1196: Torre Abbey was founded as a Premonstratensian Monastery and flourished under the influence of the White Canons. In 1539 it suffered the same fate as all other monasteries when Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution.

1662: Torre Abbey was bought by Sir George Cary and remained with the family until 1929 when it was bought by the Torquay Corporation (now Torbay Council). The Carys also owned St Marychurch and Babbacombe but the family lost their lands at Cockington during the Civil War and the manor passed to the Mallock family in 1654.

1828: ‘The Maker of Torquay’, William Kitson, became chairman of the newly formed local authority. Acting on behalf of absentee landlord Sir Lawrence Vernon Palk, owner of the manor of Tormohun, an exclusive residential area was created in the Warberries and Lincombes. Several of these original properties still stand among the tree-clad hills, notably Hesketh Crescent. Completed in 1848 with its sweeping Regency facade it was described as the ‘finest crescent of houses in the West of England’.

1844: William Pengelly co-founded Torquay Natural History Society (now Torquay Museum Society) and in 1865 began a fifteen-year excavation of Kent’s Cavern.

1848: The South Devon Railway arrived in December drawing many visitors of the ‘highest class’ intent on improving their health. A ‘wholesome Code of Byelaw’ was set up and some beaches were set aside for ladies and others for gentlemen – ‘mixed’ bathing was not allowed until 1899.

1892: Two events took place which were to radically change both the appearance and outlook of Torquay. Through trains were introduced and Torquay was granted Borough status. The town was now ready for expansion and to start building a new image. The healthy were encouraged to come as well as the ailing. The Victorian watering place soon became transformed into a holiday resort adopting the Latin motto ‘Salus et Felicitas‘ meaning ‘Health and Happiness‘.

1926: Babbacombe Cliff Railway began operating on the steep incline between Babbacombe Downs and Oddicombe Beach.

1948: The XIV Olympiad yachting events were held in Torbay - 25 nations competed and the opening and closing ceremonies took place in the grounds of Torre Abbey.

1961: The Princess Theatre opened alongside Princess Gardens and Princess Pier (in use since 1894 and 1895 respectively).

1999: Responsibility for protecting Cockington and other local wildlife and heritage sites passed from Torbay Council to Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.

Related Documents

Local Studies - Torquay

Local Studies - Cockington

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