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Brunswick Square, Torquay, Devon, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brunswick_Square,_Torre_-_geograph.org.uk_-_197411.jpgAuthor: Derek Harper
Torquay is a seaside town in the Torbay unitary authority area, in Devon, England. The town is best known for being the home of Agatha Christie for much of her life. It lies about 35 km (22 mi) south of Exeter and 61 km (38 mi) northeast of Plymouth. Torquay has a population of 64,000 people, making it the third largest settlement in Devon.
The Torquay area bears evidence of human habitation going back into the Stone Age. The hand axes found in Kents Cavern may be the oldest articles by modern human in Europe, dating to as early as 40,000 years ago.
Although there is no trace of Roman settlement in the area, Roman soldiers have visited Torquay and left offerings at a rock formation in Kent's Cavern. Modern Torquay probably dates back to the construction of Torre Abbey in 1196. Little was known of Torquay thourh the ages, and it was just a small village at the start of the 19th century, with a population less than 900 people. Yet within less than fifty years, that would grow to 11,474.
The construction of a railway station helped to increase the development and population of the town. In the early days, Torquay was a convalescence retreat attracting those seeking a good rest from illnesses. By the late 19th century, the visitor composition evolved, with healthy tourists forming the bulk of visitors.
Today Torquay depends on tourism as the mainstay of its economy. It has a number of tourist sights that are worth checking out.
Visiting Torquay
If coming from Manchester, take the M5 motorway until Exeter, where it continues as the A38 and then as the A380. Take the A380 heading south till you arrive in Torquay.
Chapel in Torquay Cemetery: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chapel_in_Torquay_Cemetery_-_geograph.org.uk_-_257352.jpgAuthor: Derek Harper
Places of Interest in Torquay
- Kents Cavern: Britain's most important stone age site with evidence of human presence for some 700,000 years.
- Princess Theatre: The largest theater in Torquay, with a seating capacity of 1,500.
- Torquay Museum: The oldest museum in Devon.
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