Bonaparte in Torquay

Things to Consider           Teacher's Notes

The ship was soon surrounded with a flotilla of boats and yachts. From Dartmouth, Brixham, Paignton, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Exeter, and Sidmouth, the vessels came up: and as the news flew along the coast, more distant ports sent out crowds of sail, which dotted the whole of the horizon, all hastening to one spot, until Torbay presented just such animated appearance as is often witnessed on a regatta day.

One writer says: "persons from London and other parts are flocking down to Torbay, though they know that Bonaparte is not expected to land, and that they cannot go on board the ‘Bellerophon’: but they can row in boats around the vessel and occasionally catch a glimpse of him.

This is an extract from “The History of Torquay” by JT White 1878