We've discussed before the legend of the Demon Hunter of Daddyhole Plain, and briefly mentioned his accompanying “two savage hounds with eyes of fire”. These dogs were the local manifestation of the a…

In 1918 there was a children’s skipping rhyme which went: “I had a little bird, Its name was Enza. I opened the window, And in-flu-enza”.The rhyme was inspired by the advent of the Spanish Flu which c…

It’s always a pleasure to find the long heritage of Torbay Horror being continued- and a great relief to find the paranormal banner being raised again so efficiently. Shelley, Stevenson, Crowley, Lytt…

This year's 2019 English Riviera Film Festival is in its fifth year and has become one of the South West’s major film festivals. The number of films being shown has doubled and the award categories ha…

In 1803 the small villages that made up Torbay prepared to be invaded. Evacuation plans were drawn up and the militia assembled to meet a massive French flotilla expected to appear on the horizon.Fran…

We all know that the Normans came first in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. However, England didn't give in immediately. In 1068 I William had to march a combined army of Normans and Englishmen loyal t…

In 1346 the villages of Torbay took part in the siege and capture of Calais. It was recorded that ' The Port of Dartmouth' provided 31 ships and 757 men for the campaign - while Plymouth only found 2…

Fawlty Towers has made Torquay famous throughout the world.In 1977 and 1978 alone, the original TV show was sold to 45 stations in 17 countries and was the BBC's best-selling overseas programme for th…

The founder of Torre Abbey William Brewer was also Sheriff of Devon and, under Richard I (1189–1199), one of the justiciars appointed to administer the kingdom while the King was on the Third Crusade.…

In 1690 the French fleet was in Torbay, and while they were with us launched a devastating attack on Teignmouth.They were there following the Battle of Beachy Head which was fought on 10 July 1690 dur…

On July 5 1703 a great fleet appeared in Torbay. This were the combined English and Dutch squadrons under the command of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell (1650-1707). There were 40 English ships, along…