Buxton Pump Room Heritage Talk – The Waters of Buxton with Gill Williamson
The Waters of Buxton with Gill Williamson
The spring water at Buxton has been used for over 2000 years by local people, those passing through the area and visitors attracted by its qualities. This illustrated talk will describe the characteristics of the water, why people saw it as beneficial to their well-being and why its use fluctuated over time. You will be introduced to those who made it famous and their motives for coming to the springs. You will also hear why they went away and left them in relative obscurity. The use of the waters at Buxton, for health, recreation and economic gain, did not happen in isolation. There were other springs in the country which offered benefits too. The influence of investors in Buxton and elsewhere will be described: they established opportunities and facilities around sources of spring water in order to compete more effectively for visitors and their wealth. Buxton was sometimes left behind. Over the centuries, the use of water from springs and the fortunes of their local communities reflected changes in religion, medicine, technology, trade and philanthropy. The effects of these changes will be explored, with Buxton as their focus.
About Gill..
Gill Williamson has had an interest in the evolution of landscapes and how people use them, since undertaking a geography degree “many years ago”.
During a career in industry, her interest found outlets in spare-time travel and exploration. In retirement, she has researched the histories of diverse historic places and guided groups of visitors around them. These include the medieval buildings of Manchester, the National Trust’s historic gardens at both Hardwick Hall and Lyme Park and The Dome in Buxton.
She started researching the evolving history of Buxton’s warm spring waters in 2017 and has worked as a volunteer for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust since it was formed.
Where
This talk will take place in the Buxton Pump Room, opposite the Buxton Crescent. The Crescent Buxton SK17 6BH The entrance for the talk will be at the right hand door of the Pump Room. There is level access. For more details please email hello@buxtoncrescenttrust.org Call: 01298 214577
Covid Safety
We're following the guidance of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions guidance on appropriate Covid precautions. Therefore, we still advise that visitors while inside our venues, still wear a face mask, wash and sanitise hands, and maintain social distancing.
When
Wednesday 9th March 2022 Doors open at 6.30pm Talk starts at 7pm sharp The talk will last around 45 minutes, and there will be time for questions and discussion at the end.
Tickets
£12 full price adult tickets £11 concessions* £10 friends of Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust Tickets are for unreserved seats. *65+, Full time student, in receipt of benefits (please bring proof of concession on the evening).
Accessibility
The Buxton Pump Room is accessible by wheelchair over a small ramp at the door.. For more information about venue accessibility, please visit our Accessibility Page We will do our best to make the presentation accessible to all guests. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific access needs we can cater for, such as having a large print copy of the presentation notes.
Any Questions?
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