150 years of Torre Abbey Meadows

Torre Abbey Meadows has officially been lit up for Christmas, and it looks markedly different from how it did almost 150 years ago.

In 2024, Torbay Road is a bustling hub of activity, lined with hotels and restaurants that attract residents and visitors alike.

The meadows play host to a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including fun fairs, festivals, and newer attractions like the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail and Torre Abbey’s Christmas Market.

Above: Belgrave Hotel from Warren Road 2007. Image: Creative Commons / Derek Harper

While the quiet roads and tranquil walkways of the Victorian era are, from a tourism perspective, thankfully a thing of the past, this archival image of Torquay during that time offers a glimpse into its simpler past.

This archival image, shared through Torbay Weekly’s new partnership with Torquay Museum, was discovered in a collection of previously untouched historic photographs digitalised by volunteer Janet.

Torquay Museum knows very little for certain about when this image was taken; however, they have confirmed that Facebook Group Undiscovered Torbay has made some highly educated and likely guesses.

In a comment on Torquay Museum's Facebook post, Undiscovered Torbay observed how rare it is to see Torquay’s former railway station from this angle.

According to Undiscovered Torbay, the new station opened in 1878 as a replacement for the original built in 1859.

They say: “The Grand Hotel (originally The Great Western, then The Western), if it is in this image, is just out of shot. That opened in 1881 and wasn't expanded into the size it is now until the 1900s.”

“The Recreation Ground was first used in 1888. It's not clear if that land is there or if it's still just a farmer's field. In any event, the grandstand is clearly not there as we have an uninterrupted view of the station.”

Undiscovered Torbay believes that the photo is dated somewhere in the range of 1879 and no later than 1900.

At the time the photo was taken, Belgrave House was likely the Atkinson's Family Hotel.

Facebook users were quick to point out the many differences in the Torre Abbey Meadows area today.

Pat Kat Clements May says: “Note the cabman's shelter at the bottom right of Belgrave Road.”

Joe King pointed out the absence of Torquay’s iconic palm trees, which were not introduced to the resort until the public gardens were planted in 1924.

Another significant difference is the lack of Torquay’s seafront spiral footbridge, the Black Ball Footbridge. 

According to Graham Wheatley, construction on the footbridge began in August 1969, following Torbay Borough Council’s announcement of plans to erect the structure over Torbay Road by Abbey Crescent. 

The contract was awarded to Butterley Engineering Co. Ltd., a Ripley-based company specialising in design and manufacture.

The footbridge was unveiled in May 1971 and officially opened on a rainy day in June 1971 by Torbay Mayor Gwen Illingworth.

While some may feel nostalgic for the simpler days of a bygone era, Torquay’s future shines brightly, with festive displays set to take centre stage throughout the month.

Torre Abbey will host its popular gift and craft fair, Winter Fest, in the Spanish Barn from Saturday, November 30, to Sunday, December 1, and visitors can experience the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail every evening until Thursday, January 2.