Listed Building record MDR12181 - Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton

Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton, built in 1894. 'The Pump Room stands opposite the Crescent and backing on to the Slopes. It was given by the 8th Duke of Devonshire and was opened in 1894. It takes the form of a five-bay room flanked by single bay pedimented entrances in rusticated stonework. The stained glass windows are under semi-circular arches. The well and its surrounds are decorated in marble tiles. In 1988 it was in use as a micrarium.' (1) 'A new Pump Room was constructed in 1893/94, replacing the earlier Pump Room at the Natural Baths, which had become overcrowded. It was built to the designs of the Duke of Devonshire's architect, Henry Currey, and originally had open arcading. This was enclosed in 1911-12 and the pepper pot domes at either end of the building were removed in c1937. Water was pumped to the dispensing pool in the Pump Room from the springs across the road at the Natural Baths. The pool still exists but is no longer accessible to the public. A card depicting facilities in the early 1900s shows a separate room within the building for the dispensing of chalybeate or iron water.' (2) 'On June 13 1894 a new Pump Room facing the Crescent was opened, to provide enlarged facilities where people could drink the thermal water and meet socially. Suggestions that a new one was needed had come as early as 1881 and at least four sites were being considered by c1887. The Duke of Devonshire was initially opposed to siting a building in front of the Crescent, fearing it would affect the view and disturb the water source; however, this was resolved by 1891. The new Pump Room was the last public building to be designed by Henry Currey (principal architect to the Devonshire Estate) and was financed by the Duke.' (3) From the National Heritage List for England: 'BUXTON SK0573NE THE CRESCENT 616-1/3/81 (South side) 25/01/51 Pump Room GV II Marked on the OS map as St Ann's Well. Pump room, later micrarium now pump room. 1894, domes removed 1912, converted late C20. By H Currey. Ashlar with ashlar dressings. Flat roof. PLAN: T-plan. EXTERIOR: single storey. Street front, 7 windows arranged 1:5:1. Central section has Tuscan Doric pilasters with entablature inscribed ST ANN'S WELL and balustrade, 5 round moulded arches with keystones and moulded imposts each with a single 2-light window with fanlight. Either side single slightly projecting rusticated square pavilions with pediments, each has a round moulded arch with keystone and moulded imposts containing C20 double doors and overlight. Similar articulation to side and rear facades of pavilions. Returns have 2 windows between rusticated piers with round moulded arches with keystones and moulded imposts containing 2-light windows with fanlights. Rear has curved wall with moulded parapet and 5 casement windows with a central 3-light window flanked by single light windows and flanked by 2-light windows. INTERIOR: retains open hall and many original features, such as the shallow tri-partite coved ceiling, plastered beams with decoration, marble pillars, plaster roundels, tiled floors, Art Nouveau glass, panelled doors with oval overlights. The pump or well reputed to survive in situ, in sunken basement to the rear of building. (The Buildings of England: Pevsner N: Derbyshire: Harmondsworth: 1953-1986: 116). Listing NGR: SK0581573522.' (4)