News Archive
The Buxton Gardens and Pavilion
September 30, 1871
The attractions of Buxton, in Derbyshire, to the pleasure-seekers or health-seekers, who assemble from all parts of the Country in that agreeable place of resort, have been greatly Increased by this season, by opening of the new Public Gardens and Pavilion, completed at a cost of £12,000, on land given by the Duke of Devonshire.
This work has been accomplished by the Buxton Improvements Company, to whose capital his Grace is also a liberal subscriber.
The Grounds are in the centre of the town, and traversed by the river Wye, being the place hitherto known as the Serpentine Walks.
They have been tastefully and skilfully laid out by Mr Edward Milner of Dulwich-Wood, Norwood, landscape gardener and garden architect, who was employed in the laying out of the Crystal Palace grounds, and has lately directed the formation of the Preston and Halifax Peoples’ Parks.
Messrs. Wade, of Manchester, were the contractors for the works at Buxton.
The Pavilion is a light iron and glass structure, 400ft. in length, rising from a stone base. It will be warmed, for a winter covered walk, by four rows of hot-water pipes going round the whole building and it will also be lighted with gas in the evening.
This Building which stands on the north side of the gardens, contains a central hall for concerts and assemblies, flanked by two conservatories, with waiting-rooms.
From a terrace running the whole length of the Pavilion, the ground slopes beautifully down to the river Wye, which is crossed by a handsome cast-iron bridge, over which the principal walk passes from the centre of the terrace to the band stands, Whence the walks diverge in various directions, affording pleasant lounges and charming views of the scenery, while the great natural advantages of the grounds have been artistically utilised.
The works were commenced in August last year, since which time the large pavilion already mentioned, two miles of walks, and five bridges have been constructed. The two lakes, which will be remembered by visitors to Buxton, have been joined, two new waterfalls have been made, and the grounds have been thickly and artistically planted with evergreens and trees.
Statuary also is not wanting. The opening ceremony, on the 10th ult, was attended by the Duke of Devonshire, Lord George Cavendish, MP, and other gentlemen, who were afterwards entertained with luncheon by Dr. Robertson and the other directors of the Buxton Improvements Company, in the new Pavilion.
It is thought likely that many invalids, or aged and infirm persons, will henceforth be included to pass the winter at Buxton, for the sake of the accommodation now provided.
Source: The Illustrated London News