Can you help us identify this Torbay school?

This black-and-white image of an unknown public school in Torbay dates back to 1853.

We are able to share it with our readers thanks to our new partnership with Torquay Library, which houses an archival collection of local studies material.

The inscription at the bottom of the image appears to link the school to 19th-century architect Edward Appleton, who designed various buildings across the bay, including the Freemasons' Lodge on Parkhill Road, Torquay.

In 1853, Queen Victoria was still on the throne, and Britain’s Industrial Revolution was at its peak. Transport was being transformed by the country's growing railway network, and there were increased calls for social reforms around poor working conditions, child labour, and public health. 

Britain was preparing to fight in the Crimean War against Russia alongside France and the Ottoman Empire, which started in October 1853 and lasted until February 1856.

Charles Dickens was also in the process of publishing Bleak House, which was released in serial format between 1952 and 1953.

We encourage anyone with knowledge about this image to comment on Facebook or reach out to us at torbayweekly@clearskypublishing.co.uk