Discover Dome's Fascinating Past On New Tour
29 March 2012
Travel and Tourism students Daniel Collins, Chris Maberley, Sam Mckay, Laura Wainwright, Paige Harrison and foreground Maria Kuhn
The Devonshire Dome dates back to 1779... In that time many people have worked, lived and died here so it's not surprising that there are many ghost stories, and reports of sightings and strange activity in the Dome.
”Project leader, Maria Kuhn
Residents of and visitors to Buxton can now get a glimpse into the fascinating and frightening past of one of the town's most iconic buildings, as the Devonshire Dome launches a programme of Ghost Tours.
From April 3 every Tuesday at 7.30pm, throughout the summer months, tour guides will lead visitors around the Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome and deep into its rich history; uncovering some of the events and people that may still haunt its corridors today.
The Ghost Tours have been developed and will be led by BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management degree students of the University of Derby Buxton, who have studied the history of their campus, and collated the many stories of sightings and spooky goings on to design the new tour.
Student Maria Kuhn, 23, from Germany, who has led the project, said: "The Devonshire Dome dates back to 1779 when it was built as a stable block for the fifth Duke of Devonshire and has had many uses since that time, including as a war-time hospital.
"In that time many people have worked, lived and died here so it's not surprising that there are many ghost stories, and reports of sightings and strange activity in the Dome. These include Nurse Victoria, Albert the Poltergeist and the Lady of Chiswick. Anyone interested in hearing more will have to join us on one of the tours."
The popular Heritage Tours of the Devonshire Dome are also returning for the summer months. Every Wednesday and Friday at 11am and 2pm, guests can experience a tour of the Dome and its buildings, and get an insight into the building's former uses.
Developed by former BA (Hons) Travel and Tourism Management degree student, Fay Fallows, the Devonshire Dome Visitor Experience Tours are led by fully trained University of Derby Buxton degree students, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in culture and heritage tourism.
All bookings must be made in advance through Buxton Tourist Information Centre at Pavilion Gardens, St Johns Road, Buxton in person or by telephone 01298 25106.
