While in the Derbyshire Dales we had a quick look round Buxton and Bakewell--yes that Bakewell, the home of the Bakewell tart or pudding; opinion on the correct name is divided. You can find a
recipe for making it here.
Buxton is an old spa town with a lovely Regency era crescent which easily rivals those of Bath. After years of neglect it is now being restored. We didn't see much as there was still loads of building paraphernalia around and weren't able to take a nice photo.
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| Forgotten splendor |
A little further on though there was an exclaimation of delight from Niall. We'd come across a restored remnant of a Victorian railway station! He is fond of all things to do with old [steam] trains and railways; indeed anything to do with steam. He can still wax lyrical about the
Croften beam engines which he visited about 12 yrs ago. I declined that honour and sat happily reading The Guardian newspaper while he looked round. Evidently, according to him, I missed a real treat back then!
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| Information on the restoration of the fan light |
Sadly the weather wasn't all that good, so our photographs don't really do it justice, but it is a most beautiful fan window. It has been carefully restored and stands as a testament to Victorian railway architecture. Just behind the window is the modern terminal station.
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| Buxton's modern day station behind the window |
14 comments:
Photos don't really do that window justice, do they? (I've tried - trust me!)
It's a gorgeous thing and I love to see it if we're in that neck of the woods.
I have fond memories of Buxton, having stayed there twice for a week working. Not so fond of Bakewell pud though -- the ones in the 'official' bakery there are amongst the most unappetizing objects I've ever seen.
I reckon my hens will be legging it for the hills, looking at those egg requirements!
For me, I think the wander round the station would have beaten The Guardian hands down...while that window reminds me how much attention was paid to buldings meant to represent civic pride.
@AJ- no they don't and as it was so grey the light was flat. Add that to grey stone and you just can't do it justice. It is a super window.
@Susan - we didn't try the tart/pud either while there. Like you we've have had too many which did not impress.
@Fly- Oh I did enjoy the station, also found some of the original cast iron pillars with lovely acanthus leaf mouldings.
However, I did prefer the newspaper to the beam engines.
I have never been to Buxton so enjoyed the tour through your eyes. Thanks for sharing. Have a good weekend. Diane
@Diane - Buxton is certainly worth a visit.
I visited Buxton once, many years ago, but never found the station, so I really enjoyed this glimpse of past splendours. Don't our modern stations look sadly mean and utilitarian by comparison?
@Perpetua - Yes sadly, they do.
You really should try the pudding... it looks totally unimpressive, I agree... but the flavours are marvellous... however, it must be eaten WARM! Otherwise it is ghastly... all stodgy... no distiction between the flavours... then it tastes just like it looks.
The Bakewell 'tart' is a rival concoction that is over-sweet and much more simple to make.
I used to play darts with the son of the then owners... he's probably now the owner... and the official pudding shop has been in the same family line since the 1700's.
And as for Mr. Kipling's offering... well, he must be sponsored by the Dentists Association.
@Tim - well then we've only ever had a Bakewell tart as we've never tried anything warmed. Bakewell tarts left us distinctly underwhelmed.
If Mr K's Bakewell tarts are anything like his apple tarts then 'nuff said!
Thank goodness it was restored.
@LindyLou - exactly! It would have been a real loss had it disappeared.
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