The mineral springs at Buxton were first used by the Romans, who built a settlement on a hill above the town. They were very popular during the Elizabethan period, but were made fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries by the 5th, 6th and 7th Dukes of Devonshire. The public can sample the thermal water from St Ann's Well, which is decorated at Well Dressing time.