A Bit More Buxton ...

We took the day off on Friday and decided to take the helter-skelter roads over to Buxton for a mooch around . Even though it was the most beautifully dazzling , bright spring day the clouds were still hovering low over the tops of the hills in the Peak District Park - we had to wait for the journey home before we could spot all the sweet little lambs in those rugged fields , as they were previously hidden under grey , damp blankets of fog !

I did manage to learn a few new things ; there has been a Heritage Regeneration programme in Buxton since 2000 ( last time we visited The Crescent was being worked on) partly funded with National Lottery donations , and there are now plans for a five-star , luxury Spa Hotel right in the centre of the town . It will be situated in The Crescent , and the original Pump Room (the small building facing The Crescent in the photo) will be restored to its former glory as a place inviting the public to take the mineral rich waters . The blurb , on huge boards inside the old Pavilion - which is itself set in restored gardens - states that it will be one of only 2 naturally occurring spa hotels in the country ; so surely the other must be in Bath . Which is one of my favourite places :0) If you remember , there is a Royal Crescent in Bath which is on a grand scale to make Buxton's pretender seem .... "compact and bijoux". Whilst it may be a modest challenger it's still elegant , Regency and majestically fits its own landscape !





Much of the architecture appears to have been cleaned ; you know how interesting buildings seem to gain a beacon of light on them that directs your gaze . We spotted this enchanting doorway . I can't decide if the message is more stern or solicitous .


Interestingly , Buxton hospital was one which Florence Nightingale tried to reform prior to 1860 , originally the patients were barely receiving any "care" at all . After that time the 6th Duke of Devonshire started a charity hospital , and more effort was given to facilitating the taking of the waters for patients .

The last photo speaks for itself really - this is the War Memorial in the gardens high above The Crescent . I particularly like the way Ashley has captured this part of it specifically , cutting out the more flowery decoration . These memorials are all so powerful when you take time to stop still for a second. Here we were standing on a quiet , sunny , go-slowly day enjoying the views . On the statue the inscription ;"Pro Patria Mori " ( Died for Their Country) Impossible not to be moved .



Enjoy your day ,wherever you are ,

T.T.F.N Ruth X

(See previous Bath and Buxton posts in 2008 archive)