Cholera in Torquay

Things to Consider           Teachers Notes

In common with other towns, Torquay suffered from the visitation of cholera in 1849. The number of deaths from cholera and dysentery combined, in six weeks, was 66. The cases occurred chiefly in the oldest and worst part of the town – the homes of the poor – in Swan Street, George Street and Pimlico. Many of the inhabitants of these localities were removed to wooden houses, temporarily erected in a field at Plainmoor.

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

Glossary:

• visitation: outbreak