The Old Hall
Buxton, Derbyshire, England
“This is indeed a very special place with its own special feeling” wrote Daniel Defoe of The Old Hall in 1727. In fact, many historians and archaeologists believe a building of some sort has stood on the site for over three thousand years (the Romans almost certainly created a thermal bath here, naming it 'Aqua Arnemetiae' ).
The fabric of the present building dates from a ‘mere’ 1573, and stands on the site of the previous “Auld Hall”. This “New Hall”, as it was known back then, was built by the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury, with the sanction of Elizabeth I, for the accommodation of Mary Queen of Scots. Under house-arrest, Mary spent the late Summer of 1573 here - the spa waters thought to be capable of improving her rheumatism. Indeed, during her stay it was visited by so many Elizabethan notables - the Earls of Leicester, Pembroke, Suffolk and Lord Burghley to name but a few - that it became known as “That house of Royal intrigue”.
Upon leaving, Mary scratched her famous couplet of Farewell to Buxton with a diamond ring on one of the bedroom window panes: “Buxton, whose warm waters have made thy name famous, perchance I shall visit thee no more - Farewell”
See the Historic Hotels in Derbyshire index
The fabric of the present building dates from a ‘mere’ 1573, and stands on the site of the previous “Auld Hall”. This “New Hall”, as it was known back then, was built by the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury, with the sanction of Elizabeth I, for the accommodation of Mary Queen of Scots. Under house-arrest, Mary spent the late Summer of 1573 here - the spa waters thought to be capable of improving her rheumatism. Indeed, during her stay it was visited by so many Elizabethan notables - the Earls of Leicester, Pembroke, Suffolk and Lord Burghley to name but a few - that it became known as “That house of Royal intrigue”.
Upon leaving, Mary scratched her famous couplet of Farewell to Buxton with a diamond ring on one of the bedroom window panes: “Buxton, whose warm waters have made thy name famous, perchance I shall visit thee no more - Farewell”
See the Historic Hotels in Derbyshire index
Online Booking and Reviews for The Old Hall Hotel
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Old Hall Hotel
The Square Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6BD Reviews and Booking. Please note that nightsinthepast.com plays no part in the actual review, booking or reservation process for this or any other accommodation. Costs for maintaining and developing Nights in the Past are met solely by it being the last referring site to our partners which results in a completed reservation. |
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