The Montpelier of England

Things to Consider           Teachers Notes

For the mildness of its atmosphere, Torquay is popularly called the Montpelier of England. It is in the parish of Tor Moham, about 2,000 acres in extent : the population in 1801 amounted to 838, and is now 11,474, besides about 1,800 men and boys at sea. The population, in the season, sometimes reaches 20,000. During the last fifteen years, the number of visitors has almost doubled, and a great number of handsome dwellings have been erected. There are numerous hotels, inns, and lodging-houses. There are four churches in the town, and a new church on the road to Tor, besides various chapels. There are a Town Hall, Museum, Infirmary, Public Library, Reading Rooms, Assembly Rooms, Markets, &c., with various Societies, Charities, &c. Near the entrance to Park Hill, a road leads to the New Baths, a fine set of buildings, including large salt-water swimming-baths, dressing-rooms, &c. At the entrance is a large hall and staircase, and on the first floor magnificent Assembly Rooms, on either side of which are detached wings for hot, cold, tepid, and vapour baths. On the second floor are card and billiard rooms, refreshment rooms, &c. Upon the pier, in front of Victoria Parade, yachts and boats can be hired at a moderate price.

Adjoining the town, near the two principal hotels, are the Public Gardens, of about four acres, laid out with walks amid lofty trees. Near Park Place is an ascent to Park Hill, from whence is seen an interminable forest of villas. At a short distance is Hesketh Crescent, a handsome range of houses, overlooking Meadfoot Sands.

The neighbourhood of Torquay is exceedingly picturesque.

'This is an extract from a railway guide of 1861 - Official Illustrated Guide to the Great Western Railway - George Measom