The hidden history of Torquay's 59 Fleet Street

59 Fleet Street, Torquay, is currently home to the ladies' clothing store, Yours Clothing, within the Fleet Walk Shopping Centre. However, according to research conducted by local history expert Graham Wheatley, the location has an interesting history, having housed a variety of other businesses over the years.

In a post shared on the local history Facebook group, Undiscovered Torbay, Graham posted an image of 59 Fleet Street when it was the home of Martins Bank. He writes:

“Martins Bank opened a temporary branch in Torquay at 5 Vaughan Parade on 16th May 1938 while reconstruction was underway at their newly acquired premises at 59 Fleet Street. They moved to Fleet Street in October 1938. Martins Bank was bought by Barclays Bank in 1969, and this branch was subsequently closed in 1974.”

Going further back, Graham explains that in the 1870s, the building—which included a shop and several rooms—served as the office for the historical news publication The Torquay Times until 1880. In the 1880s, the premises was briefly occupied by Frank Knipe, an agent for the Torquay & District Kelly’s Directory, before becoming the office for the Torquay Gas Co in the early 1890s, after the company moved from Kitson's offices at Vaughan Parade.

Torquay Gas Co’s manager, Robert Beyon, was assisted by a secretary and an accountant. The company later evolved into the Torquay & Paignton Gas Company and moved to new premises at 112-114 Union Street in 1934.

In more recent history, the building was home to a branch of Fox & Sons Estate Agents in the 1980s before becoming part of the Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, which opened in September 1989.