morning involved a short, slow walk from the pavilion past magnificent Georgian buildings which have recently been restored to their original splendour.  There were many buildings of interest but among the best were the Devonshire Dome which at 145 feet, is the largest unsupported dome in Europe.  Spectacular.

Whilst viewing the outside of Chandlers Chemists (Victorian in date) one of our party questioned the word ‘Nostrum’ written on the sign.  A quick Google search revealed that it was a medicine prescribed by an unqualified person ie a charlatan!

Lunchtime and we adjourned to cafes or the park before assembling at the Pump Room to immerse ourselves in the Buxton Experience.  With guides in period dress we were led through the history of the spa town and learnt how the wealthy were pampered with the medicinal waters, the middle classes in slightly less salubrious surroundings and the poorer people got what was left (nowt changes)!

Each room told a different story and one allowed us to try on different headgear.

Finally, we were given small bottles (primary school milk bottles) to fill from the flow of free Buxton water which emerges from the ground at a constant 27.5°C.  As we drank it we reflected that it was rain that fell 5000 years ago before eventually returning to the surface. Who’d a thought it!