Torquay Town Hall tour just the ticket for local group

As part of Local History Month, Torbay Council welcomed Torquay Library Local History Group in a tour of the town’s striking Edwardian Baroque Torquay Town Hall.

The tour was organised by Andrea Drewitt who chairs the Torquay Library Local History Group and was led by the Director of Corporate Services Matthew Fairclough-Kay. Local historian Kevin Dixon described the role the Town Hall has played in the resort’s history.

The tour heard how the new Town Hall replaced the original, that still exists on Union Street, as it was seen as too small for what was the richest town in England.

Originally part of the grounds of St Mary Magdalene's Church, the Town Hall’s foundation stone was laid in 1906. Then came the Carnegie Library completed in 1907. Since then, Torquay Town Hall has been the focus of municipal life in the town, dominating Castle Circus and reflecting the fortunes of the resort.

The tour was a wonderful local history treat and included the Assembly Rooms where so many greats such as the Rolling Stones played.

There was a look at the beautiful stained glass and some of the Council rooms. It was a good opportunity and the group wishes to thank Mayor Mark Spacgna for allowing access and to Matthew and the facilities team for allowing entry on the day.

It certainly is a stunning building and worth looking at outside where you will find an Eden Philpotts quote put up in 1907, that stained glass window and the dome-shaped Carnegie Library.

The Eden Philpotts quote says "Read wisely for a good book is a faithful friend"

Torquay Library's local history group is a thriving and welcoming group of people who love local heritage and plan more tours around the Bay. If you would like to join contact Torquay Library on 01803 714452 or email: torquay.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk