The Natural
Baths were re-built and completed in 1854 to the design of Henry
Curry architect to The Duke of Devonshire, The Glass ceiling shown
opposite is situated in what was one of the rest rooms of The
Natural Baths and this room is currently being used by The Tourist
Information Centre, so if you visit whilst in town make sure you
look up as well as at the leaflets, there are regular local exhibitions
in the Tourist Information Centre so ask the staff what's on they
are very helpful.
The Source
of Buxton Water is here in The Natural Baths, rising naturally
through fissures in the rock, The Gentleman’s Bath was constructed
over this and was fed by the Natural Water which bubbled up through
the Marble floor of the Bath, the natural gasses found in the
water were considered by physicians to be an essential part of
the water treatment received at Buxton. As you can see from the
picture on the left the source is now capped and the water is
pumped to the public St Ann's Well The swimming pool and for use
by Buxton Natural Mineral Water Company where it is bottled and
distributed widely.
The Natural
baths provided separate bathing for both Ladies and Gentlemen
also both private and public bathing was available as well as
facilities for The Devonshire Royal Hospital. There were six baths
in total with prices in 1881 for both Ladies & Gentlemen’s
private bathing being Two shillings & sixpence which by today’s
equivalent would be quite an expense.