This painting shows the view looking across the harbour towards Waldon Hill and on towards Torre Abbey. The buildings on the right are where the later Torbay Hotel was to be built. Notice that there is no road round Waldon Hill towards Torre Abbey in the distance – only a path over the hill used by fishermen as a short cut to church in Tormohun. The Cary family of Torre Abbey at first objected to a new road round the coast, as it would have passed close to their house. Finally a road was completed in 1842.

The painting shows the importance of sailing boats as a means of transporting goods, for fishing and for leisure before the advent of steam ships. It also shows the peace and tranquility of the harbour area and along the coast to Torre Abbey Meadow. It was this that, among other things like the climate and the views, attracted wealthy visitors. 

Look at the print called Harbour circa 1850.What differences do you notice? Look at the buildings - are they the same? Is the harbour busier? Is it more built up? 

Look at the photo of the harbour in Seafront (1880s). What differences do you notice? Have the buildings changed? Is the harbour busier still? Is it more built up? 

Look at the photograph called Seafront (late 19th century). What changes have taken place? Is it busier? Look at boats in the harbour, the roads, houses and the land use. 

Challenge! When you have looked at each picture carefully, copy and paste the 4 pictures into a word processor document in chronological order. Write an explanation of how Torquay Harbour and the surrounding area changed.