'The first train came to Torre Station on 18th December 1848 amid great celebrations. It was decorated with evergreens and flags. There were 9 first class and 15 second class carriages. The railway was extended to the site of the present Torquay station in 1852. Opposition from important landowners meant there was no line to the harbour as many wanted.

Notice how many men are working at the station. Railways in the 19th century took many people to run them and the coming of the railway meant new jobs for the town. Small stations such as this today are usually unmanned.

The coming of the railway to Torquay was an important event in the development of the town. Roads at that time were poor and a journey from London by stagecoach took about 17 hours. It was also very expensive. A rail journey from London to Exeter took about four and a half hours. So a new line to Torquay meant visits by the wealthy became much easier.