Old Hall Hotel, Derbyshire
A Brief Introduction to Old Hall Hotel
Image courtesy of ensanahotels.com
The Old Hall Hotel, reputed to be the oldest hotel in England, dates back to 1573. It was built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I in 1577 to provide accommodation for Mary Queen of Scots. At the time, Mary was under house arrest – her guardians being the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury.
An Introduction to Buxton
The area around Buxton has been inhabited since ancient times. Evidence of early settlements, including Roman and Iron Age artefacts, has been found in the area, indicating a long history of human habitation.
Known as Aquae Arnemetiae during Roman times, Buxton was renowned for its thermal springs. It was a popular destination for Roman settlers seeking the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters.
The Romans built baths and a temple dedicated to the goddess Arnemetia, which formed the nucleus of the town’s early development. After the decline of the Roman Empire, Buxton’s importance as a spa town waned, but it remained a small settlement throughout the medieval period.
The town’s fortunes began to revive in the sixteenth century when Mary, Queen of Scots, visited Buxton and stayed at the Old Hall Hotel during her long period of house arrest.
Buxton experienced a resurgence as a spa town in the eighteenth century during the Georgian era. The construction of the Crescent, modelled after Bath’s famous Royal Crescent, and other spa facilities attracted visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of the town’s natural springs. The town became a fashionable destination for the wealthy elite, contributing to its economic and cultural growth.
The Victorian era saw further development and expansion. The railway arrived in Buxton in 1863, improving accessibility and bringing more visitors to the town. Its architecture also flourished during this period, with the construction of notable buildings such as the Devonshire Dome, which remains one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.
Buxton’s cultural scene thrived in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with the establishment of the Buxton Festival in 1979 featuring opera, music, and literature. The town also became known for its association with literature; writers such as Jane Austen and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle visited and referenced Buxton in their works. Today, the town attracts visitors with its stunning scenery and historic architecture. The town’s spa heritage remains an important part of its identity, with visitors still enjoying the therapeutic waters and exploring its rich history.
Stay at The Old Hall
The Old Hall Hotel has a mix of architectural styles reflecting its long history. Visitors can admire its timber-framed façade and stone-mullioned windows. While steeped in history, the Old Hall Hotel offers modern amenities and comforts for guests. It has been refurbished and updated over the years to provide comfortable accommodation, dining, and event facilities while preserving its historic character.
Renowned for its originality of accommodation, with over thirty unique bedrooms, each bedroom has been sympathetically furnished in keeping with the age of the hotel, with all the modern comforts you need.
Historic Properties Nearby
For a detailed itinerary of Tudor places in Derbyshire and North Yorkshire, click here.
Visitor Information
For more details on the accommodation, check out The Old Hall’s website.
Contact Details: Use the contact form here.
Address: Old Hall Hotel, The Square, Buxton SK17 6BD.
