TORRE ABBEY TORQUAY

Torre Abbey, founded in 1196, is a monastic site of national importance, by the 15th Century the Abbey became the wealthiest monstery of the Premonstratensian order in the whole of England. The land was given to the Canons by William de Brewer, lord of the manor of Torre.

After the dissolution of the monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII in 1539, Torre Abbey was adapted as a private residence. For 800 years Torre Abbey has been the offical residence of Torbay's leading citizens: the Abbots of Torre, the lords of Torre manor and from 1662 the Cary family (who helped develop modern Torquay) They lived here for nearly 300 years up until 1930.

The Carys were recusant Catholics who continued to worship, building a secret chapel under the roof of the west wing. In around 1779 they converted the former Abbot's hall into a chapel, which served as the parish church for the Catholics of the locality until 1856.

Today Torre Abbey comprises two Grade I Listed Buildings, and is a scheduled ancient monument of national importance, it is also the most complete medieval Abbey ruins in Devon and Cornwall. The splendid gatehouse dates from around 1380. The church lies in ruins, but on the west and south sides of the cloisters the stonework rises to roof level. The barrel vault over the chapel with its carved bosses dates from the 15th century, while underneath visitors can see the atmospheric undercrofts (service rooms). The early monastic 'Tithe Barn', now called the 'Spanish Barn', is one of Britain's most complete early medieval barns, so called because in 1588 it was used to house 400 Spanish prisoners from the Spanish Armada.

The Abbey's present appearance dates from 1741-3, when the south wing facing the sea was dressed up in the prevailing classical style. Some years later, a mock Tudor folly was built on the easter side, for use as a brewery.

Torre Abbey was purchased by Torquay Borough Council in 1930, and since that time has served as Torbay's municipal art gallery and the Mayor of Torbay's official residence, it is Torbay's most historic building. Torre Abbey also serves as Torbay's municipal art gallery and owns many hundreds of oil and water-colour works from the 18th to mid 20th centuries. They include They include Pre-Raphaelite works of national standing, such as Holman Hunt's "The Children's Holiday" and Burne-Jones' drawings of 'The Planets'. There are also water-colours by William Henry Hunt and Thomas Miles Richardson.

Exhibitions at the Abbey Include small but good collections of 18th and 19th century English glass, silver and pewter. The Brian Reade collection of Torquay and Watcombe terracottas attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. It has been supplemented by donations from the Torquay Pottery Collectors Society, who keep their archive on the premises. The collection of drawings, plaster casts and sculptures by Frederick Thrupp (1812-95) is the only collection of its kind to have survived. It comprises works from throughout the artist's life and the contents of his studio.

By far the most popular exhibition is a collection of some of the personal effects of crime-writer, Dame Agatha Christie, on loan from Mrs. Rosaline Hicks, Agatha Christie's daughter.

The Abbey's colourful gardens include rare plants, a tropical palm house, rockeries and spring bulbs and are host to Torre Abbey Flower Festival. Torre Abbey is host to many art exhibitions and other events and the Torre Abbey chapel may be hired for private services, such as christenings, funerals, renewal of marriage vows and blessings following civil weddings. Under present legislation it may not be used for weddings.

Feel the chill as no less than three ghosts wander the corridors of Torre Abbey, an 18th century lady, a Spanish Lady, supposedly searching for her lost-love, amongst Armada troops imprisoned here and there is a headless monk from the abbey.

There is also the opportunity to have a relaxing couple of hours playing Pitch & Put on Torre Abbey Green, or set off on an antiques hunt. Whilst Torre Abbey Sands is just across the road from the abbey, with safe swimming and refreshments. The beach has easy access for the disabled and a first aid post.

Refreshments are available in the Victorian Kitchen for up to 50 people.

Torre Abbey is managed by Torbay Council's Directorate of Education Services.

TORRE ABBEY CONTACT DETAILS

TORRE ABBEY HISTORIC HOUSE & GALLERY The Kings Drive Torquay, TQ2 5JX


TORRE ABBEY TELEPHONE & FAX NUMBERS

TORRE ABBEY Tel: +44 (0)1803 293593   Fax: +44 (0)1803 215948


TORRE ABBEY E MAIL ADDRESS

E MAIL TORRE ABBEY

Or ALTERNATE E MAIL


TORRE ABBEY WEBSITE

VISIT THE TORRE ABBEY WEBSITE


TORRE ABBEY VISITOR INFORMATION:

TORRE ABBEY ADMISSION

ADULT: pricing £3.00 (£2.00 for groups)
CHILD (8-15 years) pricing £1.50 Younger Children FREE (£1 for school groups) one child free for every two paying adults
FAMILY TICKET: £7.25
SENIORS, STUDENTS & DISABLED: pricing £2.50
GROUP: pricing £2.25 - Group Size minimum of 10

FREE: (On production of the relevant card)
Museums Association (all categories)
South West Tourism (staff and registered guides)
National Art Collections Fund (members)
Great British Heritage Pass (who must fill in a form)
Great Britain card holders

DISCOUNT: (upon production of the relevant card)
Visitors submitting AGATHA CHRISTIE LEAFLET: £0.50 off individual tickets £1.00 off family tickets
Members of TORQUAY POTTERY CCOLLECTORS SOCIETY: £2.25
Guests at TORQUAY LEISURE HOTELS (on production of hotel keycard)
Members of the EMBROIDERER'S GUILD
Holders of EURO 26 YOUTH CARD
Members of TORBAY LEISURE CENTRE: 10% off
Holders of GOOD BRITAIN GUIDE VOUCHERS


OPENING TIMES

Open times Apr - 1 Nov, daily, 9.30 am - 6 pm. Last admission 5 pm. Closed 2 Nov. to week before Easter.


TRAVEL

BY CAR

A380 from Newton Abbot or follow coastal road from Babbacombe or Paignton. Pass Rathmore road and Turn next left into The Kings Drive - approximately 1/2 mile from Torquay Centre, where the Abbey is signposted right.

BY TRAIN

Torquay Station. Mainline services operate from all over the UK. Rail information - tel 0345 484950 24 hours. The Abbey is a short walk from Torquay Rail Station. Turn left out of the station into Rathmore road, take the right hand fork into Falkland road and turn right into Chestnut Avenue. The entrance to the Riviera Centre is on your right, the abbey is behind it.

BY BUS

Services number 24, and 32 stop at the Abbey gates; services number 2, 12, 12a, 120, and 200 stop by Torre Abbey Sands - the abbey is across the road. There are regular services from Paignton Bus Station to Torquay, get off at Torre Abbey Sands, ask the driver to tell you when to get off if you are unsure. Plymouth Citybus: tel 01752 222221 Western National: tel 01752 222666.

DISABLED VISITORS

Disability Access & Touch exhibits and/or handling sessions, visual disability facilities, Guide Dogs Allowed. Easy disabled access and facilities at Torre Abbey Sands, toilets nearby.

TORRE ABBEY FACILITIES:

TORRE ABBEY MAP

SHOP

There is a Gift shop within the Abbey selling souvenirs.

REFRESHMENTS:

Refreshments for up to 50 persons in the Victorian Kitchen and Tea Room. There is also a picnic area.

DOGS

Sorry Guide dogs only. Please do not leave animals in vehicles without adequate ventilation in high season.

PARKING

Free Council car park nearby, with two free coachparking Spaces

CHILDRENS ATTRACTIONS

Baby changing facilities, Antiques Hunt and Kids Quest. Torre Abbey Sands are just across the road.

TOILETS

There are Toilets including disabled and baby changing facilities.

THINGS TO SEE

Historic rooms, including the beautiful dining room
Abbey ruins, palm house and colourful gardens
Agatha Christie Collection in the Memorial room
Stunning art collection
Silver, glass and Torquay pottery
Cary family chapel
Spanish Barn

FOREIGN VISITORS

Foreign language leaflet or brochure available. Printed Languages: German - Italian - Dutch

GROUPS

Group Guided Tours at any time by prior arrangement.
Groups Accepted (Pre-booking necessary)
Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 50

SCHOOLS

Torre Abbey is managed by Torbay Council's Directorate of Education Services. Primary school education service available. Printed/audio-visual information available for schools.

PRIVATE USE

Facilities for private functions and events
Adult lectures and courses held
Meeting room available, Large workroom, 150 maximum.
Study facilities

The Torre Abbey chapel may be hired for private services, such as christenings, funerals, renewal of marriage vows and blessings following civil weddings. Under present legislation it may not be used for weddings.

EVENTS

Exhibitions
Art Shows
Flower Shows
Contemporary art
(For details, phone 01803-293593)

Most events in the Spanish Barn are free. Normal admission prices apply for events in Torre Abbey apart from concerts, which are individually priced.


OTHER INFORMATION

Length of visit: 1-3 hours

Methods of Payment: Cash or Cheque only.

Join the Friends of Torre Abbey and you can enjoy unlimited FREE admission to Torre Abbey.

Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum

TORRE ABBEY SANDS: Easy access - No Dogs Allowed - Safe Swimming, with care - Warning Flags - Life Saving Equipment - First Aid Post - Toilets - Refreshments - Deck Chair Hire -Telephone - baby changing,