One of a series of caches near cricket
grounds - Howzat!
Torre Abbey is Torquay's most historic building. It has weathered
many a century and , as all things old and beautiful , has a
wonderful history to tell.
The Abbey itself is set on a
splendid piece of land with colourful gardens , lovely green lawn
with scattered trees and even a tropical palm house. Before modern
development one would have a direct view over the bay but even now
just a short walk through the local gardens and sports facilities
will lead you to the sea front.
Torre Abbey was founded in
1196.It's first mask was that of a monastery.It housed the
premonstratensian monks of the order of canons and by the 15th
century it was the richest monastery of the order in the whole of
England.During the reign of Henry V111 the monasteries faced
dissolution and in 1539 the fate of the Torre Abbey monastery was
sealed.
The Abbey was adapted as a private
residence and for hundreds of years it housed many of Torquay's
leading citizens.The Abbots of Torre , the lords of Torre Manor ,
the Cary family and most recently the mayor of Torbay all boasted
Torre Abbey as their official residence.
