This sequested spot

Things to Consider           Teachers Notes

Many other charming situations and picturesque landscapes will be visited by every person of taste, and particularly Torbay will not be omitted, which, besides its natural beauties, has oftentimes to boast of sheltering the Channel Fleet, the glory and defence of the British Empire. Here, in a retiring cove, stands Torquay, a little fishing village, which has recently become a bathing-place.

The whole curve of Torbay is computed at twelve miles, between two capes, called Hope’s Nose and Berry Head. Torquay is about two miles distant from the former, and is sheltered from the waves by a ridge of rocks. The air of this place is sharp; but, in romantic beauty and picturesque scenery, it cannot be surpassed; and those who can dispense with assembly-rooms and fashionable dissipations, may pass a few weeks in the summer at this sequested spot, with satisfaction and improvement in health.

This is an extract from a book on the increasingly popular past time of bathing - Guide to all the Watering and Sea Bathing Places in England and Wales published in 1806.

Glossary:

• omitted: left out
• retiring: small or modest
• computed: estimated
• dispense with: manage without
• dissipations: amusements which waste time & energy
• sequested: sheltered, quiet