(f •••*. ( ; I o _- I ° Sfc & j^ ®; *-% (£>> '4 jk, '^i wnt. onStont fy 0F>> m)^Tm,^m$i toiEJssra's ©j^nsm^i PuilTSted^y E . C ocfcr em , Torofu.a-y. THE PANORAMA OF TORQUAY, DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE DISTRICT COMPRISED BETWEEN THE DART AND TEIGN, BY OCTAVIAN BLEWITT. ^ecmrtr ©fctttfliu EMBELLISHED WITH A MAP, AND NUMEROUS LITHOGRAPHIC AND WOOD ENGRAVINGS. 3Utllf0tt SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL, AND COCKREM, TORQUAY. MDCCCXXXII. Hie terrarura mihi prseter omnes Angulus ridet, ubi non Hymetto Mella decedunt, viridi que certat Bacca Venafro ; — Ver ubi longum, tepidas que praebet Jupiter brumas. Hor. Car : Lis. 11. 6, These forms of beauty have not been to me As is a landscape in a blind man's eye ; But oft in lonely rooms, and mid the din Of crowds and cities, I have owed to them. In hours of weariness, sensations sweet, Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart, And passing even unto my purer mind With tranquil restoration. Wordsworth. v. entorrtr at gztztitititx!? %att. n ^ TO HENRY WOOLLCOMBE, Esq. Clje \Bvesitismt, AND TO THE OTHER MEMBERS OP THE PLYMOUTH ATHENAEUM, THIS ATTEMPT TO ILLUSTRATE ONE OP THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DISTRICTS OF £0uti) Btban, IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, WITH THE AUTHOR'S BEST WISHES FOR THE INCREASING PROSPERITY OF €f)Z Iitftttuttfftu PREFACE. In presenting to the public a new edition of this Sketch, a few words may, perhaps, be expected from me ; and I offer them the more willingly since it is my duty to acknowledge here the sources of my information. The following pages have been wholly re-written, and now contain more than ten times as much matter as the first Edition, — although that impression has been twice pirated. It is hoped that the change will prove valuable to the tourist. Topography is not a light field, and if this attempt to give to a local work a tone of general and scientific interest be not successful, I trust that others will at least profit by the example. Had more time and op- portunities been allowed to me, the book might have been more interesting and perfect ; but it already exceeds the limits of other similar pub- lications, and if it transgresses in this particular, it will not fail to enjoy the countenance of good company. The assistance I have derived from many literary and scientific friends has added much to its value, and the most pleasing office is to return thanks for this kindness. To the Yl. PREFACE Venerable Archdeacon Froude, to the Rev. H. F. Lyte of Brixham, to the Rev. Roger Mallock of Cockington Court, to Henry Cary. Esq. of Tor Abbey, and to the Rev. Robert Gee of this place, I am indebted for much interesting intelligence ; — and to Archdeacon Froude and Mr. Lyte, in particular^ for many valuable directions how to proceed in the course of my inquiries. To Dr. James Clark of London, the Author of the Treatise on the Influence of Climate, my acknow- ledgments are due for the obliging mariner in which he revised that part of the work which his volume so ably illustrates; and the Rev. George Oliver of Exeter, and Mr. Brown of London are no less entitled to my thanks — the former for his aid and exertions in the arduous field of Ecclesiastical Antiquities — the latter for his constant instructions on the subject of Ancient Architecture. Nor must I omit to mention the aid afforded me by the Rev. J. M. Glubb of Dartmouth, — Henry Woollcombe, Esq. Pre- sident of the Plymouth Athenaeum, — William Brockedon, Esq. of London, — and J. M. Rendel, Esq. Civil Engineer. But above all are to be mentioned the obligations under which I am laid by the assistance and contributions of Mrs. Griffiths and Thomas Northmore, Esq. The article on Natural History will be acceptable to ail, containing, as it does, the most recent of PREFACE Vll. Mrs. Griffiths's truly beautiful discoveries in the difficult department of marine botany : — Mr. Northmore's Letters will also be perused with lively interest, while the opinions which they advance wiH sufficiently speak for themselves. They will also show how necessary is the inquiry after truth, and how often men rise to fame on the discoveries of others. It is the Author's most earnest hope that the introduction of scientific subjects into the work may be well received : it must not be forgotten that the local histories of Switzerland are far superior to those of England in this respect ; and although I regret that it is not in my power, at present, to render the Geological Sketch more perfect, an apology will scarcely be required by those who know how much this neighbourhood is deficient in philosophic energy. Nor was it possible to define more accurately every part of the district on the small scale of the Geo- logical Map; but it appeared more desirable to give a general outline from De la Beche, although diminutive, than to omit it altogether. A few words may be said of the Illustrations. The artist of the Lithographs has incorrectly lettered the ruins of the Church and Chapter House at Tor Abbey "Entrance" and "Ruins of the Chapel)' and has unfortunately omitted to insert in the Vignette Title Page the name Vlll PREFACE of Mr, Gendall of Exeter, by whom it was first painted, — and to whom I now beg to restore the justice he deserves. For the Sketch of lis am Cell (engraved, along with all the wood cuts, by Hearder, of Plymouth) we are indebted to Mr. T. H. Williams, — those of the Doorway and Pulpit at Paignton were reduced from the drawings of Mr. Brown. There are a few typographical errors, but they will be readily detected, with the exception of the misprint of towns instead of houses at page 120 of Mr. Northmore's Letter. None but those who have experienced what Miss Landon calls the awful reality of a proof-sheet, can form any idea of the difficulty of getting a work through the press of a small provincial town, without these occasional inaccuracies. I trust, however, as no pains have been spared in the work, that the inhabitants of Torquay will receive this volume as the parting gift of the Author, with his best good wishes for their prosperity and for the welfare of their beautiful town. O. B. Torquay, Sept. 1832. Erratum. It is incorrectly stated at page 68, that Livermead House is a boarding establishment ; now, we beg to remark that it is simply a lodging house, and must be regarded as such. The Author will feel obliged by the correction of any other errors which may have occurred in the work. CONTENTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF €1)Z Panorama at QCavquxyi. Introduction. Chorography of Torbay : — outline of the coast ; Geological Illustrations of the District, and General History Pp. 1. to 33. PART II. The Topography, Climatology, Statistics, and public Establishments of Torquay 34 to 73. PART III. Natural History of the Torbay District ; Botany of Torquay, Marine Botany of Torbay, Conchology etc. by Mrs. Griffiths 74 to 83. PART IV. Walks; Excursions; Sketches of Scenery ; Topogra- phy, and local History, — Walks, etc.— I. Tor Abbey and Tormohun, 84-87. II. Tor Abbey Sands and Livermead, 88-89. III. Chapel Hill, 90. IV. Meadfoot, Ilsam, Ansty's Cove, and Torwood, 91-92. V. Park Hill, 93. VI. Babbicombe, 94-95 ; St. Mary Church and Barton, 96; Stony Valley, and the Warberry, 97. VII. Cockington, 98-100. VIII. Watcombe and Maidencombe, 100-1. IX. Paignton, 101 ;— Goodrington, 102 ;— Elberry Cove, 103 ; — Paignton Sands, 104. X. Compton Castle and Marldon, 104-7. XI. Kent's Cavern, with Mr, Northmore's Letters to Mr. Blewitt, 107-38- Excursions. I. Brixham and Berry head, 141-49. II. Dart- mouth and up the Dart to Totnes, 149-58. III. Banks of the Teign, Combe, Stoke, Newton, and Haccombe, 158-165. IV. Berry Pomeroy Castle, 165-71. V. Wolborough, Bradley, CONTENTS. Ogwell, Denbury, and Ipplepen, 172-76. VI, Dartington, 176-79, VII. Ashburton, Holne Chase, Buckfast Abbey, Little Hempston, etc. 179-85. VIII. Chudleigh and Ugbrook Park, 185-86. Dartmoor, 187-99. PART V. ANTIQUITIES. Brit. Rom. Dan. Sax. 200-51. Grecian, 200. British, 201. Roman, 202-7. Danish, 207. &flr fflamsfttvt) 208-15. Parochial History and Antiquities, 215-50. I. Tormohun, 215-23. II. St. Mary Church, 223-29. III. Cockington 229-33. IV. Paignton, 233-35. V.Marldon, 235-36. VI. Brixhara, 236-38. VII. Dartmouth, 238-39. VIII. Banks of the Dart, 239-40. IX. Totnes, 240-43. X. Stokeinteignhead, Combe, etc. 243. XI. Ford House, 243-44. XII. Newton, 244. XIII. Haccombe, 244-45. XIV. Coffinswell, 245-46 XV. Berry Pomeroy, 246-47. XVI. King's Kerswell, 247. XVII. Wolborough, 247-48. XVIII. East Ogwell, 248. XIX. West Ogwell, ibid. XX. Denbury, Torbryan. and Ipplepen, 248-49. XXI. Abbot's Kerswell, 249. XXH. Dartington, ibid. XXIII. Ugbrook, 250. XXIV. Bishop's Teignton, and Harberton, 250. ^rattrrg at ffzmilkg antr Mititwtiani, 251. PART VI. BIOGRAPHY OF EMINENT NATIVES. I. Guy de Bryan, 254. — Sir John Cary, ibid. — Sir John Hody, 255.— Sir William Petre, ibid.— Sir Humphrey Gilbert, 256.— Adrian Gilbert, 258. — John Davis, ibid. — Sir Thomas Ridgeway, ibid. — Dr. Robert Cary, 259. — William Newcommen, ibid. — John Lethbridge, 260.— Philip Frowde, 262.— Dr. John Hux- ham, ibid. — Edward Lye, 266. — Dr. Benjamin Kennicott, 267. — George Baker, 269. — Dr. Philip Furneaux, ibid. — Robert Sweet, 270.— William Brockedon, 271. — Biographical Summary, 274. Appendix of Local Information, 276. — ILLUSTRATIONS. Ruins of the Chapel, Tor Abbey, . » . . Frontispiece. Vignette Title Page of Kent's Cavern. Topographical Map before page 1. To face p. Wood Engraving of Torquay 36 Tor Abbey 85 Table of Distances ... .. 186 Entrance to the Chapel, Tor Abbey 208 Tor Abbey Gate 214 Tor Church 219 Font at St. Mary Church . . ; 228 Paignton Pulpit, and Doorway. Arms, etc 235 INCORPORATED WITH THE LETTER PRESS. Armorial bearings of Cary and Palk . . . . 35 Tor Abbey, Brewer, and Mohun 86, 217 Mallock 98 the Corporation of Totnes . . 156 Haccombe and Carew .. .. 164 Pomeroy 167 Ridgeway and Cary .. .. 219 Chapel Hill 89 The Cell at Ilsam .. 91 Compton Castle 105 HOMO, NATURJE MINISTER ET INTERPRES, TANTUM FACIT ET INTELLIGIT QUANTUM BE NATURAE ORDINE RE VEL MENTE OBSERVAYERIT : NEC AMPLIUS SCIT AUT POTEST. BACON, NOVUM ORGANUM APH. I. CHURCHES i TorMohuMn, i Mouty Church, 3 Pcu'siigton, U Cockux&tan, S M.a/i'icxoix, b C/xuurJtoii Ff>,TT\c)6k*.r4u>eiL 9 Coffin* w-elL io sAbbotifa/wwe-lL ii Woollioratu)/}, a. Stake, u^tucndiaocd, 13 C'criyvljiix^u.e)i-ihxCLoL IS J^invqinov^ i 17 JfafLujeeJc \S ^oireytracy \ iq lUimatoTL \ 20 Wi.oLttjLcomJje, ii &%Asc/cU*md f Moor 6re-°B.owelilk. Tu.JjlUkeoL by KoIjjl'citcL Cc "*^» I N DEX TOTHE GEOLOGY 1~' 1 l/t'-meJCoru* I R edSautvoUtinte, CcnvgLonieo-aJi. | j &rcuu.wcuJci Jtiov-ey Coal Schist © Caverns A TOPOGFAPHTCAL ^ OF THE PARISHES /a/ The Vicinity of ]Uux$trcLtLv& of the District and A NTI QUITIES PescnbeoL in the PANORAMA of TORQUAY 73rcuu/n Uy 7? JZrourns areJv? .1 Cf-ULcM-tip, .5 A&hbijtrfan \M JBu.c/rfadtlu^h IS Wpdt QpwtlL . 17 JZoUb qpvuell Y-8 Toi^iiryotrL' 2 9 JnpUpen 30 £rvoooLn^rnJo4to7iy 31 Stmre.i'tbn. 3zT>a rtlitgbm, 33 1* ittUJi&mpstoTL. 3h 7ioU:Ce,ry 3S Zfotliqfd 36 BenyFomeivy 3lJfaro&Hroix, 38 StaiCQ.Cral>rUL 39 Ditttshouiv ho 7fuu)dojeon-- iil TowiVdtoLiL U 1 StpKcfU in ujj> \re m, "T^ro tuxy Oct- / st /83z PANORAMA OF TORQUAY. INTRODUCTION. 5T0r5ag, (Swflfljjn arrtf Qzntx&l $?tetar». In the south of Devon, bounded on the south by the Berry-Head, and by Hope's Nose on the north-east, and lying about midway between the Dart and Teign, is situ- ated this noble and delightful Bay. It forms an irregu- larly semilunar outline of about twelve miles in extent, and is divided by the promontory of Park Hill into two distinct portions, — the smaller of which is known by the appellation of Meadfoot Bay. These two divisions differ both in appearance and in their geological characters. The cliffs between Hope's Nose and Meadfoot Bay are rugged and perpendicular; — the little bay itself is backed by a precipitous and broken hill, and the limestone cliffs extending to Torquay from the point opposite the Shag Rock are steep, wild and contorted. Beyond Waldon Hill the coast assumes a milder character; the land slopes gradually to the shore, and is proverbially rich and fertile. It presents a well-cultivated tract of country, luxuriantly clothed with wood, and abounding in pic- turesque and enchanting scenery. Advancing along the coastj the sands of Tor Abbey are separated from those of Livermead by Corbon Head, and the latter from the B extensive sands of Paignton by the abrupt and cavernous promontory of Livermead. Roundham head next inter- venes between the sands of Paignton and Goodrington, which are divided by low cliffs from Broad Sands. Be- yond the rocky land of Mumbles Point, the cliffs become bolder and more abrupt, and continue so to the Berry Head, being occasionally broken into coves, the most considerable of which forms the harbour of Brixham. This range of coast is backed by hills varying in height from 200 to 500 feet ; Furl and hill, between Brixham and Dartmouth is 589 feet above the sea, according to the Ordnance Survey. * The length of Torbay from north to south, i. e. from Tor Abbey sands to the Berry Head is Six miles, and its depth from Hope's Nose to Broad Sands about the same distance. The length by the true north, from the Ore- stone to the Berry is exactly 4 miles, and the depth, true east and west, drawing an imaginary line between the headlands, is 3^ miles. Vessels may anchor in the bay in 6, 7 5 8, and 9 fathoms, the ground is strong clay. The general anchorage is about a mile and a half from the pier head at Brixham ; and in this situation, during easterly winds, which always cause a consider- able swell, ships may ride easier than in any other part of Torbay, for they will there have an underset to windward. The Flat Rock, Orestone, and Thatcher, de- tached masses of limestone off the eastern promontory, — the Shag stone near the quarry at the west of Meadfoot sands, and Morris's Rogue, a short distance from it in a direct line to the Berry, are the only rocks of any conse- quence in the bay. The Harbrick, a low rocky ledge, extends into the sea in a straight line from Tor Abbey sands and is visible at low water. The depth of water between the Orestone and Thatcher is 7 fathoms, and close to the latter and the Shag from 5 to 6. Between these and the shore the ground is rocky. There is a sunken rock a little more than a cable's length S. W. by S. from the Orestone, with 6 or 8 feet over it ; it is dry at low ebbs. There is a ridge on the S. W. side of the Bay, on which are 3 fathoms water ; on Morris's Rogue * Geolog. Trans, 3 there is about H foot, and the general depth along the shores of the bay is from 2 to 6 fathoms.* From an early period, Torbay has been in war a prin- cipal place of rendezvous for the British Navy. It has also been justly celebrated as a roadsted by the most eminent commanders, and has sheltered many of our noblest fleets during the westerly and southwesterly gales, to which the whole of this line of coast is more or less exposed. Before the erection of the Breakwater in Plymouth sound, the channel fleet were frequently obliged to bear up for Torbay, and its advantages during these storms were fully appreciated. During the late war, it was the station of the squadron under Earl St. Vincent ; and a watering place for the Navy, and a depdt for ma- rine stores are still maintained atBrixham. The greater part of the bay, however, lies open to the south-east, and as the little port of Torquay can only afford shelter to vessels of small tonnage, there is no security for shipping while the wind prevails from that quarter. In 1799, Mr. Whidby proposed to obviate this deficiency by the erection of a Breakwater, but although this en- lightened suggestion was unsuccessful, the country has not been deprived of his valuable and scientific services, — for in 1815, the celebrated undertaking of that des- cription was commenced under his direction in the har- bour of Plymouth. While the present King was Lord High Admiral, Mr. Whidby's proposal was revived, and the bay personally inspected by his Majesty. The ex- pense was estimated at ^£1, 120,000, that is, 3640,000 for twenty-eight years, but nothing final was determined on. This desirable measure would not only be a local benefit by encouraging the trade and commerce of the district, but prove an undertaking of the highest national importance, and render Torbay the most commodious, safe and noble anchorage in the kingdom. In the event * In Torbay it is high water, full and change, at 6 o'clock, and the tide vises 20 feet. The eastern stream ends at 8, and in the offing at 9, while on the southern side of the bay is an eddy, with all the eastern stream, and on the north side of the bay, with the western stream, both round the bay ; but outside the Orestone, the western stream sets direct for Berry-head; b2 of another war, it will be imperatively necessary to adopt some measure for the safety of the bay — an arm of the sea might be thrown out from the land between Brix- ham and the Berry, or a floating breakwater established which would be attended with a very trifling expense. There is no part of the kingdom which may be rendered more valuable as a naval station both in peace and war ; conveniently situated between the two great arsenals of Portsmouth and Plymouth, and in the midst of the most fertile district of the south of Devon, it possesses a para- mount claim to the consideration of government ; and its consequence in this particular calls loudly on our na- val administrations to take some timely steps for its se- curity, and not to defer it to the period of necessity or danger. Torbay derives its name from being surrounded with numerous and rocky hills. It is not uncommon in De- vonshire for many places to take the name of Tor from this circumstance; indeed, some of the Tors, as High tor, South Brent tor, Three Barrow tor, Sharp tor, Hamil tor, and Cawson downs were formerly beacons or fire towers, which the word Tor itself in the Celtic and other languages implies, and anciently there were watchings and vvardings of these beacons, as evinced by a record, dated 1626, of the customs, ancient privileges and " fFreedom of the manor of Sheepstorre," which was " ffree from watching and warding of all beacons'* The country along the shores of Torbay is divided by the parishes of St. Mary Church, Tormohun, Cocking- ton, Paignton, Marldon, Brixham and Churston Fer- rers, all being in the hundred of Haytor, and the dean- ery of Ipplepen, — and is considered one of the most fertile districts in the county. It forms the eastern boundary of the South-Hams, — a tract of land which, from the richness of its soil, and the general character of its scenery, is frequently designated the Garden of England. * See Notes to the first edition of Carrington's Dartmoor, by the late W. Burt, Esq. of Plymouth. Outlines of Geology. Si quid novisti rectius istis, Candidus imperti j si non, his utere mecum. Hor. Epist. i. vi. This department of the physical history of Torbay has been illustrated by the able researches of H. T. De la Beche, Esq. from whose memoir in the 3rd vol. of the Geological Transactions the first part of the succeed- ing sketch has been compiled. It comprehends a por- tion of the red sandstone formations, and a considerable share of the grand chain of transition limestone, which intersects the south-western part of the county in a nearly direct line from Babbicombe to Plymouth. The follow- ing outlines are, no doubt, imperfect; and are presented in the hope that they may lead to further and minute inquiry. The whole district of Torbay is rich in sub<- jects of philosophical research^ and offers a highly interesting and fertile field in almost every branch of natural science.. It will be our pleasing duty in the course of this work to record some of the most splendid indi- vidual efforts of scientific inquiry that the age can boast of; but even with these instances, much necessarily re- mains to be effected in a neighbourhood peculiarly deficient in philosophic energy. ° The rocks of this district "to which Mr. De la Beche gives the name of mountain limestone, have usually been referred to the transition limestone of English Geologists, that is, a limestone which occurs beneath the old redsand- stone ; they, however, rest upon that rock, contain fos- sils that have been discovered in the carboniferous lime- stone of other places, and though a matter of minor im- portance, mineralogically resemble it : — they are, more- over, separated from the old red sandstone by a shale which may be considered the equivalent of the lower limestone shale. These limestones occur in beds from a few inches to several feet in thickness ; the usual colour is grey, varying in intensity ; they are frequently traversed by calcareous veins, and, in texture, vary from compact to semi-crystalline, the latter predominating in the vici- 6 nity of trap, and when the strata are much disturbed. The semi-crystalline limestones afford a great variety of beautifully tinted marbles, which are much employed for ornamental purposes. These limestones are, here and there, interstratified with shale ; they also rest upon a considerable thickness of argillaceous shale, into which they seem to pass. The shale is usually reddish in the upper part, brownish grey in the lower and larger por- tion, and it strongly reminded Mr. De la Beche of the shale similarly situated in Pembrokeshire. The most abundant organic remains in this limestone are encri- nites and corals. Trilobites also occur ; and in the vici- nity of St. Mary Church, a very singular fossil, which Mr. De la Beche was unable to refer to any known class of organic bodies, but which Mr. Broderip thinks may have probably belonged to the*Tunicata, a group including the marine animals best known under the name of Ascidise. Shells also occur in it, including species belonging to the genera Cardium, Megalodon, Terebra- tula, Spirifer, Nautica, Euomphalus, Bellerophon, Tur- ritella, Mnrex(?), Buccinum, Pleurotoma, Nautilus, and Orthoceras." The shells found in limestone at Torquay generally occur in distinct strata, which alternate with those containing madrepores. They have been noticed under these circumstances, at the quarry near the Turn- pike; — at the south-western point of Meadfoot bay oppo- site the Shag Rock considerable quantities were noticed by Dr. Beeke, in a portion of the rock which has since been destroyed by quarrying. They occur also at Bar- ton, and in the whole range of limestones about Bradley and Ogwell. " The limestones of St. Mary Church, Babbicombe, and the northern side of Torbay encircle the old red sand- stone, which extends from Meadfoot sands towards Up- ton. The section on the south side of Meadfoot sands shows the limestones resting on old red sandstone. The quarry at the south-west point, opposite a rock called the Shag Rock, is worked in gray and reddish compact limestone, dipping south-west ; beneath, is an argilla- ceous shale, reddish in the upper part, and grey in the lower ; the latter is slightly micaceous. This forms the cliff from the point to a short distance east of the place where the road descends to the beach ; and to this suc- ceeds a red siliceous grit traversed by veins of quartz, and containing iron. The cliff composed of red grit is much concealed. The limestones in the vicinity of Tor- quay are much disturbed, as are also more or less all the stratified rocks of the district. These beds are observed to be contorted along the whole coast, from the town to the point opposite the Shag Rock ; they seem, how- ever, to have a general dip away from the old red sand- stone, between which and the body of limestone the argillaceous shale is always interposed. So much con- fusion exists in this vicinity, that no regular dip of the limestones can there be determined. They dip south- south-west at an apgle of 35° near the Turnpike; and at the quarry behind the new line of houses near the Baths, to the south-west. They are perpendicular, with a north direction, at the little hill near Tormohun, at Chapel Hill, and under Torwood House. At Stantaway Hill, between Tor and Upton, the calcareous slate and lime- stones are much confused. At Butterhill quarry, the limestones are much disturbed. On the new road from Torquay to St. Mary Church, at the entrance of the Stony Valley, irregular, detached and arched strata have a very picturesque effect, the arch appearing to be almost a work of art. The coast also from Babbicombe to the Black Head, exhibits confused strata of limestone and argillaceous shale ; at the latter place we may observe a thick, bent stratum of limestone included in the solid trap ; this limestone is very crystalline. Hope's Nose, with the Flat Rock, Orestone, and Thatcher Rocks ly- ing immediately near it, is composed of limestone which is much contorted at the cove north of the Thatcher. This mass of limestone is detached from the limestones on the west, that is, above the level of the sea : and beneath, they are probably connected with the Torquay beds, for the Thatcher Rock is composed of them. Kent's Cavern is situated in these limestones. From Barton the limestone extends along the hill to Kingskerswell, where Exeter Red Conglomerate covers it for a short distance ; but at the lower part of the vil* 8 lage on the old Dartmouth road, the limestones again come in, and are continued to the top of the hill, where a quarry exhibits their contortions. The limestones on the south of Torbay, like those on the north, are greatly disturbed, as may be seen along the coast from the Berry- head to Saltern cove, near Goodrington. At Marstink quarry, near Paignton, thin strata of semi-crystalline limestone dip north about 20°. At Saltern cove, lime- stones are mixed with and disturbed by trap, which has greatly altered the character of the limestone at the points of contact. In one of the projecting points the altered limestone does not effervesce freely with acids; it contains corals. Reddish shale, resembling that on the north side of Torbay and similarly situated beneath the limestone, occurs much contorted at the western point of Saltern Cove. In some places it is traversed by quartz veins." Berry-head as well as the whole of the eastern part of the parish of Brixham is also composed of secondary limestone with the exception of a narrow course of ar- gillaceous schist, which crosses the limestone from north to south, and runs out to sea at Mudstone bay. The limestone on the coast to the west of Mudstone bay is strongly impregnated with iron.* The limestone which we have traced thus far from Petit Tor in Babbicombe Bay, may be followed west- ward, nearly in a direct line, to the Orestone quarries at Plymouth, and the general similitude of the organic remains in the rocks about Torquay and Plymouth has been justly considered by Mr. Hennah, " a strong mark of the affinity that there is between the different parts of the whole series. "f From Kingskerswell the limestone extends to Newton, and thence through the vale of Bradley and Ogwell to Den bury, Torbryan, and Ipplepen. The country about these places exhibits all the characteristics of a limestone * From information of the Rev- H. F. Lyte. f See " A Succinct account of the Lime Rocks of Plymouth, by the Rev. R. Hennah, F. G. S." The scientific world is indebted to this gentleman for his having first called attention to the organic treasures of these limestones. 9 district, and around Ipplepen and Torbryan the scenery is peculiarly fine and romantic. — From hence it proceeds direct to Littlehempstone, Berry-Pomeroy and Totnes. Mr. John Prideaux, an eminent Geologist and a mem- ber of the Plymouth Athenaeum, considers that there have been two distinct formations of limestone in Devon- shire, exemplified in their " texture, position and ani- mal reliques, " the eastern portion being- the oldest, and the western the newest deposit. " If it prove so," says Mr. Prideaux, " our (Plymouth) limestone is a differ- ent formation from that further east, which Mr. de la Beche refers to the carboniferous series; this is also pro- bable from its direction here, which is rather south- ward of east, as well as from the more crystalline appear- ance of the stone. "f The great mass of red marie, sandstone and conglo- merate, according- to Mr. Conybeare, proceeds south from the vale of Taunton into Devonshire : — a long por- tion of this formation extends along- the vale of Crediton to Exeter, proceeds thence to the channel in a southern and continuous course by Chudleigh and the Teign, and ends at the south-west angle of Torbay ; a tongue of it running in among the transition formations between the mouth of the Teign and Torbay, skirted by insulated groups of transition limestone on the east, and the great transition district on the west. " The general character of the old red sandstone, as it occurs in this district, is best exhibited near Cocking- ton. Between this place and Livermead sands, are two quarries of chocolate-coloured, micaceous, siliceous and very compact sandstone. In both a slaty variety, splitting easily in the line of the laminae, which are filled with mica, is mixed with compact and micaceous beds, which vary in thickness from a few inches to two feet. The strata are much confused, some are curved, and some dip in all directions. In its great hardness, in its colour, in being micaceous, and in general appearance, it differs entirely from the red sandstone associated with the + See Mr. Prideaux's publication, entitled "a Geological Sketch of the Country between the River Plym and Taniar, from the Granite of Dartmoor, southward to the Sea." 10 " Exeter conglomerate" of the Corbons and Livermead. After passing Livermead on the road to Paignton, a new- cut exposes a slaty variety of this rock, apparently pass- ing into Grauwacke. Among the strata are a few of the more compact and solid sandstones. Thick beds of old red sandstone are observable at Chelston, and on the rise of the hill west of Cockington on the old road to Totnes, but they are quickly covered up by " Exeter Conglo- merate," which latter continues to conceal it as far as a small rivulet about half a mile east from Ockham, where, it again emerges. From the vicinity of Ockham to Westerland, this rock passes gradually into grauwacke slate, losing its red colour, but preserving its mica. At Collaton Kirkham, the same slaty and compact varieties are seen as in the Cockington quarries ; their dip is east- north-east, at an angle of about 20°, the beds being sometimes curved. They are much more highly inclined in the same vicinity. Exeter red conglomerate covers these rocks on the same hill, and contains rolled pieces both of its slaty and compact varieties. The old red sandstone passes into grauwacke on the high hill north- north-west of Paignton. The red compact sandstone beneath the argillaceous shale at Meadfoot sands very much resembles the Cockington compact old red sand- stone. At Hope Farm the resemblance between the two will be found most striking ; and there can be no doubt that the limestone shale rests upon it in the vicinity ; in fact, the wedgeshaped mass of old red sandstone extend- ing from Meadfoot sands and Hope Farm towards Upton, is bounded by a mantle of argillaceous shale. The sand- stone and slate of Meadfoot sands may almost be consider- ed as the passage of old red sandstone into grauwacke, or they may be the old red sandstone strata altered by the vi- cinity of trap. Beneath the red grit of the Meadfoot sands is a grey, compact, fissile and very micaceous sandstone, resembling in every thing but colour the semi-schistose varieties of the Cockington red sandstones. Their angle of dip varies considerably; it is at first towards the south- west at about 65° or 70°. These strata rest upon, and pass into a slaty rock resembling the old red sandstone schist of the vicinity of Ockham, in every thing but col- 11 our. They are here dark-coloured. These rocks tra- verse the point of land named at its extremity, Hope's Nose; and upon them the limestone of that place appears to rest. Small trap veins are observable both in this rock and in the red grit of Meadfoot sands. Between Ockham and Westerland the old red sandstones pass into grauwacke rather micaceous. It contains the vertebral columns of encrinites, corals, and bivalve shells. The schist is used to line the interior of the neighbouring lime-kilns. The dip is east-south-east, about 45°."* The Eovey coal formations, according to the excellent account of Mr. Kingston, continue from the Heathfield through a natural opening, in a south-east direction, to Teignbridge and Kingsteignton, — thence cross the Teign by Newton, and proceed by Ford at the base of Milburn Down; in which direction they may probably be partially traced to the coast of Torbay, near Goodrington. f To the west of Babbicombe, trap protrudes upwards into the argillaceous slate of the carboniferous limestone, the adjacent beds of shale are broken and contorted, and portions of these are included in the mass of trap. The cliffs about Oddicombe sands are inaccessible and plunge directly into the sea. Near a fault at these sands, the argillaceous slate is elevated to the top of the cliff, and the adjoining new red sandstone appears to have been forced up by the same agency. From the appearances of the coast of this district, Mr. De la Beche concludes that they point out two distinct geological epochs ; — A st. That of the formation of the new red sandstone, after the shale and limestone had been partially broken up ; and 2dly, The intrusion of the trap, at a period sub- sequent to the deposition of the new red sandstone, This disturbance he refers to the operation of trap, and considers that we may attribute to the same cause and period the great dislocations in the oolitic series on the * For the passages within inverted commas, we are with some slight alterations, indebted to the article on Torbay in Mr. Bray- ley's outlines, — condensed by him from Mr. De la Beche's valu- able memoir in the Geological Transactions. V: Moore's History of Devon, vol. i.— Geological Transactions, vol- iii. part 1. f Kingston's mineralogy of Teignmouth. 12 east of this district, — and refer to the convulsion by which these disturbances were effected, the catastrophe which elevated the chalk of the Isle of Wight, — and, perhaps, even that which threw up the main ridge of the Alps. The limestone of Torbay, as we have already shown, is much contorted and disturbed. In exposed and ele- vated situations the soil is generally scanty, and the level surfaces of the rock are covered with a stinted turf. It abounds in precipices and caverns, and chasms in which the ash is frequently found flourishing luxuriantly. The extremity of Park Hill at Daddy's Hole, and the high cliffs above Ansty's Cove indicate the effects of great convulsive violence. Near the Bathing Cove, a natural arch of limestone extends into the sea, and is known by the absurd appellation of " London Bridge;" — the strata of which it is composed are almost perpendicular. Along this side of Park Hill there are numerous hollows and fissures in the limestone, which can be explored only in a boat. In one of these, the Blower, the wind issues strongly from an aperture in the extremity, and there- fore appears to indicate internal communication. Be- yond Berry head, another limestone arch occurs, broad- er than the London Bridge ; — The red sandstone cliffs of Torbay are frequently excavated in the most beautiful manner, and have a very picturesque effect when ex- amified from the sea. At Corbon Head, the extreme boundary of Tor Abbey sands, there was a fine sandstone arch, which fell a few years ago ; in form and situation it resembled those already mentioned. At Livermead, the sea has formed a broad low cavern in the cliffs, and in south-easterly gales the roaring of the waves in its recesses resembles distant thunder; — it has therefore, been appropriately called " Thunder Hole." — On the exterior it appears supported by red sandstone pillars in the centre, round which boats may pass when the tide permits. At Churston Cove is an arch in miniature, much concealed in the cliff, but large enough to admit a passage round it. Between this and Elberry Cove, a red variety of limestone occurs in the quarries , in col- our it resembles porphyry ; it is beautifully veined, and 13 is equal to some of the finest specimens of foreign marble. The limestone of Berry head is much employed for building and agricultural purposes. Ash Hole, a Cavern of considerable interest, is situated in this lime- stone, at a short distance from the Military Hospital. A vague report that fossil remains had been found in the vicinity of Brixham, induced the Rev. H. F. Lyte, a few years ago, to institute an investigation in this cave, in the hope of discovering similar organic treasures to those of Kent's Cavern near Torquay. Although the excavations were carried down to the perpendicular depth of seventy- feet, the original floor of the cave was never reached ; but the antiquary is indebted to the scientific and well- directed researches of Mr. Lyte for the valuable discovery that the Ash hole was the burying-place of the Roman Garrison. This interesting subject will be discussed more fully in the archaeological department of our work to which we beg to refer the reader. The fissures and cavities of limestone at the Berry head have afforded a great variety of stalactites ; in structure and beauty they surpass all that have yet been found in the south of Devon. In a hill of well-defined greywacke slate in the neighbourhood of Newton, Mr. Radley, of that place, discovered a fine specimen of fossil Trilobite. The base of the hill rests on Greywacke, and no circumstances connected with its locality or appearance would have led a Geologist to expect that it formed the sepulchre of organic beings. By diligent research Mr. Radley was enabled to obtain about thirty specimens ; they occurred about 15 feet below the surface, in the solid beds of slate, and inclining near to its rhomboid margins. In the vale of Ogwell, near Churcombe Bridge, is West Hill, the property of Col. Taylor ; it is composed of secondary limestone and forms a part of the grand chain which intersects that district. In a part of this hill, near White Rock, a splendid mass of stone, containing madrepores, corals, encrinites and other animal remains, was discovered about two years ago by Mr. Sharland of Torquay. In fact, like the usual formations of coral rag, it is entirely composed of a congeries of many beau- tiful varieties of aggregated and branching madrepores. c 14 It sustains a high polish, and, except when much ^per- vaded by iron, turns well in the lathe. This mass runs 4 or 500 yards in a chain about N. and S.; and, at its lowest depth, is more than 80 feet above the bed of the Lemon, which flows through the valley of Ogwell and Bradley, and, crossing Newton, falls into the Teign. 1'nder this, close to the bed of the river, is a vein of Lucullite, or black marble, which is fully equal to the best productions of Kilkenny. These quarries are worked by Mr. Sharland, and the marbles are manufactured by him into vases, tablets, and other kinds of ornamental workmanship, which display all the beauties of its charac- ter and composition. In the argillaceous shale of Mead- foot sands, the articulating surfaces of encrinal vertebra*, and stems also of encrinites are obtained. Some speci- mens in which these remains are polished, may be ex- mined at the shell-shop of Mrs. Wyatt, near the market. The pebbles on this coast are frequently collected by visitors, and polished for the madrepores they contain. It is almost unnecessary to say that many unacquainted with the character of organic remains are frequently disap- pointed in the object of their search, and imagine that every stone mast contain a treasure. In conchology, also, shells which are only to be obtained by dredging, are often expected to be found lying on the beach, ready to adorn the cabinet of the collector without any further trouble : — Torbay offers many facilities for scientific study, but it can afford no means of attaining it in a day. Very delicate and beautiful specimens of madrepores in limestone pebbles may be obtained in the coves about Babbicombe and Watcombe ; they are also found on Teignmouth beach, but they have evidently been drifted there from the limestone strata of this vicinity. The limestone of this district is more or less impreg- nated with iron, and particularly in the neighbourhood -of Brixham. About 40 years ago, so much of this metal was found at Sharnham point, on the property of George Cutler, Esq. that considerable quantities were shipped for London and the great provincial markets ; and about the same time some copper and tin mines were opened at Wood JIuish, near Mansand, between Mudstone bay 15 and the entrance of Dartmouth harbour, but they were not. attended with much success. The slate of Mud stone bay has been extensively used for roofing. At Aller, near Newton, Pipe and Potters' Clay of great value is obtained : — it is exported from Torquay, and the former variety is much employed ikt the manufacture of the better kinds of pottery. Crystallised Carbonate of lime in many varieties occurs in the fissures of the limestone of this district; and at Totnes, rhomboidal crystals interlaced with fine hair- like filaments of Titanium. Arragonite is found in fissures of greywacke slate about Torquay. Sulphate of Baryta, in veins of limestone at Petit Tor and Babbicombe. Crystallised iron pyrites, at Meadfoot. Amorphous quartz, at Churston Cove. Chalcedony, at the Corbons and Livermead. Hydrargillite or Wavellite, in small radiated nodules near Meadfoot. — and' Beekite, the new mineral, named after Dr. Beeke, at the Corbons. It may, perhaps, be proper to notice in this place the extensive changes which have been effected on our southern shores by the action of the sea, and to consider the common opinion that Torbay was once a forest. The destruction of the harbours of Ottermouth and Seaton is recorded by Leland who wrote about the beginning of the 16th century, and the changes which have taken place in the navigation of the Exe have seriously injured the commercial interests of that river. The cliffs at Beer, Sidmouth, and Dawlish have considerably de- creased, and the site of the houses at old Teignmouth, mentioned in a succeeding page as having been burnt by the French, is now many feet below high-water mark.* Teignmouth is considered by Mr. Northmore to have been once an estuary, and there are many circumstance** which strengthen this supposition. The port was cer- taiuly, at a former period, of great extent and depth, * Moore's Hist, of Devon c2 16 and in an old chart in the British Museum, taken in the reign of Henry VIII. there is no band the entrance of the harbour. At Slapton Sands, about 4 miles to the south- west of Dartmouth, much land has been lost within a recent period. Leland has observed that fishermen have frequently taken up with their nets in Torbay, "rausons of hartes." It is also said that a considerable tract of land has been submerged in the parish of Paignton. From these circumstances and from this evidence, has arisen the idea that Torbay was once a wood. That the encroachments of the ocean have been of great magnitude cannot now be doubted ; but in receiving the accounts of sudden and violent catastrophes in many parts of our south-western shores, it is highly necessary to discrimi- nate between the exaggerated fables of monkish super- stition and the sound records of authentic history. There is a degree of wonder attaching to these tales which is sufficient to recommend them to popular credit, and in the lapse of ages they become, as it were, identified with the prejudices and feelings of the country. It must be known to many of our readers that the Mount's bay in Cornwall has been thought to have been once wooded, on nearly the same authority as Torbay ; and, according to the monkish writers, a tract of land reaching from the Land's End to the Scilly Islands, consisting of meadow, wood and tillage-land, and containing 140 parish churches, was submerged at the same time. But these accounts are too extravagant to require serious refuta- tion, for, independently of there being no notice of the event in any historical records on which we can rely, the period to which they refer is evidently too recent to have escaped attention, or to have failed in exciting some degree of particular inquiry. The legend, however, has, in many instances, been received by the Antiquary as genuine, and has given rise to many controversial theo- ries. Violent inundations, and sudden subsidences of the land have been advanced in explanation, and the tenth or twelfth century has actually been fixed on as the probable date of their occurrence. But, unfortu- nately for the value of these opinions, a submersion by a rise of the sea-level could not have happened, without 17 affecting every part of our hemisphere ; nor is it at all likely that a convulsive subsidence could have occurred unattended by the phenomena usual to such a catastrophe, and of which the surrounding country would afford abundant evidence. The discovery of the submarine wood on which the hypothesis almost wholly rests has been too partial to be conclusive, and the trees which have been found in the sands of Tor Abbey unquestionably belong to a comparatively recent period. From the situation and appearance of these trees it seems probable that an avenue existed outside the present sea-wall along the meadows in front of the Abbey, and it is worthy of re- mark that the original wall was much nearer the sea; this was destroyed within remembrance, The present wall was erected by the late Geo. Cary, Esq. ; a part of it was washed away iia the great storm of November, 1824 4 and during high tides the sea frequently breaks over it into the adjoining meadows. At the western extremity of the sands, the sea is encroaching consider- ably, and constantly undermines fresh portions of the cliff over which the pathway leads to the Dartmouth road. In the storm above-mentioned, the marsh at Paignton was inundated, and the whole coast more or less affected. The Geologist, however, can discover in these occurrences nothing but the slow, silent and grad- ual action of a powerful element of whose restless impulse- the shores of every quarter of the globe bear ample evi- dence. He will reject altogether the vague and incon- clusive legend, as supported by no proof, — natural or historical, — and at once conclude, that, if at any former time, extensive forests existed in Torbay, it must have been at a period antecedent to authentic history, and when the constitution of the globe was yet unsettled. The headlands at Paignton and Livermead have cer- tainly decreased much within remembrance, and the old records and leases on which the tradition is said to be, in a great measure, founded, may have referred to the ground thus lost; for the Paignton sands, so far from diminishing, have actually increased. Indeed it is much to be desired that the records referring to these tracts should be made known, — if any such are extant ; — for iuu 18 many similar instances, the documents which have been appealed to in favour of these occurrences have been found to exist only in the imagination of those by whom the theory has been promulgated. Although, however, we cannot attach importance to traditions which find no difficulty in throwing causeways across the ocean, and destroying whole districts in the same spirit of conveni- ence, we cannot be insensible to the silent process of disintegration and decay, which is going on in every part of the earth's surface. The combined action of the wind and rain, the atmospheric vicissitudes to which this country is exposed ; the influence of the electric fluid, and the incessant swell of the ocean on our shores must necessarily produce important changes. By the power- ful agency of these elements the more exposed portions of the rocky strata become disjointed and overthrown, and while the constant surge and rolling of the waves undermine the cliffs, the large masses of rock of which they are composed become at length detached by their own weight from the main land. Hence are formed the insulated masses which occur so frequently on our coast, and the cavernous precipices and rocky arches which add so much to the picturesque beauty of our shores. But these facts offer little testimony in favour of a great change in the relative position of sea and land, within a. limited and prescribed period. They are not the work of a day nor of a year, — but of successive ages ; for the earth can claim no exemption from that universal law by which Time maintains his prerogative, amidst the rise and fall of nations, the overthrow of ambition, the wreck of speculative theories, and the decay of princely splendour.* * For information respecting the Marbles of this district, and for specimens in every variety of ornamental workmanship, we beg to refer the reader to Mr. Sharland of Torquay, and to Mr. Woodley of St. Mary Church ; — for the minerals and fossils, to Mr. Heggerty's extensive establishment on the Quay, and to Mrs Wyatt near the market ,- — and to the latter, for specimens of the marine botany and shells of the Torbay district. 19 General History. The immediate neighbourhood of Torquay is so little known in historical lore, that, in order to present a con- nected view of this part of our subject, it will be neces- sary to embrace the general and leading history of the entire district, extending to the banks of the Dart and Teign. If we except the story of the landing of Brutus, there are on record no transactions of the British period con- nected with this district ; for we have no historian of these early times. It will hardly be expected that we should devote much space to the vague tradition that Brutus, the reputed coloniser of Britain, sailed up the Dart with a numerous fleet of ships, and landed at Totnes, — a tradition which is now altogether received as a tale of fable and romance. It has, however, been mentioned by the early chroniclers; and on one occasion, it was employed by Edward I. as the principal testimony of his claim to the supremacy of Scotland. It has derived no importance from having been thus countenanced by royal authority, for it is not difficult to discern the policy of reviving the legend under these circumstances ; espe- cially as the monks were intrusted with the task of bring- ing it forward in a new dress, and of embellishing it with such additional varieties as fraud or bigotry might suggest ; and it depends, moreover, almost solely, on their authority. The visit of Brutus to Totnes is said to have taken place about the year 2887 5 and after the universal deluge 1231 ; the Count Palatine places it in 2855, or 1108 B. C. and Hollinshed in 2850 and after the destruction of Troy 66 years.* The story also says that he found the island peopled with giants, the leader of whom, Gog Magog, was conquered by his kinsman Corinseus at * Sammes Brit. Antiq- Illust. p. 157. Hollinshed, b. 2. For an able refutation of the story see Moore's Hist of Devon, vol 1 . 8vo. p. 83. 20 Plymouth, on the spot where the citadel now stands, or according to others, on the cliffs of Dover, f Havillan " an old Cornish poet" quoted by Camden, " following the authority of the British history, thus sany long since." Inde dato cursu, Brutus comitatus Achate, Gallorum spoliis cumulatis navibus, sequor Exarat, et superis auraque faventibus usus Littora fselices intrat Totonesia portus. "Thus, says Prince, translated into English, From hence great Brute with his Achates steerd ; Full fraught with Gallic spoils their ships appear'd. The gods did guide his sail and course, The winds were at command ; And Totnes was the happy shore Where first he came on laud." Although the monks were the only annalists of these early periods, their love of the marvellous and their propensity to imposture, added to the prevailing credu- lity of the people, peculiarly disqualified them for the. oflice they fulfilled. Secluded from the world which they affected to describe, and participating largely in the ignorance of the times, they were as incompetent to obtain a correct representation of events, as they were, by habit and profession, to present them in the pure simplicity of truth. Hence in almost all the legends of monastic origin, reality is so blended with fictitious nar- rative, that they are of little more historical importance than the wild rhapsodies of the bards. Thus the legiti- mate distinction between history and fiction is lost ; and the imaginary adventures which have been substituted for facts have confounded truth with fable, and corrupted our early history with idle and absurd stories. The tra- f Sub temporibus itaque Ely et Samuelis propbetse, vir quidara *trenuus ct insignia, Brutus nomine, de genere Trojanorum, po^t escidiuni urbis Trojse, cum multis nobilibus Trojanorum app]i- cuit in quandam insulam tunc Albion vocatam, a gigantibus in- habitam ; quibus sua et suorum devictis potentia et accisis, earn nomine suo Britanniam sociosque suos Britones appeliavit, et aedificavit civitatem quam Trinovantum nuncupavit, qua? modo Londinia nominatur. Edward I. to Pope Boniface VIII. Hume, Rymer's Faedera, vol. I. 21 ditionary form which facts had, in many cases, assumed was afterwards associated with the tales of chivalry, and the imagination, not content with the glowing field of love, of conquest and of song, remodelled these ancient relics in the vivid and unrestricted style of romantic minstrelsy. Tradition, in its proper place, has its worth and interest, but we must be cautious how we employ legendary tales to supply the want of authentic records ; for history gains nothing by their unguarded admission, and antiquity loses much of its value by being identified with them. The legend in question is, however, a good collateral proof of the antiquity of Totnes, and the stone is still pointed out on which Brutus is saio" to have landed ;— but that venerable town must resign the honour of having first received this fabulous adventurer, — if honour it be ; and endeavour to discover some more worthy occupant of the landing-stone than the great- grandson of iEneas, and, consequently, the lineal des- cendant of Jupiter himself. It is remarkable that the Roman writers are silent re- specting their military operations in the west, nor is it even mentioned whether Danmonium was the scene of war during their occupation of Britain. It is, however, evident from the remains of encampments and vestiges of roads constructed by that nation, that the district of Torbay, including the Dart and Teign, was frequented by them, and regarded as a station of much consequence and power. In the part of this work devoted to anti- quities, the nature of this evidence will be fully exam- ined, and the character of their existing relics more generally considered, for they afford a testimony which " every peasant may read and no sophist can falsify." It is, indeed, said that Torbay was selected by Vespasian as the landing place of the Roman legions, when he visited the island ; and Geoffrey of Monmouth relates that Exeter was besieged by that Emperor, and relieved by Arviragus, the British king, between whom and the Romans a battle ensued in which neither party could claim the victory ;* but little credit is attached to the assertions of this writer. We are acquainted with hq * Lysons, vol. i. v. 22 other occurrences under the Roman rule, although De- von is rich in monuments of their power. " It is to be lamented" says the Bishop of Cloyne, "that so extensive a county, inhabited at all times by an active and indus- trious people, and of late, in particular, illustrated by the labours of many ingenious men, should still have such * cloud hanging over the period of its early history ;t" and he might have added that the silence of the Roman writers has not only left us unacquainted with many interesting and important transactions, but has deprived ns of much topographical and statistical intelligence, the value of which would have been incalculable to the future historians of the west. About the middle of the 9th century, the Danish pi- rates began to invade and lay waste the southern coast of Devon, if not before ; for some writers are of opinion that their first landing in Britain was at Teignmouth,* though this is more generally considered to be a mistake for Tynemouth in Northumberland. Few places appear to have escaped their ravages, and from their well-known thirst for plunder, it is very probable that all the towns on the coast suffered more or less by their incursions. In 1001,|||| they again visited these coasts, and after burning •' Teignton and other goodly towns, "j they sailed from Exmouth with Sweyn, the king of Denmark, at their head. They then proceeded to besiege Exeter, but the united forces of Devon, Somerset and Dorset being collected in defence of the city by Cola the English General, a desperate battle was fought at Pinhoe, in which the Danes were victorious. The next day, they set fire to Pinhoe, Clyst, and other villages in the neighbourhood, and departed with immense spoil and treasure to the Isle of Wight. j| In the reign of Richard I. Dartmouth is said to have been burnt by the French, § but the chronicles of that reign do not notice it. In 1190, the fleet destined for the Holy Land assembled at that port, and in the be- ginning of the 14th century the inhabitants contributed 31 ships and 737 seamen to Edward the third's great f Lysons vol. i. cccxxii. * Camden, c.27. |||| Simeon Dunelim. J Sax. Chran. |j Ibid. § Mag. Brit. 1/20. 23 fleet before Calais.]: In the same reign the French pirates attacked the maritime towns of this coast, and set fire to Teign mouth in 1350 ; and Walsingham mentions a gallant exploit of the men of Dartmouth and Ports- mouth in 1383, when they took five French ships, the whole of the enemy's crew, excepting nine persons, having been killed in the action.* In 1404, the French under the command of Mods, de Castel having landed and burnt 600 houses at Plymouth, proceeded to Dart- mouth, or, as Stowe says, to Blackpool, about two miles from that harbour, where they were bravely re- pulsed by the country people. The women fought des- perately on this occasion, and greatly contributed to the victory. The General was slain, and three Lords, and twenty Knights made prisoners, "and carried to the king by the countrymen, who returned well-pleased with their purses full of gold." In the civil wars of Charles, this district, like the greater part of Devon, was in favour of the Parliament. In 1643, Prince Maurice laid siege to Dartmouth, and instead of finding it an easy conquest as he expected, the garrison did not surrender until the 4th of October, after a month's siege, in which he lost many of his men by sickness, and especially Sir James Chudleigh who died of a wound he then received. The command was entrusted by the Prince to Col. Seymour, a gentleman of the county,! and the garrison was esteemed of such importance, that the fortifications were strengthened, and the old Castle, a Fort called Gallant's Bower at the mouth of the harbour, Kingswear Castle, Paradise Fort and Mount Flag.gon were strongly garrisoned. Town- stall church also, and Mount Boone were well manned, and had about 30 guns mounted ; the west gate was fortified, and in the whole there were more than 60 pieces of Ordnance. || In 1644, when the Queen em- it Lysons. * Ibid, f Vicars. || Lysons. " Gallant's Bower was a fortificatiou on the summit of the hill over Dartmouth Castle. This and the tower on the opposite side are supposed to have been the points to which the chain was attached in the reign of Edward IV. Mount Flaggon is supposed to have been an eminence overhanging the town, nearly about its centre ; Paradise Fort still remains, being a large circu- lar tower, on a point of land to the south of the town, between it and the casile." Ibid. 24 barked at Falmouth for France, several ships of the Par- liamentary navy were stationed by Warwick, their Ad- miral, in Torbay, to intercept her passage ; but the wind was so favourable, that, although one of his frigates approached so near as to discharge several shots at her Majesty's ships, she escaped and landed the next day on the shores of Britanny. j In 1645, Lord Goring's Ca- valry, to the number of nearly 5000, were quartered at Totnes, Newton and Chudleigh, and when his proposals for pacification were unsuccessful, he took shipping at Dartmouth, and proceeded to France, to obtain fresh troops for the ensuing spring. The Royal forces, how- ever, were soon after augmented by fresh re-inforcements, particularly by infantry from Dartmouth ; but on the 11th of January Sir Thomas Fairfax took possession of Totnes, and called together, by proclamation, about 3000 adherents of the Parliament, and formed another regi- ment. On the 12th he sent two regiments to besiege Dartmouth, and on the 18th arrived himself with the remainder of his forces, and commenced storming the town that night. Vice-Admiral Batten who was cruis- ing along the coasts of Torbay and Dartmouth with his squadron, assisted in the contest. Col Pride took Mount Boone; Col. Fortescue obtained possession of Townstall church ; Col. Hamond took the west gate; and the town, castle and Kingsweare fort surrendered the following day. Two ships of war fell into the hands of the con- querors ; and Sir Hugh Pollard the governor of the town ; Sir Henry Cary, governor of Kingsweare fort ; the Earl of Newport, Col. Seymour, and the whole gar- rison were made prisoners.* The attack and the de- fence were equally brave, and Fairfax treated the prison- ers with his usual clemency and kindness. On the 21st he returned to Totnes, and was at Newton on the 24th ; after which he marched to the north of the county. In 1670, Charles II. visited Dartmouth on his return by sea from Plymouth, and thence proceeded to Exeter. From this time nothing interesting occurs in the history of the district we have selected, until the Revolution of 1688. As Torbay occupies so conspicuous a place in the % Moore's Devon. * Lysons. 25 accounts of this event, we shall devote some space to its description. On the 21st of October, the Prince of Orange, attended with a fleet of fifty one vessels of war, eighteen fire-ships and about three hundred transports, and with an army of nearly thirty thousand men, sailed from Helvoetsluys, for the English shores. Immediately after his departure a violent storm arose which consider- ably damaged the squadron, and obliged them to return to port to repair his losses. By great energy and perse- verance the fleet was refitted in about eight days, and again set sail under the command of Admiral Herbert. When they reached the Nore, they were noticed by the English fleet under the earl of Dartmouth, but it offered no opposition. As the squadron passed Dover and Calais, it extended in a line across the channel, within a league of each coast ; and on the 4th of November it anchored safely in Torbay. This was the anniversary of the Prince's birth and marriage, and he therefore wished to render it more memorable by landing on the British shores. The preparations, however, could not be com- pleted that night, but on the following day, the Prince attended by his principal officers proceeded to raise his standard on Brixham Quay. At this time Brixham contained but few houses, and the good people, asto- nished at the appearance of such an armament, are said to have stood in silent wonder on the beach. At last William approached the shore and demanded whether he was welcome, when after some further pause, he was asked what was his business, and his explanation being considered satisfactory,* he was, after a little more parley, informed that he was welcome. "If I am then" said the Prince, " come and carry me ashore," and im- mediately a little man, one of the party, plunged into the Mater and carried him triumphantly ashore to the * Spence mentions that when the people were apprehensive as to the nature of his visit, the Prince addressed them thus in his broken English, "mine people, minegoot people, he not alarmed, I am only come for your good, for all your goods." There has heen an instance of a more unhappy addition than in the case of the concluding S. D 26 steps of the pier.f On his landing the inhabitants are said to have presented their illustrious visitor with the following address, — " And, please your Majesty King William, You're welcome to Brixham Quay To eat huckhorn and drink bohea, Along with we, And please your Majesty King William." The landing occupied three days, and the flag ship car- ried English colours with the following motto, The Protestant Religion and Liberties of England ; and underneath, I will maintain it. On the 7th the Prince sent an officer and some troops to search Tor Abbey and other houses, inhabited by the Roman-catholic gentry, for arms and horses. In the Harleian Miscellany, vol. i. p. 449, the following anecdote is related by one who was present in the fleet; " nor shall it be forgotten that there was a priest and some others upon a watch tower (at Tor Abbey) when we arrived at Torbay, to discover what our fleet was ; and discovering white flags on some of our men of war, the ignorant priest concluded we were French, which they had so long expected with •f This is a very different kind of landing to that which North- cote has assigned to William in his celebrated Picture. The sub- sequent history of the " little man" who carried the king on shore, is rather singular. Having a short ambling pony, which was com- monly used in fish-jolting, he rode bare-headed before the Prince to Newton and afterwards to Exeter, and so pleased him by his zeal, that be told him to come to him to court, when he should be seated on the throne, and he would make a great man of him. He also gave him a line under his hand, which was to be his pass- port into the royal presence. In due time, accordingly, the little man took his course to London, promising his townsmen that he should come back among them a Lord at least. When, however, he arrived there, some sharpers, who learnt his errand at the Inn where he put up, made our poor little Brixhamite gloriously drunk and kept him in that state for several successive weeks. During this time, one of the party, having obtained the passport went to Court, with the little man's tale in his mouth, and received a handsome present from the king. Our adventurer recovering him- self shortly afterwards, went to the Palace, without his card of admission and was repulsed as an impostor, and came back to Brixham, never to hold up his head again. X + Communicated by the Rev. H. F. Lyte. 27 great impatience ; and having laid up great provisions for their entertainment, the priest ordered all the chapel to sing Te Deum for the arrival of their forces. But being soon undeceived on our landing, we found the benefit of their provisions ; and instead of Votre servi- teur, Monsieur, they were entertained with Yeen Mynheer, can ye Dutch spraken ? Upon which they all ran away from the house, but the Lady Cary and a few old servants." The Prince himself proceeded on the 7th to Ford, near Newton, the residence of Sir William Courtenay, and it is said that his first proclamation was read from the base of the ancient cross at Newton, by the Rev. John Reynell, the minister of Woolborough. His park of artillery was stationed at the old encamp- ment on Milber Down, and his army on the adjacent heath. % The windows of the apartments which he oc- cupied at Ford overlook this down. On the 8th he commenced his march to Exeter, and the whole trans- action, from his landing at Brixham to his departure from Devon, was conducted with such excellent discipline and good conduct that the people flocked to his standard in considerable numbers. The procession from Newton to Exeter was truly splendid : In the van the Earl of Mac- clesfield with two hundred horse, richly accoutred and mounted on Flanders steeds, with head pieces and body armour, and attended by two hundred negroes wearing embroidered caps with white fur, and plumes of feathers. Next in succession were two hundred Finlanders in bear skins, with black armour, and broad swords ; and after these fifty gentlemen and as many pages to attend the Prince's banner which was inscribed, God and the Protestant Religion. Fifty led war horses then fol- lowed, preceding the Prince, who was mounted on a milk white charger in complete armour highly-wrought, with a plume of white ostrich feathers in his helmet, and forty-two running footmen by his side, and attended by a body-guard of two hundred gentlemen and pages mounted. These were followed in succession by three thousand Swiss, five hundred volunteers, six hundred X Mr. Taylor's paper in the Archseologia v. xix, 28 guards completely armed, and the remaining* part of the army ; the whole amounting to thirty thousand.* It is perhaps worthy of remark that the flag placed in the bow of the first barge in the procession of opening the Exeter Canal a few years ago, was the identical ban- ner under which William the third landed at Brixham ; it then became the property of a member of the Watson family who was engaged in his retinue, and it has passed into the hands of its present possessor by an inter-mar- riage with the Watsons. On the 20th July, 1690, the French fleet was at an- chor in Torbay, and all the forces of Devon were drawn up to prevent their landing. Some of their galleys drew off from the squadron, and " made towards a weak, unfortified place, called Teignmouth, and coming very near, and having played the cannon of their galleys upon the town, and shot near two hundred great shot there- into, to drive away the poor inhabitants, they landed about seventeen hundred of their men, and began to plunder and fire the towns of East and West Teignmouth, which consists of about three hundred houses, and in the space of three hours ransackt and plundered the said towns, and a village called Shaldon, lying on the other side of the river, and burnt and destroyed one hundred and sixteen houses, together with eleven ships and barks that were in the harbour." { They also violated the churches, killed the cattle in the streets, and altogether occasioned a loss of £ 1 1 ,000. Nor must it be forgotten that the little squadron of the " Governours and Company of Merchants of London, trading to the East Indies," which was the immediate although feeble origin of that power which now holds sovereign sway over the continent of India, sailed from Torbay on their first expedition, on the 2nd of May, 1601, having been detained by some casualty in their passage down the channel. § * Harleian Miscell. Moore's Devon. X See the Brief, anno 2. William and Mary, given in Carrington's Guide to Teignmouth ; and Burnet's Hist, of his own Times vol. 2. &c. § Cooley-'s Hist, of Maritime and Inland Discovery: Cab. Cyclop. 29 In August 1/80, when the combined squadrons of France and Spain under D'Orvilliers appeared off Ply- mouth, and captured the Ardent 64, and when the great- est alarm prevailed on account of the Dock Yard and prisoners of war collected at that port, the Home-fleet under the command of Sir Charles Hardy sought safety in Torbay ; and we have already mentioned that during the late war it was the principal station of the splendid fleet of Earl St. Vincent. In 1806, the Princess of Wales visited Torquay, and partook of refreshments in the old furze-house in the Warren. In testimony of this visit, and in allusion to the subsequent political affairs with which she was asso- ciated, a tablet was erected in the furze-house^ with the following inscription, — Pause ! stranger, in this favoured cell, And list the tale a stone can tell Of Her, who flew with nuptial care To grace the hand of Britain's heir ; Who, beauteous alien, found relief — • Midst publick wrongs and private grief, — Not in a Nation's fostering care, — But in a calm asylum here. f , "Here also arrived," says Mr. M'Enery, after speak- ing of the visit of the Prince of Orange, " but under far different auspices, — to lay down a sceptre where William came to find one — the Emperor Napoleon. On opening the bay, his adversity did not blind him to the attractions of a hostile country, now proudly spread out before his eye. Nor, though on the eve of a second captivity 5 did he shrink from recalling to his mind its similitude to the place of his late detention ; * What a beautiful country,' exclaimed he ; ' it very much resembles thePorto Fer- rago in Elba.' During his sojourn, presents of fruit were sent on board from the Tor Abbey Gardens ; and these generous attentions of an English gentleman, whose estates were often menaced by his invading fleet were fully appreciated by the fallen Emperor. "§ The Belle* f This inscription is now, we believe, entirely obliterated. § Carrington's Guide to Teignmouth. 30 rophon, Capt. Maitland, having" Napoleon on board, anchored in Torbay on Monday the 24th July 1815, and early in the morning of the following Wednesday, sailed for Plymouth. He was accompanied by Bertrand, Sa- vary, Montholon, Las Casas, Gorgaud, Lallemand, and others, and a number of distinguished Polish officers. On Sunday, 6th August, the Bellerophon with Buona- parte, and the To tin ant with Lord Keith, sailed for Plymouth to join the Northumberland, and having fallen in with her in the channel, the fleet anchored off Tor- bay ; and at 12 o'clock on the following day, the em- peror embarked on boaid the latter vessel for St. Helena. || On these important occasions, Torbay presented a most animating scene, and was literally " instinct with life." Napoleon was frequently seen through the garter-ports and gangway of the Bellerophon, as he promenaded thef deck, dressed in the uniform of the imperial guard ; and the ship was daily surrounded by vessels, yachts and boats of every description, full of persons from all parts of the coast, anxious to behold the Hero of modern Europe. " 'Twas then, the captives of Britannia's war Here for their lovely southern climes afar In bondage pined ; the spell-deluded throng, Dragg'd at ambition's chariot-wheels so long, To die ; — Yes ! they whose march had rock'd the ancient thrones And temples of the world, — the deepening tones Of whose advancing trumpet from repose Had startled nations, waking in their woes, — Were prisoners here; and there were some whose dreams Were of sweet homes, by chainless mountain streams, And of the vine-clad hills, and many a strain Of festal melody of Loire and Seine ; || Monthly Magazine ; Sir Richard Phillips's Series. An engraved Portrait of Napoleon, from a drawing by his Chamberlain Lieut. Col. De Planet, while on board the Bellerophon, with a view of Berry Head and the Bellerophon at anchor was published almost immediately after his arrival. We have a Copy of it in our pos- session. 31 And of those Mothers who had watched and wept, When on the field th' unshelter'd conscript slept Bathed with the midnight dews."* On Sunday July 20, 1828, his present Majesty, when Duke of Clarence, visited Dartmouth in the " Royal Sovereign" Yacht, and landed under a royal salute, at the New-ground steps, whence he proceeded to Mount Galpin, the residence of A. H. Holdsworth, Esq. the Governor of the Castle. He inspected the harbour and entertained a select party at dinner in the evening on board the royal yacht. At 9, on the following morning, his Majesty struck his flag as Lord High Admiral, and rehoisted it on board the Lightning Steamer, and with his suite, accompanied by five revenue cruisers and the Meteor Steam vessel, proceeded to Torbay, where he was met by a numerous assemblage of yachts. He landed at the New Quay at Brixham under a salute from the batteries and from the vessels in the bay, and the stone on which William III. placed his foot when he landed in Torbay in 1688, was removed from the Old Quay to this place, to have the additional honour of receiving the second Prince of that name who had dignified Brixham by his presence. Triumphal arches were erected in the town, and a procession of the inhabitants, attended by a band of music, was drawn up to receive his royal high- ness. On his landing, he was greeted with the most * Mrs. Hemans. On the day appointed, soon after this event, for a general Thanks- giving, Dr. Booker, a gentleman long known to the literary world for his talents and accomplishments, preached a Sermon in the Parish Church of Tormohun, from Daniel iv- 19, 20; in which he drew a parallel between the character, conduct, and fall of Nebuchad- nezzar and Napoleon, which was subsequently published with a dedicatory address to him who was the subject of it: The candour of the work was worthy its motto, — Tros Tyriusve mihi nullo discrimine habebit, but however much ingenuity and zeal this production may evince it partakes too largely of the intolerance of party-spirit ; and the dedication, in particular, from the biting sarcasm of its satire, was not likely to effect the reformation desired. "Dogmatic Virulence never made a convert," 32 enthusiastic cheers, and while he stood on the stone alluded to, the Rev. H. F. Lyte, on the part of the in- habitants, presented him with a box of heart of oak, — a portion of the original timber of the old Totnes bridge, lined with velvet, and enclosing a piece of the stone in- serted in it, bearing the following inscription ; " The portion of the stone on which King William the Third first placed his foot, when he landed in these realms at Brixham, November 5, 1688, is humbly pre- sented by the inhabitants thereof, to his royal highness, the Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom, in com- memoration of his visit to Torbay, 21st. July 1828." Mr. Lyte, at the same, time read the following ad- dress, — "To his Royal Highness, Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, &c. &c, " The humble address of the inhabitants of Brixham, Torbay, " May it please your Royal Highness ; — We, the in- habitants of Brixham, beg leave humbly to approach your Royal Highness with our congratulations on your safe arrival in Torbay, for the first time since your ap- pointment to the distinguished office of Lord High Ad- miral of the United Kingdom. We rejoice to see the heir and representative of royalty so actively engaged in promoting the naval interests of this country, and we sincerely pray that life and health may long be given to your Royal Highness, for the completion of the important objects you have in hand. We felicitate ourselves on having this opportunity of expressing our respect and attachment to your Highness's person; and though un- able to vie with others in the splendour of the reception we offer you, we yield to none in loyal and dutiful devo- tion towards yourself and every member of your illus- trious house. We humbly beg leave to present this our respectful address in a box of heart of oak, 800 years old, containing a small portion of the stone on which King William the Third placed his foot when he first landed in England ; and we shall from hencefotth value this stone the more highly from its having had the honour of bearing your Royal Highness's person, when you stepr ped ashore this day." 33 To this, his Royal Highness made the following most appropriate reply. " Gentlemen, I am very thankful for your congratu- lations on my arrival in this beautiful and magnificent Bay, in the execution of the high office I now hold under the gracious goodness of his Majesty. I feel most sen- sibly your approbation of my conduct in promoting, as I ought, the naval interests of this country. I receive with perfect satisfaction the expressions of loyalty and dutiful devotion to the King, and accept with sincere pleasure the box of heart of oak, which is, and ought to be, the pride, as it is the salvation, of our country. Recollecting as an Englishman, thebenefitconferred on this truly happy island by the landing of William the third in this bay, I shall ever preserve as a precious relic, the portion of stone on which King William the third placed his foot when his Majesty first landed in England, William. To the Inhabitants of Brixham." His Majesty having re-embarked proceeded to Torquay Roads, and appeared off the Town, but did not land, although preparations were made for his reception ; and having again inspected and sailed round the bay, attended by the Steamers and yachts, he departed for Dartmouth. A brilliant illumination took place in the evening in that town, and on the following morning his Majesty left the port on his way to Plymouth. On the 1st of August 1828, Queen Adelaide, then Duchess of Clarence, visited Torquay. Her Majesty was presented with an address by the inhabitants and visitors, and was received with the usual demonstrations of respect. She was escorted by a troop of the South Devon Yeo- manry Cavalry, under the command of Major W. H. Tonkin, K. C. M ; &c. &c. who has had the honour' of attending different branches of the Royal Family, with this troop, on three several occasions. PART II. TORQUAY, 3Efcf Climate, aitXf Znitibxtion** " ( Lo ! time shall come, when on yon throng'd parade ' Shall groups assemble, — swains and many a maid, ' And elder dames and sires, in converse gay, * Breathing sweet health fresh-wafted from the bay j * And yonder hills all boasting purest air ' Shall smile with villas and with mansions fair ; — * Adorn'd with gardens or with paddocks green * These scatter'd round shall on the heights be seen;— ' While Commerce trading to a distant world, * Her streamers flying and her sails unfurl'd, ' Shall, when the winds awake the waves from sleep, ' Spot the bright bosom of the refluent deep,' Thus sings the muse, — and were her strains divine Propitious days, Torquay, should hence be thine, — Where Nature not august alone appears, But, fraught with wealth, her beauteous head she rears. Behold these rocks in dazzling splendour shine, Each rock in marble an exhaustless mine ! Here with delight the checker'd fields behold While Autumn tints the ripening corn with gold ; Or while the storms of winter howl around, And not a blooming plant or leaf be found In other scenes, — in this mild clime the rose In all its beauty, all its fragrance blows, Here Venus' fav'rite tree is smiling seen Clad in a never-fading vest of green. — What marvel then, that stricken sufferers come From distant climes thy shores to make their home, To sojourn here while wintry months pass by And icy storms abroad terrific fly In their own country ? — for in calmest sway Does Winter reign around the blest Torquay." Torquay; A Poem by T. W. Booker, 1815, CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. 35 Torquay is situated in a retired and capacious cove of Torbay, about two miles from the promontory of Hope's Nose, which forms its northern boun- dary, and is distant 23 miles from the city of Exeter. It occupies an irregular but singularly-beautiful site, presenting the appearance of a natural amphitheatre, while the Bay from many places resembles in form and outline a magnificent extended lake. The greater part of the town has a south-western aspect, and is remarkably protected from the north and east winds by a range of lofty hills in which it is embosomed. These hills form the southern angle of the commencement of the lime* stone chain, which we have already noticed in a preceding page ; they present all the peculiarities of that formation, — now being divided into deep ravines, now expanding into broad and fertile meadows, — and open with singular beauty, as they approach the coast, to form the valley of Torquay. Within a period embracing little more than half a cen- tury, this place has risen from utter insignificance, and is now one of the most frequented watering places in the south of England. At the timefirst mentioned, it presented no indications of advancement, and being retired from the common tracts of commercial intercourse, it was known only to those resident in its neighbourhood ; or to the tourist who visited it for the enchanting scenery with which it then abounded. The sea, at this period, flowed up to the site of the present Strand, and the beach was surrounded by a few small and straggling houses, inhabited principally by fishermen, who had constructed in the south-eastern angle of the creek a temporary pier for the security of their craft. On this beach vessels and fishing-boats were built, and the hills above it were rocky and uncultivated. It was indeed, a mere fishing village, and in the sketches which were taken at the time, we can recognise few of the present features of Torquay, except the general outline of the cove, and the gable ends of the old manor-house of Tor- wood rising venerably in the distance. About the close of the last century when Torbay be- 36 CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. came important as a naval rendezvous, the salubrious climate of Torquay appears to have excited attention, and it is, we believe, from this period that we must date its rise and progress. When, therefore, subsequent observation had confirmed the testimony of public opinion in its favour, houses were erected for the accom- modation of the invalids who annually migrate from the colder parts of the island to this county to enjoy the delightful climate of one southern shores. While the character of Torquay was thus established in regard to climate and other local advantages, it did not fail to excite admiration by its natural attractions. Its sheltered situation, the dryness of its atmosphere, its general free- dom from fogs and the equable state of temperature which it enjoys, at once gave it a superiority over the other watering places on this coast, and induced many families to select it as a place of permanent residence. The erection of the Pier, in 1803, by conferring on it a tone of importance materially tended to promote the welfare of the little colony. This undertaking was exe- cuted, under the protection of an act of Parliament, at the sole expense of the late Sir Lawrence Palk Bart, who aided the advancement of Torquay with the zeal and energy that he devoted to every public measure in which he engaged. Torquay, from the sea, resembles an extended cres- cent, — the back ground of which is here and there studded with cottages and crowned with woods. The pic- turesque elevations thus formed, have all, more or less, been made available to the restless spirit of improvement. Each succeding year has regularly brought its increase and while the place daily grows in size and population, it is to be hoped that it will not. overgrow. No watering place in the south of England possesses so many peculiar advantages in regard to climate and situation as Torquay. This asseition is not made on in- sufficient grounds ; the evidence which we shall lay be- fore the reader will be the best proof of the equity of that decision. It is not an easy task to enter on the subject of climate as applied to a place singularly defi- cient in the necessary materials for such an inquiry: and CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. 37 more particularly as the question of climate in general has been less regarded, and perhaps less understood in this country, than any other connected with the public health. Until a recent period, we knew little more of what may be termed the philosophy of climate, than we could collect from the writings of antiquity. Its benefi- cial agency in the treatment of disease was appreciated before the grand principles of medical science were esta- blished, and it was well known that a residence on the sea-coast exerted a most beneficial influence on the ani- mal economy. Nor was it, on the other hand, less un- derstood thtit a change of scene, especially in a district abounding in natural attractions, acted directly and at once on the mental constitution ; it was known to the old physicians that the mind is diverted by the grand and varied majesty of the ocean and at the same time invigor- ated by its refreshing breezes. The nature of climate as a remedial agent has a peculiar interest for the inhabitants of this island, since it is computed that consumption alone destroys annually one fourth of our population. Our afflicted countrymen have sought to benefit by the in- fluence of climate in different parts of the south of Eu- rope : but the reputation of these places as residences for invalids, and particularly for those labouring under pulmonary disease has been much over-rated. Fashion, however, on this point, is at length declining, and we are beginning to discover that the mere intrinsic advan- tages of an Italian atmosphere cannot compensate for the want of English comforts, and for the absence of those friends by whom the invalid is cherished and consoled. The excitement which is beneficial to one class of per- sons is frequently injurious to others, and the consumptive patient in undertaking a continental journey is exposed to most of the evils, while he can enjoy few even of the moral advantages, of foreign travel. When, therefore, we consider these facts in conjunction with the uncertain chances of benefit and the dangers of protracted hope, and compare them with the relative circumstances of the invalid in England, we may say with Yorick, " Where, then, my dear countrymen, are you going?" If the opinion be correct that where no organic changes exist, E 38 CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. the climate of Italy may be beneficial ; and that, in the advanced stages of pulmonary affection, it is more likely to accelerate the disease, — "it shows," says Dr. Johnson, that medical men incur a fearful responsibility in propo- sing- to the parents and friends of invalids, a measure which is fraught with danger, involved in uncertainty, and too often attended by the most destructive sacrifices of the feelings, as well as of the finances of the parties con- cerned. Those who have not witnessed lingering illnesses and death-bed scenes in distant climes, can form no just conception of the tide of mournful emotions which daily rushes over the mind of the dying stranger in a foreign land. Death is deprived of more than half his terrors by the sympathy of friends, and the consciousness that our ashes shall be deposited in the land that gave us birth, near those whom, in life, we cherished, loved or revered! This may be a prejudice — perhaps even a weakness ; yet it is natural — it is instinctive, — and the instincts of nature can seldom be entirely repulsed even by the most philo- sophic minds. Heaven forbid that on such a momentous question as this, involving the livesof my fellow-creatures, I should throw the weight of a feather into the scale against the preservation, or even the prolongation of human existence ; hut I have lived too long, and seen too much, not to know the errors of discrimination and the fallacies of hope, that send pulmonary invalids from the gloomy skies, but comfortable abodes of England, to lands where comfort is unknown, even by name, and whose atmospheres cannot work miracles, whatever their saints may do. . The balance, indeed, between perma- nent benefit and blighted expectation, or even actual iu- jury, is so nearly poized, that a breath may turn the scale. That breath is as often one of error as of judg- ment. The consequences are obvious."* While, therefore, the attention which has been paid to the physical characters of climate has decided the real claims of foreign residence, it has likewise shown that there exist in our own island and within our reach, so * See Dr. James Johnson's excellent little Vol. on chaDge of Air ; a work which has been not inaptly called the second "Senti- mental Journey." CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. 39 many favoured places, that the invalid is no longer under the necessity of travelling abroad in search of a treasure, which, he is far more likely to enjoy at home. Hence, within the last few years, the English Avatering-places have risen into fresh importance, and every corner of the island has been explored in search of new asylums of health. The climate of Devonshire has been long and highly celebrated for its salubrity. " Its superiority in this instance to other counties" says Mr. Moore in his history of Devon, " arises in part from its abounding with hills, but chiefly from its vicinity to the sea. The wind, two-thirds of the year from the west and south- west, crossing an immense extent of ocean, is regularly warmer than in more inland counties ; and being seldom languid, serves to purify the air and to correct the ex- tremes both of heat and cold. In summer the intense- ness of the former is moderated by strong and refreshing breezes from the sea and hills, and in winter the frosts in the southern portion of the county are not so severe, nor does the snow lie so long as in other districts. Even in December, a languid sort of spring is observable, and shrubs that will not live in the colder parts of the island flourish here."f Having thus adjusted the preliminaries we shall now proceed to consider the climate of Torquay. The mean temperature of the south coast of England during the winter months is from one to two degrees above that of London ; of the south-west ( including the south of Devon ) from three to four, and of Penzance, five and a half. This is the arrangement of Dr. Clark, the south coast extending from Hastings to Portland, and the south-west from the latter to Cornwall ; and the cal- culations being the result of his extensive experience, may be implicitly relied on. The mean temperature of Torquay during the six cold months in the last season, 1831-32, as deduced from our Tables, was 47° 15, and during the months of Dec. Jan. and Feb. 44° 88, The mean at 8 A. M. during the same months, was 44" 23 ; in the seasons 1827-8, 1828-9, that of Under- cttff, was 44°. 5 ; Gosport 42°. 5, and Penzance 45°. 7. f Moore's Hist, of Devon, vol. i. 40 CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. In the three first months of 1832, the mean temperature of Torquay, at 8 A. M. was 45° 50 ; during the same period in 1828, that of Underciiff was 45° 4 ; Penzance, 45° 7 5 London 41° 5, while Hastings at nine, was only 43° 6. Of course due allowance will be made for the difference of the seasons compared. In these observations it will be seen that we have taken the results of the past season ; the winters of 1829-30 and 30-31, mention- ed in our tables, cannot be admitted as evidences of the climate of Torquay; they were unusually severe on this coast generally, and equalled, if not surpassed, any of which we have record in this place ; yet the mean of the six months in the first season was 43°. 03, and in the second 46°. 13. It may be useful to institute a comparison between the winter temperature of Torquay and some other places, well known as residences for invalids ; we shall therefore again refer to Dr. Clark's excellent tables, to which we are indebted for all the comparative estimates in this ar- ticle. Here, also, we mu-t allow for the difference of the years compared. The following are given in the or- der of superiority, Madeira 59'. 50; Rome 48°. 90, Nice 47". 82, Penzance 45°. 8 ; Torquay 44 \ 88 ; Flo- fence, 44°. 30 ; Underciiff 44\ 5 ; Bordeaux 42° 08 ; Cheltenham 40\ 60 ; Sidmouth 40\ 43 ;— Edinburgh, 39 : . 40; and London 39'. 12.* With respect to the temperature of the different months in the cold season, the greatest difference, relatively with London, appears to occur in this order ; December, Jan- uary, April, March, February and November: but on this point we speak with caution. In respect to the range of monthly teo^perature for the six cold months, Torquay exceeds Gosport and Sidmouth by 38°. and * To Penzance and Underciiff, are given the mean of the winters of 1827-8, 1828-9, as deduced from Dr. Clark's second odition, p. 39, note ; and to Torquay, that of 1831-2. We had included Montpelier in these comparisons, but have now omitted it by the advice of Dr. Clark, who has shown its over- praised climate to be so decidedly bad that it is useless to place it with those mentioned, CLIMATE OF TORQUAY 41 40°. respectively, in the mean of the lowest extremes ; in February surpassing the former by 16 \ It also ex- ceeds London by 38°. for the six months. There is on the other hand a difference on this point, of 4°. between Torquay and Penzance, 10°. between Torquay and Rome, and 37°. between Torquay and Nice, in favour of the latter places. It will be interesting to extend these ob- servations to the maximum temperature, and thus em- brace the highest and lowest extremes of the twenty-four hours. The result of this comparison is exceedingly curious ; the mean of Penzance and London being equal, and being exceeded by Torquay by 1°. only. Rome, Nice, and Gosport exceed Torquay by 40 \ 26°, and 5°-. in the order stated, and Sidmouth, the lowest of all, falls below it 18'. Hence while Penzance and Torquay sur- pass London by 42'. and 38'. respectively, in the mini- mum temperature of the whole season, the former does not exceed it in the maximum, and the latter only by a variation of one degree. Thus we may say that during the 6 cold months Penzance is seven and Torquay six degrees and a half warmer than London on an average during the night, and that they scarcely exceed it in the maximum of the day. The equality, however, is not regularly distributed throughout each month ; it appears to be in March, April and November that the maximum temperature of Penzance is Inferior to London and Tor- quay, while in the three iviyter months it rises above them and makes good the deficiency : — This equal pro- gression in the case of Torquay and Penzance is highly interesting and valuable. These remarks might be extended to some length, did our data embrace a more comprehensive field ; but as the season with which we have made the preceding compari- sons affords a better testimony of the climate of Torquay than either of the others we possess, it may be well to carry on the inquiry to a very important part of the sub- ject, — namely, the daily range of temperature and the variation of successive days. We must, however, be still considered to speak with reserve, for it is really impossible to form a fair estimate of any climate, from the results of a single season, however accurate. With 42 CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. respect, then, to the first of these subjects, the mean daily range of Torquay for the six cold months is 4°. 1, while that of Leith is 4°. 5 ; Penzance 5°. 5 ; Nice 8°. 1 ; London 9\ 1 ; and Rome, 10 \ 4. This advan- tage of Torquay is still more striking in the case of Sienna ; Nantes is nearly on a par with it ; while the superiority of Torquay again appears over Geneva, Pau, and Naples ; indeed in the respect of diurnal temperature, it is well known that the south of Europe has great disadvantages ; in fact, Dr. Clark observes, "it is its leading fault." In steadiness of temperature from day to day, Torquay maintains a high superiority. During the six cold months of the season 1829-30 the mean variation of successive days for the whole season was 3'. 07 ; and in 1831-32, only 2°. 56. The mean of Madeira for the same months, as calculated from Dr. Clark's Table, is 1°. 29 ; Nice, 2°. 71; Naples, 2°. 90; Rome, 3°. 10 ; Penzance, 3°. 37 ; Pau, 3°. 63 ; and London, 4°. 29. Hence we see that the variation in favour of Torquay over Penzance does not amount to 1°. while it is exceeded by Madeira by 1°. 27 only. It is, moreover, worthy of remark that our calculations for Torquay embrace the whole variation of the twenty -four hours, and comprise three periods of morning, afternoon and night, as denoted by the register thermometer ; whereas those for Nice and Naples extend only from sun-rise to 2 p. m. those of Rome to 9, and Madeira to 10 p. m. The difference between the mean variations of the day and night during the severe season of 1829-30 did not amount to the half of a degree ; and the mean of the ex- treme variations between the minimum of the night and the temperature of 8, on the following mornings, during the same season as shown by Table vii. was 9°. The same result is given in the case of the three winter months in that year ; — in 1829-30 it was 9\ 1; and in 1831-32, 10'. In the following page we introduce onr Thermome- trical Tables for Torquay, during the six cold months of three successive seasons. Fahrenheit's Register Thermometer. N. exp. CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. 43 __: ino«; ONH CM iT5 W5 m r=i C o u -<# krt iC r-( i-H * «S ONX ^3 s ifl Tj< r}< rg g 1 *o . (cm-* 2 iflifl® Oi iO •<* ,3 CO Tt< -* u 2 <*4 O Oh t HCCN E — t^ l-H«>. fl f» ^ © ec a H CO ■"* Tf (H V £ o ft ift OJ ■ w Q xo fc ■<# oj t>. ''-i* ■*f* fen e '5 1- to Si VO CT> GO o J3 ^ooo t>» OJ. "* O ££ CO ■* ■**" H 0) 09 02 O CO CO ^o © l-H l-H s -CWN § -<* ^ tC ' 5» << © rH OJ a CO CO CO Of o 1 1 1 O 1 M 55 © rH CO CO CO 30 CO CO J5 ■* CO •V&IK OJ © rH OJirfri -«• CO ■* -C CO o o in © rH 0\ 'W*V8 © Ol l-H CO © © ■rf m in ^ o s- rH CO CO «s K'VS ""J °1 '"J *© ■<*! iti •a -* Tt< »* o •+J rHNtN p rC •mSin OJ rH OJ Tj< © t^ o g a CO "1» «0 © o m B •8 Vi'dZ -H O © oi co in e ,rt Ph ">* rj< rj< »-. o — — — — CO "<* CO « © rH (N •j\rv8 ts. CO "^ feo o CO "* "<# o Pd t>. ID CO p -w s m HNH © «© OS 1 C3 co cq co rj« l>» iO lH r*» S S3 o3 JMMZ rH O CN ■is CO "* ^ H H Si CTJ © s (3 •WV8 OJ rH CM CO CO CO ti OJ CO CO ■* rC -* •* © H •^ S !M O rH CO ^K5r! CO CO ■* fee "5 XWOi **^ Q WdZ © © OJ © CO C75 rj« •* -^ o a c3 O f>. © l^ o> r£ r-t fi Oi -*i {/J 'WYi '© CO »o K CO CO "* © C?> CO S pa *^ s m © rH O rH CO rH rf -* -^ co CO '•£> o Vi'dZ HINH XO r-4 © t^i io >n if5 CO "^ PV'V8 ^ ® ^ oi t^ »« rjt •* ** < •U0IJB4 © rH CM co co co 3 Ol -jasqo JO JL1JL CM CO CO Z 9UI IX CO CO CO ,- rH 44 CLIMATE OF TORQUAY. ■a •5 a o a 'w 33 « S CO Em o ■ SJ O i« iO i-5 s as -># ^< in -># -* rf © co of | Novem | Deem. 6.02 9.44 1.32 Mean Differ- ence of Suc- cessive months t>. to CM id -4 w w ■z. o CO < a CO © — i CM 7 17 OS O i— CM CO CO X 00 00 Mean of the Monthly Ranges CM CM CM 'hi < lununut^ © as -o CO CO CO M 3 umui!xej,\[ i to -* *>. VC to 'O giciB^j 1 OCH 1 CO CM CO s UIUUUUIJ^ CO CO CO axnuux«j\[ ^T> CM O Utt^J O t> © CO CM CO s uinimui[\[ f» OS efa CM (N CO S umuiixej^ t" © CO in \o io o 8^>UB^J | "* i—i CO CO CO CM CC B i umraiin^ WOO CM CM CO efl mnraiXBj/y >fl CO © -<# ^f ir: siuu^j NINO i-H CM CM > ei eu o umiutui[\f OS r- CM CM CM CO S uinuiixBj^ CO © ->* W3 vn ijra M 0) 9J§UB}T -^ as cm CM CM CM iunmiuij\[ 1— 1 "^« r-l CO CO CO •£ UilUUlXBp\f *>. © 30 ■n-oic bt, C 9.oUU-J£ <^ to e>. CM CM CM "3 c - ) c o eu W2 CD O to c Rj .2 3 ** a O i-h © CM CM CO > ►J w «=< C CO to to to be 1 n rt O CO ^ ^f rf CO •*! Of o h CO S3 O eg 0) CO TTT as © i-i CM CO CO CC X cc CLIMATE OP TORQUAY. 45 a, < 9iJU«J£ X[IBp <© 00 *c OI r-H rH X^IBp UB9J\[ t>. i>. CO X[iup ^S9^B9.t£) CTS CO "* 9^aw^i Xjltfp UH9[.\f ao <& «o 4 Can 9^Ul?>[ X{tup oi co co 9iiUKg Xjivp UB9J^[ O rj< i-t 03 9SUH}J X|It?p ?S9Jl?9J9 H^H 9^UB^ A"{iBp UB9f\[ CO CC fH p 9.3 Utf^ X|lt?p ?S9JB9af) i—l «— * 9^U«^ A* t IH P UB9p\[ ■«5j* »0 -^ > o X[IBp JS9JB9J*) iO n< o 04 r-1 OJ 9.3 UU^ X[iep UT?9f\f o ■>* iO Range of daily Temp, for tbe Season. 93UBJJ X[I^p 1S9JtJ9af) < 9ui9aj*g HffiTt UB9J\[ to • to ■ ii: ^ iri «: 9U19J}Xg[ O OI CO UB9J\[ HON -# "* ■* ^2 9U19J)Xg Tt< O l-. UB9J\[ (MOO O O rH CO CO oi •"9 gragjjxg <0 CTS 00 UB9^\[ CO r— 1 O o o o oi oi OI 3UI9J)Xgr t>» 0> i-t UB9J\[ oo oi cr> oi oi oi > o guigajxg j= a *■> 73 ti- ll c J8 * U IM l>. r-i CTi CO "tf o oi oi oi sqjuoj^ T Oi r— Oi OJ CO oi co co < 3 ©> as. o H CO » o CO < w CO 1829—30 1830—31 1831—32 46 CLIMATE OP TORQUAY. ■Z — ate"* ^ «.* < X: CNJ ■N g 3 JJ S 3 S* § H s v fe H § a § * H 1813 .. 1 1 1 3 4 1 1 2 2 6 8 1814 5 5 10 1 6 7 3 3 2 2 4 1815 4 2 6 4 4 1 3 4 4 3 / 1816 3 6 9 4 4 8 3 3 4 4 8 1817 4 1 5 1 1 4 1 5 3 5 8 1818 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 5 8 1819 6 4 10 4 2 6 4 1 5 3 4 7 1820 2 3 5 o 7 10 1 3 4 2 7 9 1821} 6 3 9 7 10 17 3 3 6 3 5 8 1822| 12 7 19 5 6 11 2 3 . 5 2 3 o 1823 .4 , 6 10 7 1 8 2 8 10 2 1 3 1824, 8 4 12 7 15 22 3 8 11 4 5 9 l82o| 4 4 5 8 13 6 2 8 3 2 5 1 82 6 6 6 12 2 3 5 5 2 7 4 6 10 1827; 9 1 10 6 4 10 3 4 7 2 6 8 1828! 7 5 12 5 6 11 4 5 9 4 3 7 1 829! 9 7 16 4 6 10 J 3 10 4 6 10 1830] 6 5 ! 11 7 10 17 1 5 2 7 9 9 18 STATISTICS OF TORQUAY. TABLE 2, showing the collective mortality of each year ; the particular ages of the fourth period> and their united amount. Vears. 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 Total Mort. Particular ages of Class iv. 60 years and upwards. M.62, 68 , F. 74, 79, 81, 83,84,87 , M. 67, 82 F. 75, 88 M. 60, 72, 89, 84 , F. 69, 74, 90 M. 64, 68, 70, 80 F. 60, 61, 76, 80 M. 79, 82, 84, F. 61, 72,83, 85, 95 M. 71, 71, 93 F. 63, 69, 72, 75, 85 M. 76, 82, 91 F. 62, 69, 83, 85 M. 62, 88 F. 62, 6", 67, 67, 72,73, 78 M. 60, 75, 85 F. 60, 61, 70, 72, 79 M. 87, 90 F. 73, 75, 84 M. 70, 83 F. 60 M. 62, 78, 83, 87 F. 62, 65, 70, 70,82 M. 72, 83, 87.... F. 82, 85 M. 61, 76, 76, 92 F. 62, 64, 66, 7b, 79, $6 M. 70, 79 F. 60, 61, 66, 76, 77, 79 ........ M. 60, 64, 81, 86 F. 68, 75, 81 M. 65, 70, 72, 81 F. 70, 73, 75, 76, 79, 85 M. 65, 66, 67, 68, 73, 74, 76, 80, 95 F. 65, 65, 69, 70, 71, 79, 80,81, 82 1301 488/ 1491 163/ 315 1 233 282 Amount of the united ages of Class iv. 618 312 548 245 1 CAt . 400 } 64 ° m 599 2491 ,, Q 299| 548 150 1 „,.. 486/ 636 m 562 305 1 -„„ m\ /3/ m\ 568 291 1 5 224 5 64 STATISTICS OF TORQUAY. TABLE III. Containing the Marriages and Baptisms ; the increase of Baptisms above the Marriages and Burials, and the ratio of the two last to the aggregate of Baptisms. Mar-r -r, , riagej Ba P^™s. Increase of Baptisms above marriages. Ratio of marriages to Baptisms. Increase of Baptisms above Burials. Ratio of Burials to Baptisms. Years. "ea o -a o a u o s 5 01 .1 "fcr — 1813 9 325 27 52 i 43 Iin5. 7 37 Iin3. 7 1814 10 7 24 21 4. c 35 1..4. 5 21 1..1.21 1815 7 •• 22 19 41 34 1..5. 6 20 1..1.20 1816 15 4 25 18 43 28 1..2.13 15 1..1.15 1817 11 2 24 23 47 1 36 1..4. 3 28 1..2. 9 1818 8 2 23 20 43 35 1..5. 3 26 1..2. 8 1819 10 2'34 30 64 1 54 1..6. 4 36 1..2. 8 1820 20 229 31 60 1 30 1..2.10 22 1..1.22 1821 13 435 32 67 54 1..5. 2 27 1.. 1.27 1822 16 331 41 72 1 56 1..4. 8 32 1..1.32 1823 18 4 28 40 69 2 51 I. .3.15 38 1..2. 7 1824 26 5 37 52 89 2 63 1..3.11 35 1. 1.35 1825 25 9 3 7 46 83 3 58 1..3. 8 53 1..2.23 1826 12 3 3; 30 67 2 55 1..5. 7 33 1..1.33 1827 15 4 42 41 83 1 68 1..5. 8 48 1..2.13 1828 35 6 57 35 92 2 57 1..2.22 53 1..2.14 1829 20 2 49 58 107 2 87 1..5. 7 61 1..2.15 1830 33 9 47 52 99 1 66 1..3... 46 1..1.46 PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS, 65 The Invalid will find in Torquay a variety of excel- lent accommodations in the way of houses ; those of the higher class are equal in comfort to any on the coast and are in general well arranged. Small houses for the recep- tion of limited families are to be obtained in different parts of the place. The cottage-villas with gardens and shrubberies on the hills are frequently preferred by those who desire a detached residence. The Pub F^c Establishments of Torquay are not numerous but are well adapted to the increasing popula- lation. The Royal Hotel, under the management of Mr. Poulton, will afford every accommodation to the in- valid or tourist. This establishment meets with a con- siderable share of public patronage. It was enlarged and partly rebuilt, on an extensive scale, in 1828, by the proprietor Sir L. V. Palk, Bart. It is fitted up with much regard to taste and convenience and is adapted for the reception of families of the first distinction. It contains ten good sitting rooms, and 21 best bed-rooms. The Assembly Room adjoining is a handsome and well proportioned building, in which are held the Regatta and other Balls, Concerts, Public Meetings, &c. and the winter Assemblies conducted lately under Ladies Patro- nesses. Behind 'the Hotel are spacious coach-houses and other offices affording an abundant supply of post- horses and vehicles of all description for public hire. The Family Hotel of Mr. Marchetti,the confectioner, was established in 1828, and is well entitled to ge- neral notice. This Hotel is quiet and respectably sup- ported. The accommodations are good, and the atten- tion and civility experienced in the establishment add not a little to its popularity. The proprietor is a re- staurateur, and will be found particularly useful to those families who prefer occupying private lodgings to a re- sidence iu either of the Hotels. Connected with it, are the Beersheba Mews, a commodious range of livery stables, and coach houses,,situated near the Independent Chapel in Park-street. Cole's Commercial Inn opposite the Royal Hotel, is a neat and convenient building-, and is much frequented by commercial men and travellers in general.* It will be curious to compare the present places of public re- 66 PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS. The market was established by Sir Lawrence V. Palk, Bart, to whose liberality the inhabitants are indebted for the clock adjoining. It is small but neatly arranged — the shambles being conveniently disposed within a semi- circular colonnade of red conglomerate. The market is regularly supplied on Tuesdays and Fridays with meat, poultry, vegetables, &c. from the immediate neighbour- hood, which are retailed at moderate prices. The boats of the place, and the trawlers from Brix- ham supply the market with an abundance of excellent fish throughout the year. Lobsters are taken in the im- mediate neighbourhood of the pier, and at Livermead, Meadfodt bay, Hope's Nose &c. ; and Torbay is pecu- liarly celebrated for its delicious whiting. The Baths are situated at the extremity of the Pier, and were erected by their proprietor, W. Pollard, Esq. The building is plain but substantial, and contains hot, tepid, shower, vapour, and cold sea baths. Their con- tiguity to a clear, deep sea ensures a permanent supply of water. They were opened to the public in 1817. The Post Office is on the Strand, opposite Cole's Li- brary. The Exeter Mail, with the Teignmouth, Exeter, London, Foreign, and other letters from parts east of the place, arrives at 7 in the evening. These letters are delivered as soon after that hour as circumstances may permit. This Mail leaves the Hotel every morning at half-past seven ; arriving in Exeter about noon. The departure of the Western Post with the Irish and Ply- mouth letters &c. is at 6 in the evening, returning the following morniEg, when the delivery takes place about 8 o'clock. London letters take twenty-three hours to their destination, Irish letters three days. The Mail leaves Exeter for Torquay, about 3 P. M. A sort with those which Torquay possessed about half a century ago. There were then fire inns in the place, — the London Inn, near the site of the Royal Hotel ; the Shallop near the Steam Packet Office, the Crown and Anchor about the same situation as the present Tavern of that name ; the Old Inn near Marchetti's, and the Bird-in-the-Hand, where the London Inn now stands. The motto of the latter was — " A bird in the hand is better far, " Than two birds in the bushes are." PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENT?. 67 day Coach also passes through on its way from Dartmouth to Exeter, at half past Ten every morning, and another leaves Exeter on its return, about the same hour. These coaches pass through Starcross, Dawlish and Teign- mouth. The Dartmouth coach crosses the Dart by the new steam bridge, and proceeds direct to the Castle Hotel in that town ; from thence there is a constant communication with Plymouth, through Kingsbridge and Modbury. This route from Exeter to Plymouth, through Torquay and Dartmouth, is the most beautiful line of road in the county, and constitutes one of the leading attractions in the way of excursions from Tor- quay. The coast scenery, added to the rich luxurience of the South-Hams is unrivalled. To those who may desire to abridge the journey by land from hence to London, and vary their route by a view of the coast between Torquay and Portsmouth, the Brunswick, a steam vessel of considerable power, will be a great desideratum. This vessel leaves Portsmouth every Tuesday and Friday on the arrival of the day coaches from London, and lands her passengers at Tor- quay at an early hour on the following mornings, when she immediately proceeds to Plymouth. She leaves Plymouth every Monday and Thursday at noon, and calls at Torquay about Seven in the evening of those days, for passengers for Cowes and Portsmouth, who can proceed immediately to London by the coaches which generally await her arrival. The excellent accom- modations of this vessel and the attention of the proprie- tors to the comfort of the public are well known. There are several coasting vessels employed in the carriage of goods and merchandise, between this place and London. For further information respecting these conveyances, the reader is referred to the appendix. There are two Public Libraries and a Book Society in Torquay. The Book Society contains many valuable andstandard publications in the differentbranches of litera- ture. It originated in the exertions of many of the in- habitants to obtain access to those new works of interest which do not come within the range of circulating Libra- ries. The depository of Books is at Cole's Library ; the affairs are managed by a Secretary. 68 PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS'. Cole's Reading Rooms, Billiard Room, and Circula- ting Library occupy an extensive and handsome building on Vaughan Parade. The Library is supplied with the floating literature of the day, and with the leading Maga- zines and Reviews, Army and Navy Lists, &c. In the Reading Room the following Newspapers are for perusal; Times, Morning Chronicle, Courier, Globe, Albion, Spectator, Woolmer's Exeter Gazette, Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Plymouth Herald, and Hampshire Tele- graph. Promenades are held once a fortnight during the winter at these Rooms, and are numerously attended. A new and extensive boarding-house connected with this establishment has been lately opened on very liberal terms. There is also a very excellent Boarding establish- ment in Park Place, conducted by Miss Ball. Cockreni's Public Library is situated in Mill Street opposite the Lower Terrace. It was commenced in the spring of 1831 by Mr. Cockrem, Printer^ Bookseller and Stationer at this place, and comprises those interest- ing series of monthly publications which have gained so large a share of patronage, and given such a new feature to our periodical literature. It contains the Family, National, and Edinburgh Libraries ; the Cabinet Cyclo- paedia ; Roscoe's Novelists' Library, the Standard Novels of Colburn and Bentley, and other works of interest on general and scientific subjects. The " Library of Peri- odicals" connected with it, comprises the leading quar- terly and monthly Reviews, Magazines, &c. The "Torquay Society for the diffusion of Religious and Useful Knowledge" is designed to afford the lower orders means of enjoying the loan of Bibles, Prayer Books, and religious and moral publications. The de- pository of these books is at Mr. Pentecost's in Cary Buildings, where presents of works of this description are received. It is open on Mondays from ten to twelve, and on Saturday evenings from six to eight. Livermead House, a Boarding establishment conduct- ed by Miss Mudge, is situated near Livermead sands, at the distance of about a mile from Torquay. It was erected by the Rev Roger Mallock of Cockington Court, and has been recently opened to the public as a boarding- house. The accommodations and arrangements of the PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS. 69 building are excellent; its convenient distance from Torquay, and its vicinity to the delightful sands of Liver- mead, with a bathing machine attached to the establish- ment, render it a great desideratum to the invalid or tourist. To families who prefer a residence in the neighbourhood of Torquay, and in a situation command- ing the whole of Torbay and a rich variety of coast scenery, Livermead House will prove highly useful. The Pier and Quays were erected in 1800, at the ex- pense of the late Sir Lawrence Palk, Bart., under the provisions of an Act of Parliament, 43 Geo. Ill, 1803. They are built with limestone from the neighbouring quarries, with the exception of the parapet of the pier which is constructed with Portland stone. The pier affords protection to vessels of considerable size ; and yachts, pleasure boats, and the fishing craft lie securely in the basin throughout the year. There are about 20 vessels and a large number of fishing boats con- nected with Torquay. The present aggregate tonnage of vessels above 30 tons amounts to about 1700. The place maintains a Trade with Newfoundland, although it has declined in late years ; it has also regular coasters between this neighbourhood and London ; a Steamer runs hence to Portsmouth and Plymouth during the usual season, and many vessels are engaged in importing timber from America ; but the greatest number are em- ployed in the Coal trade. The shipment of the Aller pipe and potter's clay takes place here. The duties of harbour master are zealously discharged by Mr. Nicholas Mudge. Torquay Chapel was erected in 1815 by the Patron of the parish, the Rev. Roger Mallock of Cockington Court, after the designs of Mr. Leth bridge of London. It is properly a'chapel of ease to the parish church of Tormohun. It is a plain unornamented building, divine service is per- formed here twice every Sunday. The present curate is the Rev. Charles Lane. We refer strangers who are desirous of obtaining information relative to the pews, &c. to Mr. Swallow in the Meadow. The Independent Chapel is situated on an eminence near Park- Street, and was constructed after the designs 70 PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS. of Mr. Foulstone ; its style is neat, although from its size it can have no pretension to the title of Gothic architecture. The foundation stone was laid by Admiral Pearson, June 3rd, 1830, and the building- was opened June 21st, 1831, it contains seats for 600 persons, 200 of which are free. A ladies' loan tract and visiting committee, and a Sunday school are connected with the congrega- tion. A vestry library has also been formed for the ac- commodation of the poor members. The Rev. W. Greenwood is the Minister. The Roman Catholic Chapel is at. Tor-Abbey, occu- pying the refectory of the ancient monastery ; the minis- terial duties are performed by the Rev. J. M\ Enery, F. G. S. The Wesleyan Chapel, in George Street, was erected in 1807. It is regularly attended by the ministers of that persuasion. The Baptist Meeting house is in the back lane, and that belonging to the Calvinists at the back of Cary Buildings. The National School was established in 1826, and is conducted on the plau of the late Dr. Bell. It is sup- ported by voluntary contributions. The present number of children instructed at this institution is 228, — 108 hoys and 120 girls ; the duties of the two schools are sustained respectively by a male and a female superin- tendent ; under the able inspection of the resident clergy. The Sunday School of the established church is directed by the preceptors of this establishment. The Sunday School connected with the Wesleyan Methodist congregation, is attended by about 100 children ; it is supported by collections made in their chapel, and is conducted by members of the society. There are also many charitable institutions in Torquay highly honourable to their promoters, and to the sup- port of which we earnestly call the attention of the pub- lic. From the large relief afforded to the poorer classes in this neighbourhood, the funds derived from the con- tributions of the residents are inadequate to promote the purposes of these establishments ; and the good conferred 'by a judicious distribution of charity is infinitely more PUBLIC BSTABLISH31ENTS. 71 serviceable" to society than that indiscriminate bounty, which observes no distinction between the idle vagrant and the real object of compassion. Foremost among these Institutions are the following : 1. The Lying-in-Charity, supported by subscriptions and donations. 2, The Penny Club of Mrs. James Yonge, for clothing the children of the poor, nominated by subscribers. The weekly payment of one penny consti- tutes a subscriber, and the children enjoying the benefit of the club pay the same weekly sum, by which means, it is presumed, they will acquire a habit of necessary econo- my. 3, The general Fund for the relief of the poor, in case of losses, sickness, or severe distress. 4. The Ladies' Repository of useful and ornamental work, de- signed to aid the funds of the charity most requiring as- sistance. Contributions of work are very acceptable. The Benevolent Society established in 1831. Its objects are "to relieve the sick, the aged, and infirm, of every religious denomination, resident in this parish, — and to stop the evils of indiscriminate charity by turning it into more useful channels." It is under the direction of a Patron, President, Treasurer, Committee, Sub-Committee, Sub-Mendicity Committee, two Secre- taries, a Clerk, and a number of district visitors. Tike Society's Room No. 6, Braddons' Row, is open to the public every day, Sundays excepted, between 11 and 12 o'clock. The present officers of the institution are the following :-— Patron, the Dean of Bristol ; President, Rev. R. Gee ; Treasurer, Rev. Peter Leigh ; Secretary for the Torquay Branch, Rev. Charles Lane, — for the Tor Branch, Rev. R. Hayne ; Clerk, Mr. T. Pitts. 6. The Torquay Branch Association, in connection with the Society for educating the Poor of Newfound- land organised under the auspices of Viscount Sandon. 7. The Society for providing "soup and clothing for the poor of this parish during the winter months," con- ducted by a committee of three gentlemen who arrange the distribution of soup ; the clothing of women and children being directed by a committee of four ladies. For every information respecting these charities, we beg to refer our readers to the officiating clergymen of 72 PUBLIC BSTABLISHMENTS. the parish, by whom donations and subscriptions will b« forwarded to the societies for building churches ; for promoting christian knowledge ; for the propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts ; the Church Missionary So- ciety ; British and Foreign Bible Society ; Association for the religious instruction of the Irish, &c. &c. The Torbay Regatta is held annually at Torquay and is supported by a Regatta Club at that place, aided by voluntary subscriptions. Yachts from 12 to 100 tons, pleasure boats of all classes, fishing craft, and rowing boats contend for the prizes which are of considerable value. The first is a Gold Challenge Cup, value 100 guineas ; and if the festival be as attractive and beauti- ful in future years as it has been in this, the Torbay Regatta will not be surpassed in any port in Britain. The contest commences at noon, and continues to the close of the day ; a ball, and generally a supper in the evening under distinguished patronage, close the cata- logue of amusements. The arrangements are conducted by a special committee, elected annually by the members of the Club. This Regatta is held in July or Au- gust, and is regulated by those of Cowes and Ply- mouth. The appearance of Torbay at the celebration of the Regatta is truly splendid ; the heights thronged with spectators, and the bay studded with the vessels of the gay pageant present a scene of unrivalled beauty, while a band of music stationed on the Beacon hill contributes not a little to its interest. The parish of Tormohun being within the Paignton division, the minor causes which arise within this neigh- bourhood are heard and determined by the bench of magistrates which assembles monthly at Paignton, where other business of a local nature is transacted. "The Torquay Association for the protection of Pro- perty," is designed to aid the prosecution of persons who may be found to commit depredations on the property of the inhabitants. It is under the management of the Se- cretary, William Kitson, Esq. solicitor. The Stamp office is on the new Quay, and is con- ducted by Mrs. Winsborrow. PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS. 73 It has been frequently asked why there is no Museum or Literary Society in Torquay, since there are so many facilities for their establishment. A Museum would unquestionably be a valuable addition to the other attractions of the place, but it would require a large co- operation of talent to maintain the interests of such an institution. The expense attending its formation would be considerable, and the annual outlay, if supported in the manner the importance of the measure deserves, would far exceed its means. Torquay, we believe, is not yet large enough to uphold this object on that liberal scale which can alone render it desirable; for it could never effect much in the different branches of natural science connected with this district without adequate pecuniary assistance. We must be permitted, however, to mention in this place the interesting and valuable Museum of the Rev. J. M\ Enery, containing a collection of the rarest fossils obtained in Kent's Cavern, as well as illustrations of the various branches of geological science from different parts of Europe. The discoveries in Kent's Cavern will be found at large in a following page ; but the stranger who may be fortunate enough to obtain access to the cabinets of Mr. M'. Enery, will derive much pleasure from their inspection, as well as from the taste and in- dustry with which they are arranged. Before we conclude this part, we beg to call the at- tention of invalids to the facilities Torquay offers for water excursions ; pleasure yachts of convenient size may be procured at all times either for the day or week, and there is no danger or inconvenience in the landing, as the boats can always be brought alongside the steps of the Pier. For information on this subject the reader is referred to Messrs Slade, Dashper^ Godfrey, Shaw, Stabb, Peeke, or Lawrence. PART III. NATURAL HISTORY OF TORBAY.* BOTANY. Among the more rare species of Phzenogamous or Flowering Plants may be enumerated, Allium ursinum .... vineale Antirhinum spurium . . , . fluellin Antliyllis vulneraria Arenaria trinervis .... peploides .... marina Adoxa moschatellina Anchusa sempervirens Apium graveolens A triplex lacineata Aquilegia vulgaris Arabis hirsuta Beta maritima Brassica oleracea fBupleurum odontites Cakile maritima Cerastium semidecandrum Centunculus minimus Carduus tenuiflorus .... marianus and acaulis Carlina vulgaris Cistus polifolius * We are proud to acknowledge ourselves indebted to the kindness of Mrs. Griffiths for these illustrations of the Natural History of Torbay, which are so highly calculated to enhance the value of this volume. So little is known generally of this department of topography, that these particulars cannot fail to be acceptable, more especially as they comprise the truly splendid discoveries of Mrs. Griffiths in the hitherto neglected field of Marine Botany, — many of which are now for the first time presented to the public. Had the limits of this work permitted, we intended to have added the ornithology of the district, but as Torbay differs little in this particular from the other parts of the South of Devon, we refer the reader to an able and comprehensive article on this subject in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution, by Dr. Moore. We beg to add that the hortus siccus and cabinets of Mrs. Griffiths contain with few exceptions, the plants, shells, &c, mentioned in our catalogue. f This plant was first found on Flag-staff hill, Torquay, by the Rer. A Neck, in 1800 ; -by the Rev. Dr. Beeke, in 1810 ; and by Mrs. Griffiths, in 1820 and 30, but not in the intermediate years". Mrs. Griffiths has also found it this summer (1832) in the same locality; and Mr. Neck observed it in 1802 on the hills at St. Mary Church. It has however been noticed occasionally in the grounds of Woodbine Cottage, but it always appears to be de- creasing. BOTANY OF TORBAY. 75 Cichorium intybus Cochlearia officinalis Convolvulus soldanella hybrida Cotyledon umbilicus Cornus sanguinea Clematis vitalba Crithmum maritimum Crambe maritima Cuscuta epithymum Cynoglossum officinale Dipsacus syivestris Erodium cicutarium .... maritimum Erythrsea pulchella Eryngium maritimum Euphorbia portlandica amygdaloides ...... minimum peplis paralia Gentiana campestris Galanthus nivalis Glaucium luteum Geranium nodosum lucidum columbinum ...... pusillum dissectum rotundifolium robertianum white variety Helleborus viridis Hippocrepis comosa Humulus lupulus Hypericum montanum pulchrum Hyoscyamus niger Iris fcetidissima . . pseudacorus Jasione montana ; Juncus acutus Lavatera arborea Lathyrus syivestris r Lepidium didymum of < Withering or I Senebiera didym&(Smith) Ligustrum vulgare Lithospermum purpurocce- ruleum Lithospermum officinale Linum usitatissimum .... angustifolium Lister a ovata Lychnis maritima Malva moschata .... rotundifolia Medicago maculata Meiittis grandiflora Menyanthes trifoliata Meum fseniculum Marrubium vulgare IVIarcipus biflorus Neottia spiralis Ophrys Apifera Orchis ustulata .... Morio .... pyramidal! s Ornithopus perpusillus Orobanche Major Papaver hybriduni Poterium sanguisorba Primula veris Prunus cerasus Pyrus communis .... aria Pyrethrum inodorum Raphanus maritimus Ranunculus aquatilis .... auricomus .... sceleratus Rubia peregrina 7« BOTANY OF TORBAY. Rumex pulcher Ruscus aculeatus Sambucus ebulus Salvia verbenaca Samolus valerandi Scilla autumnah's .... bifolia Scabiosa columbaria Sedum reflexum .... anglicum .... telephium .... rupestre Sanieula europaea Serratula fcinctoria Silene quinquevulnera Smyrnium olusatrum Sinapis nigra Spiraea filipendula Statice limonium Solanum dulcamara Tanacetum vuhrare Thalictrum minus Trifolium suffocatum . . . subterraneum . . . fragiferum . . . arvense . . . scabrum . . . striatum Triglochin maritimum Valeriana rubra . . . . droica Viburnum lantana . . . . opulus Veronica montana Verbascum virgatum . . . . nigrum Vicia sylvatica Vinca minor Viola montana . . . . odorata Zostera marina THE FERNS OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ARE Poly podium vulgare Serrated variety Aspidium filix mas fcemina dilatatum spinulosum aculeatum Asplenium trichomanes viride marinum ruta muraria adiantum nigrum MUSCI. Scolopendrium vulgare Variety multifida Scolopendrium ceterach Blechnura boreale Osmunda regalis Ophioglossum vulgatum Lycopodium selago clavellatum Equisetum fluviatiie arvense palustre Phascum alteruifolium crispum axillare muticum Tortula tortuosa rigida cuneifolia Pterogonium Smithii Weissia aerata Weissia starkeana Neckera crispa Hypnum striatum tenellum myosuroides Eucalypta vulgaris Orthotrichum am.maluiru MARINE BOTANY OP TORBAY. 77 To the Marine Botanist this place offers peculiar ad* vantages. The rocks are easy of access, and the various inlets of the bay afford shelter to a great variety of Algae ; several of the rarer species have not been found on any other part of the British coast, and others perfect their seeds more completely here than they are observed to do elsewhere. Among the more rare and beautiful may be not: ~ed — Genera of Gveville Asperococcus echinatus Bangia Fusco-purpurea Bonnemaisonia asparagoi- des Bryopsis plumosa .... hypnoides Catenella opuntia Chsetospora Wiggii rrr # rjChondrus mamillosus I . . . . crispus || . .;. . norvegicus .... membranifolius .... Brodisei, var. rr Chorda Filum .... Lomentaria r Chordaria flagelliformis Codium tomentosuin .... Bursa Gutleria multifida rr Cystoseira ericoides ...... granulata ...... fseniculacea fibrosa Delesseria sanguinea sinuosa ...... alata ...... hypoglossum Ruseifolia Desmarestia ligulata aculeata * Carrageen Moss. § First found in Torbay. Dichloria viridis r Dictyota dichotema .... atom aria Dumontia filiformis Enteromorpha intestinalis compressa clathrata linkiana Fucus canaliculatus .... nodosus .... serratus .... vesiculosus >-.>■■ Furcellaria fastigiata Gastridium artieulatum . . clavellosum . . kaliforme . . ovale . . . parvulum rr Gelidium corneum, many varieties I Gigartina acicularis 3? .... Griffith siae .... plicata Gracilaria confervoides §. . . . erecta rrr . purpurescens Halidrys siliquosa Halymenia furcellata r ligulata r- Halyseris polypodioides -Vr Himanthalia lorea Perfect seeds Torbay only. %, Fruit in Torbay only. '8 MARINE BOTANY OF TORBAY. Jridaea edulis .... reniformis rrr Laminaria digitata bulbosa phylittis Saccharina Laurencia dasyphylla obtusa r pinnati6da tenuissima rr Lichina pygmcea *Microcladia glandulosa rrr Nitophyllum bonne maiso- ni rrr *. . . . Gmelini rrr .... laceratum Hillise rrr *Nitophyllum ocellatum rrr .... punctatum rrr Phyllophora rubens Plocamium coccineum Padina pavonia r Punctaria latifolia r Polyides rotundus fPorphyra laciniata Ptilota plumosa Rhodomenia bifida r ciliata jubata laciniata r . Palmetta r palmata % Teedii rrr Rhodomela lycopodioides . . . . pinastroides . . . . subfusca Sphcerococcus coronopifo- liurs rr Sporochnus pedunculatus r . . . . rhizodes r Ulva bulbosa . . . . latissima Order confervoidae or jointed Plants taken from Agardb, there being as yet no British arrangement so complete, Conferva Hutchinsise . . pellucida r . . flaccida . . rupestris . . littoralis . . lanosa . . feruginea . . lete-virens . . confervicola Choetospora Wiggii rr Ectocai'pus granulosus .... ferrugineus .... tomeutosus .... siliqulosus * First found in Torbay. Common Laver % Found in Torbay only Cladostephus spongiosus . . . . verticilatus Ceramium rubrum . . diaphaneum . . ciliatum r . . pedicel] atum . . arbuscula . . corymbosum r . . roseum r . . purpurescens r . . Borreri r . . tetricum .. plumula& many other not described. BOTANY OP TORBAT. 70 Griffithsia equisetifolia .... corallina r .... multifida r .... setacea r Mesogloia multifida .... capillaris rr .... vermicularis r and some species not described. Polysiphonia agardhiana r .... Brodicei rr .... byssoides .... coccinea Polysiphonia agardhiana r . . . . divaricata rr . . . . elongata . . . . fasti giata . . . . fruticulosa . . . . filamentosa . . . . urceolata r . . . . rosea Sphacellaria cirrhosa . . . . plumosa . . . . velutina . . . . scoparia,& many others *It is almost unnecessary to observe that the plants in this cata- logue marked r, are rare; rr, very rare; and rrr particularly rai'e. We have much pleasure in announcing that a comprehensive and elaborate account of the British Conferva?, from the pen of Dr. Hooker, is now preparing for publication; and that it will appear in the volume which will complete Sir J. E. Smith's English Botany* Among the Molluscous Animals may be noticed — Sepia officinalis, cuttle fish Loligo vulgaris, squid, orpen and ink fish Loligo media, pasture master Octopus octopodia Doris argo .... verucosa Doris marginata . . . . nodosa . . . . quadricornis Tritonia hombergii . . . . arborescens . . . . pinnatifida Several species of Holothuriae, Aplesice, Medusse. Ascidia, Asterice, &c. According to Fleming's arrangement. Patella vulgata .... pellucida .... loevis .... virginea Aplisia depilans .... viridis Pleurobranchus plumula membranaceus CONCHOLOGY. Bulla lignaria hydatis cylindracea truncata aperta punctata Turbo littoreus- Petreus 80 CONCHOLOGY OF TORBAY. Turbo rudis Nerita littoral is .... quadrifasciatus Natica glaucina .... decussatus .... rufa .... margarita .... intricata .... fulgidus .... pallidula Ianthina communis — . puteolus Phasianella polita Trochus magus subulata .... umbilicatus pallida .... cinarius Turritella terebra .... tumidus subtruncata .... crassus elegantissima papillosus truncata .... ziziphinus Cingula cimex .... striatus .... subcarinata Velutina Icevigata .... calathisca otis .... striatula stylifera .... costata Cyprsea europea .... parva Volva patula .... reticulata Volvaria alba Marginella voluta .... semicostata Tornatella tornatilis Acteon denticulatus .... semistriata Nasa reticulata .... labiosa .... incrassata .... Pulla . . . . ambigua Purpura lapillus . . t . ulvse Buccinum undatum Terebra tubercularis .... rubra . . . . reticulata Fusus antiquus .... cingilla . . . . coraeus Odostomia unidentata . . . . costatus plicata . . . . minimus spiralis . . . . linearis Scalaria clathrus . . . purpureus .... clathratulus Pleurotoma gracilis .... Turtoni rriton erinaceus .... Trevilliana lostellaria pes-pelicani Skensea depressa I Segaretus haliotoideus .... serpuloides tentaculatus C0NCH0L0GY OF TORBAY. 81 Calyptrea chinensis Capulus hungaricus Fissurella grseca apertura Emarginula fissura Dentalium Entalis politum labiatum Serpula vermicularis contortuplicatus Vermilia triquetra Bib alba*. Pecten maxirnus .... opercularis .... lineatus .... sinuosus .... varius .... pusio .... obsoletus .... lsevis Lima fragilis .... suborbiculata Ostrea edulis .... parasitica Anomia ephippium squamula undulata cylindrica aculeata Area fusca .... lactea Pectunculus pilosus Nucula nuclea .... minuta Avicula hirundo Mytilus edulis Modiola vulgaris Gibbsii diserepans discors Cardium aculeatum .... tuberculatum .... echinatum .... nodosum .... exiguum .... edule .... fasciatum .... lcevigatum Corbula striata Mactra solida . . . . truncata . . . . subtruncata . . . . stultorum . . . . cinerea Goodallia triangularis . . . . minutissima Lepton squamosum Kellia suborbicularis rubra Amphidesma convexum pubescens truncatum compressum declive distortum prismaticum album Donax truncalus Tellina fabula squalida crassa Psammobia florida ferroensis salidula ro tun data Crassina sulcata Danmonise Lucina radula flexuosa Cyprina islandica Cytherea chione 82 CONCH OLOGY OF TORBAY. Cytherea exoleta Mya norvegica .... lincta Lutraria vulgaris .... ovata .... hyans Venus verrucosa M ontacuta substriata a .... seflexa .... bidentata .... cassina .... ferruginosa .... fasciata Sphenia Bin gh ami .... gall in a Pandora margaritacea .... undata .... obtusa .... sinuosa Venerupis perforans jPfoltibaKutf ...... Irus pallustra Chiton Fascicularis decussata .... margin atus virginea .... ruter Teredo navalis .... cinereus .... malleolus .... lcevis Xylophaga dorsalis, -| .... albus Pholas lamellata, I new Balanus rugosa .... papyraeea, J . . . . communis .... dactylus .... angustata .... parva .... punctata .... Candida . . . . balanoides Gastrochaena hians . . . . scotica Solen vagina . . . . intertexta .... novacula . . . . spongiosa .... siliqua Pergoma anglicum on ma drepora caryophillia .... pellucidus Lepas anatifera sulcata Hiatilla rugosa . . . aureta . . . membranacea Mya truncata . . . scalpellum Madrepora caryophillia ISpatangus purpurescens Echinus esculentus jEchiocyamus pusillus Spatangus cordatus jComatula barbata very rare Several species of Asteriae (or Star fish) Actineee (sea Anemonies) Gorgoniae (or sea Trees) Corallinae, Cellu- lariee, Sertulariae, Alcyonia, Spongiae, Flustrae, Tubulariae, &c. &c. are frequently thrown on the shore or taken in the trawle nets. CONCHOLOGY OF TORQUAY 83 The land and fresh water shells of this neighbour- hood are described and correctly figured in a small and useful work lately published by Dr. Turton, " A manual of land and fresh water shells of the British Islands." Amongst the Bivalves may be found in the vicinity of Torquay — Cyclas cornea [Helix rupestris mibtdb& . . . pygmcea Limacellus parma . . . fulva .... unguiculus . . . . pulchella .... obliquus Carocolla lapicida Vitrina pellucida Clausilia rugosa Helix nemoralis . . . . parvula .... hortensis Bulimus obscurus .... arbustorum . . , . lubricus .... rufescens . . . , lineatus .... virgata .... fas ciatus .... caparata Balaea fragilis .... spinulosa Achatina acicula .... aspersa Succinea amphibia .... Ericetorum Cyclostoma elegans .... nitens Carychium minimum .... lucida Pupa umbilicata Helix hispi da .... marginata .... crystallina .... edentula .... radiata 1 Vertigo pygmsea In fresh water we j find the following Wnit alte& JPlanorbis rhombeus Physa fontinalis vortex Paludina vivipara ...... planatus Neritina fluviatilis contortus Ancylus fluviatilis Limneus pereger i PART IV. WALKS, EXCURSIONS, AND SKETCHES OF SCENERY. Fair are the provinces that England boasts, Lovely the verdure, exquisite the flowers That bless her hills and dales ; her streamlets clear, Her seas majestic, and her prospects all Of old, as now, the pride of British song ! But England sees not on her charming map A goodlier spot than our fine Devon — rich Art thou in all that Nature's hand can give Land of the matchless view ! Carrington* Walk to Tor Abbey and Tor, over Warren Hill. There are few objects in the neighbourhood of Tor- quay which a stranger would sooner desire to visit than Tor Abbey. Its picturesque situatiou and the prominent place it occupies in the different combinations of local scenery, added to those higher associations with which antiquity has invested it, give it a character of imposing and delightful interest. A winding path along the brow of Warren hill, sheltered by trees from almost every wind, leads us to the meadows of the Abbey. The fas- cinating variety of scenery which is now presented to the eye deserves more than ordinary admiration. The clear blue bay, the wavy hills of Galmpton and Good- rington, the harbour of Brixham, Berryhead and the channel, with perhaps many a bark hastening on its voy- age, are visible in the distance, and as we advance fur- ther, the village, tower and sands of Paignton open gra- dually to our view. To the right " midway between the landscape and the sky," Chapel hill rears its venerable head, and the tower of Tor church is seen peering above the foliage which surrounds it. TOR ABBEY. 85 Tor Abbey is the seat of Henry Cary, Esq. in whose family the property has remained since the year 1662. The celebrated monastery of that name was founded in 1196 by Lord William Brewer, and was suppressed in 1543j when the site was granted to John St. Leger, Esq. After passing through several hands, it became the property of the Cary's of Cocking- ton, by purchase from Sir John or Joseph Stowell of Indiho. The present building is comparatively modern, and was constructed chiefly with the ruins of the mo- nastery. Westcote states that Tor Abbey House was built by the Ridge ways ; Thos. Ridge way, Esq. having bought the property in 1598. The building consists of a centre and two wings, the western being connected with the ancient castellated gateway with octagonal towers and battlements ; this and the barn adjoining, now partly overgrown with ivy and ornamented with buttresses and loop-holes, cannot fail to excite the attention of every visitor. Many parts of the interior bespeak great an- tiquity, and the ruins of the conventual church on the north side of the mansion are highly interesting. The gardens in which they are situated are very extensive and abound with the various productions of useful and ornamental horticulture. Tor Abbey was the favourite residence of Earl St. Vincent, during the late war, while Torbay was the rendezvous of the channel fleet; some valuable documents comprising his plans for the order of battle in the event of the arrival of the French fleet, are still preserved here. The mansion contains many fine paintings, among which are Apollo playing to Jesse by Callcott ; Aurora by Phillips ; Children overtaken by a storm, and a Peasant Boy and Girl by Howard ; the Descent of Eurydice, the Distressed Father, the La- vinia, and a Night scene by Thompson ; Juno feeding the Eagle by Sir William Beechey ; aud a whole- length Figure by Opie. The prospect from the house find also from the grounds about it, is truly beau- tiful. We may wander here again and again, we may dwell herein silence or soften into contemplative thought, and still fipd something to please and to instruct. We may drop the tributary tear at the sacrilege which I S6 TORMTOHUN. has been here committed, — here we may perchance tread the grave where the votary is iulied in the sleep of death — here we may wander through the ave- tttres where oft was heard the chant of fair religion's hymn— f Here silent pause, here draw the pensive sigh ' Here musing learn to live, here learn to die.' For the antiquities of Tor Abbey we refer the readers to another division of this work. We may now enter the noble avenues and proceed to the village of Tormohun. The name of this parish is very ancient, having been con- ferred by the Mohuns at the commencement of the 13th century. It is still preserved in the correct orthogra- phy, despite the barbarous innovation of Tormoham. The church is supposed to have been erected about the commencement of the 14th century, and is the second fabric in this parish of which we have record. The ec- clesiastical j urisdiction is vested in the Rev. Roger Mallock, of Cockington Court, who is patron of the do- native which has been augmented by parliamentary grant, and by Queen Anne's bounty. The great tithes were sold by Mr. Mallock, some years ago, to Sir Lawrence Palk and Mr. Cary, between whom the ma- nor is divided, each receiving the tithes belonging to his own estate. Cockington is united to the living which is a perpetual curacy ; the present incumbent is the Rev. H. Gee. The annual value of the parish as assessed in 1815 was ^63516., and the population, according to the returns of last year, is 3582. The church contains many interesting relics, the oldest sepulchral stose bears the date of 1516, in memory of one of the Rartlot family. Within the church, as well as in the yard, are many ele- gant monumental tablets and other memorials of a recent date, belonging to persons who have died at Torquay, while resident there for the benefit of their health. On the outer corbels of the east window of the chancel, are the arms of Brewer, Mohun and Tor Abbey. Tor Abbey Brewer Mohun It is impossible to pass through this crowded burial- place, and not feel the contrast presented by the nar- TORMOHUN. $7 row cells " in which " the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep," and the costly altar-tombs with which they are surrounded. We are at all times too much engaged with present things in contemplating a clrurch-yard to give a thought ' to the village Hampdens ' of the generations that have passed away with the monuments which re- corded their existence. ' The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power', are here seen beside the frail memorials of mortality, inscribed with uncouth rhymes and shape- less sculpture, * the short but simple annals of the poor.' The village of Tor occupies an open and elevated situation ; it has lately much improved in accommodations for visitors, and the beauty of the surrounding scenery is so attractive that it is frequently preferred as a resi- dence to other places in the neighbourhood. The Stamp and Post Office is at the shop of Mr. Tapley, Linendra- per. The Post Office is regulated in the same manner as that of Torquay, the arrival of letters being rather earlier, and the departure later than in the latter place.. The evening post closes at half past 6, and the morning mail passes through the village about half past 7- It re- turns in the evening rather before 7 o'clock ; the deli- very of the western letters takes place about 8 in the morning. The chief attraction in the village is the extensive Nursery of Mr. Morgan. The gardens occupy a consi- derable space, and are laid out with much ingenuity and good taste. The green-house abounds with rare exotics. The scenery around Tor is very interesting : — Tor hill between the Nursery and the Church, commands a pan- oramic view of unrivalled beauty, embracing the bay and its wooded shores, the tower of St. Mary Church and the romantic defile of Upton. The view from Stajit- away hill, between Tor and Upton, will amply repay the trouble of ascending; the rich vale below it is well con- trasted with the entrance of the rocky pass we have just mentioned. On our return to Torquay by the public road, we pass the castellated building recently erected by Mr. Luscombe, and Ellacombe, the retired and pleasant residence of Francis Garratt, Esq. The heights around Ellacombe command a rich variety of scenery, particularly Appaway 88 TOR ABBEY SANDS AND LIVERMEAD. hill, from which the eve ranges to the misty summits of High Tor. After visiting Tor Abbey, we may vary our walk by turning into the path leading to the sands, which extend from the rocks of Warren hill to the cliffs of the Corbons. A fine sandstone arch which projected into the sea from these cliffs fell a few years ago, undermined, perhaps, by the constant encroachments of the waves. The pholas is found in the soft rock of these sands. A low rocky ledge, the Harbrick, which is dry at low water, supplies collectors with madrepores, and is also rich in many productions of marine botany. The Beekite, a new min- eral named in honour of the Dean of Bristol, was first found at the Corbons. Some of the caverns at this point are of considerable extent. In rough weather, roots of trees buried in the sands are frequently exposed ; this has given rise to the absurd opinion that Torbay was once a forest, as we have stated in the introduction. It was proposed, some years ago, to form a road leading from Torquay to Tor Abbey sands, around the base of Warren hill. It is to be regretted that a measure on every account so desirable was not effected : were this road made, the invalid would possess an extent of ground for exercise, either on horse or foot, unequalled in any part of the island ; and he would be able to enjoy the re- freshing air of the sands, which the ascent of the hill now renders inconvenient. It is in contemplation to erect a number of cottages on the Warren hill, and a plan has been proposed for this purpose by an architect of great ability, — Mr. Brown of London. Whenever the scheme is effected, we trust that the first aim will be to pre- serve the natural beauty of the hill, which now consti- tutes one of the most essential ornaments of Tor- quay. A lane at the western extremity of the Abbey sands, conducts us to those of Livermead. When the tide permits, we may extend our walk round part of the headland in front of the delightful cottage- villa of the Rev. R. Mallock, and visit Thunder-hole a cavern so called from the resemblance of the roaring of the sea in its recesses to peals of thunder. The entrance of the cave is divided by columns, round which a boat CHAPEL HILL. 80 can easily pass at the proper time of the tide. There was formerly a mill on this headland. At low water circular cavities may be observed in the rocks, apparently produ- ced by the manufacture of mill-stoues. The rock is a hard, compact grit, and is well adapted for that purpose. In one cavity, the stone was evidently broken in the process of extraction. These circles afford shel r ter to many of the more tender algce. An establishment for curing pilchards, we believe, once existed at Liveiv mead. The remains of the old pier are still visible ; the stones are large, and the northern portion is tolerably perfect. There were also piers of this kind at Paignton and Babbicombe, but very few vestiges of the latter re- main. On one of the rocks at a short distance outside the pier, an Iron ring for mooring or warping vessels is seen at low water. Livermead House, the lodging estab- lishment of Miss Mudge, is pleasantly situated near these sands. There are few spots in this neighbourhood which com- mand a greater variety of magnificent scenery than "* Chapel Hill," a lofty limestone hill, rising above the Newton road at a short distance from the village of Tor. The building which stands conspicuous on its summit m in length 2% feet, by 14 feet 3, and faces east and west?. It is peculiarly situated on the apex of the rock, as if a strong wind would blow it away. On the latter side are two small windows, and in the cell of the lowest are the remains of a perpendicular and two horizontal irons. The window on the east side is larger, and there are the vestiges of a porch on the southern side, a few feet only from the brow of the precipice. This building- has been thought to have been a chapel connected with Tor Abbey, and dedicated to St. Michael ; hut a very 90 CflAPEL HILL. feeble light has yet been thrown on the objects of its erection. Some have proposed the idea that it was a vo- tive chapel erected probably by some mariner on escaping" a tempest, of which description we have an instance in the chapel of Brent-tor in this county, dedicated! to St. Michael, who appears to have been a favourite saint among the weather-beaten navigators. Others have considered it a religious edifice, t( where pilgrims were wont to repair, and by an expiatory penance atone for a life of pleasure ; others have imagined that it was the chapel which Reginald de Mohun erected within this parish ; but we have decisive evidence to prove that ileginald by permission of the Abbot of the Monastery at Torre, erected a private chapel at his court-house on the eastern side of the church,* and we therefore can- not agree with the opinion that the building owes its origin to this nobleman. Of its connexion with the Abbey it would be absurd to entertain a doubt ; but as we have such frail authority for the time and cause of its establishment, we feel reluctant to subscribe to the belief that it was ever appropriated tothe services of reli- gious worship. We have not been able to discover any ves- tiges of a fioor within its walls, and we are much in- clined to conclude that the ouly flooring it ever pos- sessed was the rock on which it stands. The portions of iron grating in the window cells — its exposed situa- tion — the roof of stone and every other circumstance connected with the building, lead us to suggest that it bears more decisive evidence of having been a strong place of punishment than of ever having been intended for the purposes of devotion. The cross on the eastern end of the roof was erected by Mr. Sharland, by order of the Dowager Marchioness of Bute. The view which this hill commands is truly beautiful ; the grounds of Shiphay, the residence of the Rev. Wm. Kitson, lie immediately below it ; and in the distance the eye ranges over the Channel, Berry-head, Brixham, the valley of Torquay, the luxuriant woods of the Abbey, *nd Torbay with the villages, wood, hills aud vales which form the characteristic features of its shores. * Dugdale's Monastieon. ILSAM, HOPE S NOSE AND ANSTY S COVE. 91 In our next walk we shall proceed to Meadfoot sands and the vale of Ilsam. A road passing- in front of the In- dependent Chapel leads us direct to Meadfoot. This little bay is formed by the promontory of Park hill, which thus appears to divide Torbay into two parts. The appearance of these portions is remarkably different, and their geological dissimilarity has been already noticed. The steep cliffs and scattered rocks of Meadfoot give it a scenery peculiar to itself when contrasted with the features of the neighbouring shores. At a short distance from the beach are the Shag-stone, Thatcher, and Oar- stone rocks. At the extremity of the sands, a narrow pathway formed through the furze-brakes leads us along the brow of the hills to Hope's Nose, the north-eastern boundary of Torbay. The ophrys apifera is found in great lux- uriance on the hills above the Nose. From this point another path conducts us to Hope Farm, an old building of whose history nothing, we believe, is known. A short distance beyond it, is Ilsam, now employed as a farm yard, — the estate being occupied by Mr. Bartlett. The doorway and wall in front of Mr. Bartlett 's residence, bespeak great antiquity. The building in the yard was formerly a cell of the Abbey, and the place on the roof where a bell was sus- pended is still visible. After leaving Ilsam, a road diverging near the quarries leads us to Ansty's Cove, or we may proceed along the hills on our right as we leave the farm ; the lat- ter will perhaps be pre- ferable, as the place is best seen from the cliffs. From the heights on either side of the Cove 1' . ; IIPP « " • ^Klk ~ gpMll uii|H>w sfpjfl Srratf 1 "" infl J^P^^^^f there is an appearance of dreary and solitary grandeur, which is not a little increased by the lofty elevation of the precipices. In the eastern part, the rocks on each side of a steep defile leading to the quarries, so accurately re- semble each other in their perpendicular position, as to appear to have been divided by mechanical art. The romantic character of the Cove is not improved by the blasting in the quarries, but it is still highly gratify- ing to the lover of the wild works of nature. There is a small Cavern in these rocks from which Mr. M.' Enery .has obtained many fossil remains. The antiquary will recognise with pleasure the traces of the lines of the Roman camp on the High Downs above Ansty's Cove ; these and other circumstances connected with this station are fully discussed in the archaeological department. The discovery of Roman lines in this place was highly satis- factory, inasmuch as it proved the early navigation of these seas. Ry continuing our walk over the downs, or by rejoining the public road, we shall soon arrive at the Swiss village of Rabbicombe ; we shall however reserve it for a future excursion, and now return to Torquay, visiting Tor-wood house on our way. This old mansion, formerly called Tor-wood grange, belonged to Tor Ab- bey, and was granted in 1540 to John Ridgeway Esq. whose son purchased the abbey of the Seymours. It thus became the seat of the Earls of Londonderry. It stands on a beautiful knoll overlooking Torbay and commanding a considerable extent of seenery. Although now occupied as a farm house, it still retains many in- teresting evidences of its former consequence. The exterior appearance of the building — the old court yard — the wainscotted walls of the sitting-room and bed-room — the massive stairs of oak, and the carved doorways and ornamented ceilings sufficiently attest the distant period of its erection. The lead shute bears date 1579, with the letters T. R., — erected probably by Thomas Ridge- way, first Earl of Londonderry, who was, it is said, born here. The present respectable occupier, Mr. John Mudge, obligingly allows any visitors to inspect the building. PARK HILL AND DADDY'S HOLE. 93 It is almost unnecessary to enter minutely into the details of a walk round Park Hill and Daddy's Hole, as the reader is supposed to be already acquainted with it ; ; nor is it possible to lay down any rules for pedestrian excursions in a neighbourhood so abundant in resources and capable of giving so great a variety to all our rambles. After passing the Ladies' bathing cove near the Bea- con hill, we soon meet with a road on our right leading to the " look out" a seat erected at the extremity of the pathway. The Gentlemen's bathing cove is below it, and the arch called " London Bridge" is seen imme- diately beyond the quarries. We rejoin the public road, and proceed to Daddy-Hole-plain by a path outside the grounds of Park Hill cottage, the residence of Colonel Otley. The prospect from this place is extremely fine ; the channel extends before us to a considerable distance ; on the one hand we trace the cottages and hamlets along the shores of the bay, terminated by Brixham and Berry-head, — and on the other the Orestone and Thatcher rocks with the high ground ab ove Meadfoot sands; — while we recognise in the distance the dusky outline of Dartmoor and the cloven peak of High Tor. The chasm in the extreme point of the cliff, which is gene- rally known by the name of Daddy's Hole, is overgrown with ivy, and the ash is flourishing there in wild lux- uriance. In our return we shall leave Rock-View House on our right and pass through the plantations at the back of Woodbine cottage, the marine villa of Mrs. Johnes. This delightful residence is one of the leading ornaments of Tor- quay. The roof of the cottage is apparently supported by a colonnade of poilards ; it was constructed after the de- signs of Mr. Foulston. The interior is fitted up with great elegance and taste ; the floors are inlaid with choice specimens of Devonshire marble, and the principal sitting-room opens into the conservatory which is rich in curious exotics. The creepers are tastefully trained over light arches springing from the capitals of a double range of cast-iron columns. The effect produced by the introduction of plate glass at the extremity of the apartment is very pleasing. The green-house is well stocked with rare plants, and the grounds of the villa 94 BABBICOMBE. are laid out with much skill, now being adorned with flowers and now opening- into terraces commanding the rich scenery around the bay. The view from the gardener's cottage is singularly delightful ; after passing the gate of the plantation near this cottage the stranger is requested to turn a little to the right, when he will enjoy a lovely prospect of the terrace and houses immediately around it, the Braddons, Torwood house, &c. The path through the plantation will now conduct us down the hill into Park Place, and give us some interesting peeps of picturesque scenery in our way. In our next walk we visit Babbicombe. This roman- tic hamlet is situated in a deep and rocky glen in the parish of St. Mary Church, the sides of which rise with singu- lar beauty from an open beach. On the slopes of the hill amidst the rocks, villas in the rustic style have been erected, and the peculiar formation of the valley, has contributed to enhance the effect of art by its own natural ^resources. Babbicombe is open to the east and is there- fore affected by the winds from that quarter. Lofty hills shelter it from the west and south, so that its position with respect to winds is the reverse of that enjoyed bv Torquay. There are few accommodations for strangers, but the wild beauty of the hamlet and the magnificent surrounding scenery ensure an ample influx of visitors. It is also favourably situated for water exercise ; and its convenient distance from Teignmouth and Torquay gives an additional interest to its aquatic excursions. The scenery around Babbicombe is particularly fine. From the hills above we enjoy a prospect which is not surpass- ed in any part of this district. The ocean expands im- mediately below us, bounded on the north by the celebra- ted marble quarries of Petit Tor, and the high land including the rocky creeks of Watcombe and Maiden- combe. In clear weather, the line of coast with the intermediate towns of Teignmouth, Dawlish, Exmouth and Sidmouth, and the entrance to the ancient port of Seaton, may be traced as far as the bill of Portland. The cottages of the village add another variety to the scene ; among them are the residences of J. Atkins Esq. Mrs BABBICOMBE. 95 Whitehead and Mr. Cosserat, and others which are fur- nished as lodging houses fur the accommodation of visitors. The cottages of the fishermen and the store rooms attached to the Preventive Service, are situated near the beach, at a short distance from which is a small inn ; another inn is now erecting in the high ground above the village, commanding a great extent of scenery. On this hill is the range of buildings established by Government for the Officers and men of the Coast Guard Service. Babbicombe had formerly a Regatta jointly with Tor- quay, under the title of the '* Torquay and Babbicombe Regatta." Some of our readers no doubt retain the re- membrance of many a pleasant day spent at the anniver- saries of this festival. " How happy did this sweet spot appear in the days of the late hospitable and lamented owner of Tor Abbey, when the morning dawned on the busy scene of activity and life which told of the arrival of that day of mirth, holiday and rejoicing — the Regatta. How happy did it appear when the gilded barks spread their snowy sails to the gentle gale, and in eager rivalry ploughed the rippling waters of the bay. How happy when the conquering hero of the wave returned amid the applauding cheers of the beholders and welcomed to the shores by the majestic warblings of music's song. We have as yet trod a path, and we are now following its windings, where a few years ago, the heath bell waved silently in the breeze, where the erica raised her pur- ple flowers in the balmy air, and the golden blossom* of the furze told of the forbidden regions of the fairy kind. Many a bright morn had thrown her ruddy smile over the hill and the dale — many a lightly tripping monarch of the sacred ring had dashed the dew- drop from the glittering herbage, and nought save the gale sighed softly in the valley, ere human industry had marked this spot for cultivation or improvement. These, however, are the scenes so teeming with natural beauty and attractions, which engage the attention of every stranger. Nothing more is sought or required than the general assertion that we may wander far and near and when chance may guide our steps hither, we shall be compelled to say — " Speak not of Italy — she cannot show A brighter scene than this."* * Inserted in a total JourriaL 1828. 96 ST. MARY CHURCH AND BARTON. We now proceed to St. Mary Church, a neat and healthy village situated on a limestone hill about one mile from the bay of Babbicombe, and two from Tor- quay. As we enter it from the Babbicombe road we pass Hampton House, the late residence of Mrs. Wilson Ff ranee ; " And on the summit where the soft clouds rest " Sancta Maria, stands thy Temple blest."* The Church occupies an elevated spot in the centre of the village, and is a well-known landmark. The Vicarage- House adjoining was rebuilt a few years ago, with much taste, by the present vicar, the Rev. Geo, Coleridge. A little to the south of the Church is South Hampton, the property and residence of R. H. Angwin Esq. The manor of St. Mary Church and the barton of Babbicombe are the property of Henry Cary, Esq. of Tor Abbey. The dean and chapter of Exeter are appropriators of the great tithes and patrons of the vicarage, which is in their peculiar jurisdiction. f The annual value of the. parish, as denoted by the parliamentary returns of 1815, was .£3830, and the population according to the returns of last year 1204. The lane in front of Mr. Woodley's Marble Works leads to the Petit Tor quarries, which produce the finest known varieties of Devonshire lime- stone. We shall return to Torquay by the stony valley, and pass in our way the fertile vale of Paver and the cotta- ges of the Combes. A lane to the right as we enter the public road, leads through Paver to Barton, if we wish to visit that place. The limestone quarries of Bar- on have been already noticed in the article on Geology as abounding with shells. Barton Cross commands one of the most splendid prospects in this district. The village is now little frequented, although twenty years ago, the principal road to Newton to St. Mary Church passed through it. There is a small meeting house there, belonging to the Wesleyans, which is, we believe, the oldest place of worship connected with that denomi- nation in the neighbourhood. By continuing our way along the public road from Paver to Torquay, we shall soon reach the Stony Valley, in the bottom of which the new road to Teignmouth has been formed. The * Bcoker. + Lysons- STONY VALLEY, AND THE WARBERRY. 97 wild appearance of this valley cannot fail to engage the attention of the eye of taste, after it has enjoyed the rich and fertile aspect of the surrounding country. We have here a good example of the scenery of Torquay ; — at one step we are presented with a prospect combining all the essentials of picturesque and Italian beauty, and at another, with scenes which must remind the traveller of the most romantic parts of Switzerland. The con- trast created by these successions of landscape, and the effect produced by their frequent combination give a variety to the scenery of this place which contributes largely to its attractions. The irregular and detached strata of limestone at the entrance of the Rocky Pass into the vale of Upton have a very picturesque appear- ance ; a curious natural arch with a " chimney-hole," immediately above the road, seems almost to be the work of art, and the effect produced by the mantling of ivy over these romantic crags is singularly impressive. By following the road to the left at the termination of the stony valley, we shall pass through the village of Upton, or we may follow the public road and return through Tor to Torquay. It is worthy of remark, that there is another pleasant walk to St. Mary Church by way of the Warberry. A road from Tor Braddons, adjoining Mr. Rossiter's villa, conducts us through the plantations to the path- fields leading to this high land. It is impossible to imagine a more magnificent panorama of this enchanting country than that which we enjoy from different parts of the Warberry. The old manor-house of Torwood, and the plantations of Flag-Staff hill and the Warren lie below us with a few of the houses and villas of Tor- quay which are not concealed from view by the Brad- dons rocks ; beyond, the outline of the bay from the Orestone and Thatcher to the Berry extends before us, and the Channel is commanded for many miles beyond that lofty headland. The inland prospect embraces Chapel Hill, Tor, the white tower of St. Mary Church, and the distant hills in the rear ; — and a few steps fur- ther, we look down on the entrance of the bay of Babbi- combe, and the towns of Teignmouth and Dawlish ; be- lt 98 COCKINGTON. yond which we trace the line of coast for a considerable distance. The path over Warren hill and through the avenues at the back of Tor Abbey conducts us across the Dartmouth road into a path-field which will bring us to the little hamlet of Chelston ; — From this place we may enjoy a pleasant walk through the fields to Cockington. We may also vary our ramble by proceeding from Torquay direct to Livermead and by there taking the road to Cockington which will bring us to the entrance of the village ; or we may have a third route, by joining the public road from Tor to Cockington which abounds with delightful scenery and passes through part of the village of Chelston. There is so much to admire in these several rambles that we must advise the reader to make himself personally ac- quainted with each of them. About the entrance of Cockington a carriage road leads us through the beautiful and fertile grounds of the Rev. R. Mallock. After pro- ceeding a short distance through them, the eye glances with delight on the venerable church, situated on a gentle acclivity in the lawn. This ancient fabric is a most pic- turesque and engaging object, it nearly adjoins the Court House the residence of the Rev. Roger Mallock, by whom the interior has been newly pewed. It has a tower with pinnacles ; the exterior is richly overspread with ivy and partially concealed from view by the surround- ing foliage. There is no burial-ground attached, but the church contains many memorials of the Cary family, by whom it was sold in 1654 to Roger Mallock, Esq., whose son, Rawlin Mallock, " sometime a justice of the peace for this county, and a member of Parliament, new builded the hou se, enclosed the park wall round a war- ren and large gardens, fitted up the ponds, and made it as gentile and commodious a dwelling as mostin this county."* On the right wing of the mansion the date 1560 still remains, and on the left 1670, the same year as that recorded on the lead shute at Tor wood. The former date was probably placed there by the Carys and preserved when the build- ing was renovated by the Mallocks. The latter denotes 5 * Prince. COCKINGTON. f)9\ the period when the present front and left wing were erected by Rawlin Mallock, Esq. whose initials R. M. are visible on the opposite angle. The interior of the mansion harmonises well with its outward ap- pearance, and bespeaks antiquity. The rooms con- tain many fine family pictures, and are tastefully pre- served in keeping with the character of the building. The estate is the property of the Rev. Roger Mallock who is patron of the living, and has the power of prov- ing wills within the manor. Cockington is a donative and is united to the benefice of Tormohun. It has been augmented by parliamentary grant and by Queen Anne's bounty. The annual value of this property as* assessed in 1815 was 382109 ; the population according to the Parliamentary returns of 1831, is 223, Cocking- ton is remarkably healthy, and the registers abound witli instances of longevity. In eighteen years beginning with 1813 and ending with 1830 inclusive, there were only 76 burials connected with the parish, of which 40 Were males and 36 females. Of this number for ty- one died at the age of 60 and upwards, — twelve between 30 and 60, — nine between 2 and 30, — and fourteen at 2 years and under. In the ten years from 1821 to 1830 inclusive, there were 44 burials, 21 marriages, and 55 baptisms, of which 29 were female and 26 male chil- dren. In 1819, in a total mortality often, there were five above the age of 70, whose united ages amounted to 398. t > The Carys are supposed to have possessed the manor of Cockington by purchase, in the middle of the 14th century ; their family residence for many generations was at Stantor in the parish of Marldon ; and soon after the alienation of the Cockington property, Sir. Geo. Cary purchased Tor Abbey, which became from that time the residence of his descendants. The Church contains many interesting relics, and will be visited by the antiquary with pleasure. We have elsewhere de- scribed the antiquities of the parish and church. + Summary of the population &c. of the parish of Cockington. Inhabited Houses. Families. Number of Inhabitants/ 1801 .. .. 63 .. .. 69 .. 294 1811 .. .. 51 .. ..62 274 1821 . . . . 50 . . .. 50 ..... , . . 280 Population in 1831, 223. 100 COCKINGTON WATCOMBE. We cannot leave the precincts of this sacred fabric without offering our tribute — feeble and inadequate though it be — to the memory of one whom this neighbour- hood will ever cherish and whose name is written in the hearts of all his parishioners. It is impossible for those who knew him to approach the altar at which he officiated, or to look upon that pulpit from which his earnest and impressive exhortations were addressed, without the warmest feelings of affectionate remembrance. His name is identified with universal charity — in him merit always found a friend, and to his generous heart the appeal of poverty was never made in vain : — Cui Pudor, et Justitise soror Incorrupta Fides, nudaque Veritas Qup.ndo ullum invenient paretn ? Multis ILLE bonis flebilis occidit. The Cockington estate is the most beautiful property on the shores of Torbay ; it presents a great variety of picturesque scenery, and the rich panoramic landscapes with which it every-where abounds are unrivalled. We now return to Torquay by either of the routes mentioned at the commencement of this article, and w T e leave the estate of Mr. Mallock with the cordial wish of the poet; Stet fortuna doraus, et avi nurnerentur avoruia. About two miles and a half from Torquay on the Teignmouth road, and a short distance beyond its junc- tion with those diverging to St. Mary Church and Paver, is a narrow lane leading into the valley of Wat- combe. Many of our readers, will, no doubt, make it a walk, and a very delightful one it will be. Soon after we enter the lane, the eye is engaged by numerous conical hillocks rising on different parts of the slope which forms the commencement of the rocky glen. A precipitous mass of rock full of cavernous irregularities ri«es from the highest and extreme ridge of this slope. As we de- scend on the side opposite to the rock we are gratified with the finest echo in this neighbourhood, although Torquay may with truth be called the "land of echoes." Continuing to descend the valley, we pass large masses of rock richly clothed with ivy, and soon arrive at the beach. We have no scenery in this neighbourhood like MAIDENCOMFE — PAIGNTDN. 101 that about Watcombe ; it has a cast of wildness and soli- tude which is enhanced by the peculiar formation of the vale. The undulating- slope, the frequent conical hil- locks and the abrupt mass of lofty rock at the entrance of the defile, are finely contrasted with the dark-red cliffs and mural precipices which overhang the beach. Between Watcombe and Petit-Tor is Oddicombe, ano- ther rocky cove, which must be approached by a path leading from Babbicombe downs along the foot of Hamp- ton Lawn. Petit-Tor the mass of lime-rock rising amidst the red sand-stone which surrounds it, and af- fording the most splendid specimens of British marble* has been already mentioned ; but the Geologist will de- rive too much interest from the prevailing appearances of the two formations to pass it by unnoticed. The white pebbles drifted from these limestone strata into the bottoms of the coves at Watcombe and Oddicombe are valued for the delicate Madrepores they contain. After leaving Watcombe we proceed along the Teign- mouth road to the turnpike called "Solomon's Post," near which a lane condticts us to the romantic hamlet of Maidencombe§ in the parish of Stoke-in-teignhead. It is situated in a picturesque and fertile vale, which ter- minates on the south with a rocky undercliff ahounding in all the features of this description of scenery. A fine cascade, of about 30 feet, bursts over the perpendicular rock at the extremity of the beach on which it falls. Having visited this places, we return to Torquay by the Stony Valley and Tor, or by St. Mary Church and Babbicombe; We shall now set out on a longer walk, and visit Paignton andGoodrington. Proceeding along the Tor- Abbey sands, we soon join the Dartmouth road^ and after a walk of about 3 miles, arrive at Paignton. This village is situated in a district celebrated for the fertility of its soil and the delightful scenery of its neighbourhood. In. every part of the manor the eye rests with pleasure on successions of local richness and varied landscapes which are unrivalled even in this luxuriant, country. Paigntom § : Pronounced MTnnicombe 102 PAIGNTON — GOODRINGTON. has much improved within a few years ; many new houses have been erected* and much attention has been paid to the accommodations for invalids. We have already spoken on this subject in the article on Climate ; but it is worthy of remark that the secluded situation of many parts of the village, the rural beauty of its vicinity, and its conveniences with respect to sea-bathing render it a pleasant summer residence. There are many respect- able cottages in different parts of the village, and at its termination is Primley Hill, the property and residence of the Rev. Finney Belfield. The Church is a highly interesting fabric, and is a conspicuous object from dif- ferent parts of Torbay. The Vicarage-House is near it, the entrance to which bespeaks considerable antiquity. Below the church-yard are the dilapidated remains of the noble palace of the Bishops of Exeter, who had around it an extensive deer-park. The venerable ruins of this palace, crumbling gradually under the hand of Time and enshrouded in a rich vest of ivy, form a strik- ing contrast to the stately tower of the church which rises proudly above it. Paignton is called a borough* by Mr. Lysons, it also had a weekly market, and a fair for three days, at the festival of .the Holy Trinity, granted through the interest of the Bishop of the Diocese, in 1294. The great tithes of the parish belong to the Pre- centor of Exeter cathedral. The annual value of the real property, as assessed in 1815, was 566602; the population, according to the returns of 1831, is 1960. There is now a holiday fair, on the Tuesday in Whitsun- week. The parish of Paignton includes the hamlets of Goodrington, Preston, Blagdon, and Collaton Kirkham. From Paignton we proceed along the cliffs to Goodring- ton, a small hamlet, celebrated in the late war for the Hospital which was maintained there. The building was purchased by Col. Drake, of Ipplepen, who has re-edified the house and converted it into a marine resi- dence ; — it commands a great extent of scenery. Good- rington sands are worthy the attention of the conchologist, as are those of Pajgnton. Roundham head, the abrupt and rocky promontory which terminates the high-laud * In ancient times bo^ou^h and tithing were synonymous. ELBERRY COVE. 303 at the northern extremity of the sands is memorable for. the wreck of H. M. S. Venerable, of 74 guns. While the squadron under Earl St. Vincent was standing out of the bay, the Venerable missed stays in tacking, and was instantly driven on the rocks between the steep side of the head-land and the hospital. Some portions of the copper belonging to her are, it is said, still to be seen there at low water. Beyond Goodrington are Broad Sands, beyond which the land is broken into a few small coves, the first of which is Elberry. It will extend our walk too much to visit it by land, and the principal ob- ject of attraction can be examined only in a boat. It must therefore be made a water-excursion, although we have introduced it in this place : — Elberry Cove is a small inlet lying open to the east ; on the north it is protected by a ledge called from its appearance the " Honeycomb Rocks," and in the south angle is the Bathing-House of J. B. Y. Buller, Esq. of Lupton. At a short distance from the beach, the surface of the water presents a curious phenomenon. A fresh-water spring, rising of course in some part of the chain of hills above the cove, makes it exit from the sandy bot- tom, about eight or ten feet below the surface of the sea at low water mark. There is a report that a spring loses itself in the hills above, but we have not been able to prove its accuracy. It ascends perpendicularly with considerable force and forms a smooth circle, four or five feet in diameter, on the surface of the sea. Two of these circles are occasionally seen, in consequence, per- haps, of the accumulation of sand ; and their size, depth, and distance from each other vary at different times, according as they are influenced by the swell or weather. They are of course best seen at low tide and when the sea is smooth. In April of the present year, we made some experiments in conjunction with Mrs. Griffiths, I in order to ascertain the character of the water ejected by this spring. The result was satisfactory, and proved that it was a body of fresh water pouring, out of an aperture of large size, and with such strength that the X We beg also to express onr acknowledgments for the obliging assistance of Miss Amelia Griffiths on this occasion. 104 ELBERRY COMPTON CASTLE. sand disturbed was forced by its power to the surface. The appearances within the circle resembled the effect of oil poured on the water, nor were they much affected by the ripple, which was playing on the waves around it. The temperature could not be accurately determined, but it did not seem to be higher than that of the sea. The volume of fresh water must be considerable as the salt taste of the sea perceptibly diminishes in the neigh- bourhood of the spring. This phenomenon will be visited by the natural philosopher with much pleasure, and in- dependently of the interest excited by it, Elberry Cove has the honor of being the habitat of Rhodomenia Teedii. We now return to Goodrington, and crossing the cliffs soon reach the creek called " Paignton Pier," from the remains of an old pier which formerly existed there. A short distance further we pass the station of the Coast Guard Service, and then enter on the extensive sands of Paignton. The first object that meets the eye is Torbay House, the property and occasional residence of Col. Seale, of Dartmouth. It is a large building, command- ing a wide extent of scenery. At the extremity of the sands a short lane brings us into the public road, which will conduct us to Torquay, by Livermead and Tor Abbey. Commit (Cattle. -»~ "V- - J ' jet r TIlL 1 uAi. f^-* lall ^ b^ PElCT ..,. rmri wws6 Wm m^MmM JL PI I' !"!»' M psS~~33___ -'^slUeF~^'~'^lP* ^^^Sff^M. There are many ways of proceeding to Compton Castle, but we select that which is most known and frequented. Alter passing through Cockington by one COMPTON CASTLE. 105 of the routes already mentioned in our description of that place, we enter on the road leading to " Five Lanes," a disused turnpike near the village of Marldon. One of the lanes diverging from this point conducts us direct to the building. It is remarkable that so little is known about this ancient structure. It is by far the most interesting for- tified-mansion in the west of England, although we really know nothing more respecting it than the possessors' names. We have indeed little besides some scanty information relative to the manorial lords, — but we trust that some able person will, ere long, consult the public records, and throw more light on its history. | A part of the Mansion has been modernized and is now occu- pied. The north front with its embattled tower and ancient gateway, and the broken windows of the Chapel adjoiniug must engage the * attention of every visitor; and the dilapidated walls look veKerably grand in the sombre garb of ivy which entwines them. In the floor of the room over the gateway is an oblong opening of some size, used probably for concealing plate and other treasures. There is also a subterranean passage for a short way pointing to Berry Pomeroy. A local tradi- tion mentions, we believe, that this communicated with Aptor in the same parish. The brief history of the manor of Compton is as fol- lows : — At the time of Domesday Survey it was held by Stephen under Juhel de Totnais ; its ancient name was Contune. Osolf possessed it in the reign of Edward the Confessor ; and in the time of Henry II. it was in the hands of Maurice de Pola. It was long the property and residence of this respectable family — the ancestors of the celebrated antiquary Sir William Pole. It was not unusual at that period for families of opulence and distinction to confer their names on the places with which they were connected ; hence Compton was desig- X It was, some time ago, the intention of the Rev. R. II. Froude, the Archdeacon of Totncs, to have instituted this in- quiry, but circumstances occurred to prevent it. We regret this the more as no one is more qualified for the task, and the worl.l would have been favoured with the researches of a sound and accomplished antiquary. 1C6 COMPTON CASTLE — STANTOR AND MARLDON nated Compton Pole for a considerable time. Lady Alice de Pola gave the manor to the Comptons, in whose possession it remained for seven descents ; a co-heiress of the Comptons, by marriage with the Gilberts, brought it, in the reign of Edward II. into the family of Sir Hum- phrey Gilbert the navigator and mathematician, to whom we are indebted for the establishment of a British colony at Newfoundland. It continued until a late period in the hands of the Gilberts, but on the dispersion and re- ducement of this once-flourishing family it passed by purchase to the Templers. The Gilberts continued to reside in the neighbourhood, and at Totnes, &c. and, although much reduced in circumstances, are not yet extinct. About 1808, the estate was sold in parcels, and the mansion and farm purchased by Mr. John Bishop, by whom it has since been sold to Francis Gar- ratt, Esq. of Ellacombe, the present worthy proprietor. Compton Castle, despite our ignorance|iespecting it, will at all times be highly interesting to the antiquary. He will investigate it with profit — although his re- searches may be unrelieved by the light of history ; and will derive much pleasure from an acquaintance with this venerable and curious mansion. • Stantor in this parish, was the ancient seat of the Carys, it is now occupied as a Farm-House, and retains few other memorials than the name to bespeak its former consequence. The straggling village of Marldon winds around the bottom of the hills which rise abruptly above it ; on an elevated spot about the centre of the village stands the Church, which was erected, according to tradition, by one of the Gilberts of Compton Castle. Mr. Oliver considers it the work of the fifteenth century ; it is a handsome building, consisting of a nave connected with the south aisle by seven arches, and with the north aisle by five arches, and having a tower about ninety feet high. The stone screen has been preservedf The fabric is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and is an ap- pendant to Paignton. The arms of Gilbert were em- blazoned in many of the windows. f Ecclesiastical Antiquities. KENT'S CAVERN. 107 If the tourist is not afraid of losing his way, he may return by the road leading along the back of Cockington, which will bring him to Shiphay, the residence of the Rev. W. Kitson. This part of the district abounds with lanes and cross roads in all directions ; and as we can afford the reader little pleasure in our description of this ramble, we beg to observe that no part of Devon offers a better illustration of Mr. Marriott's well-known lines on the mysteries of the Devonshire Lane. SUnt'4 Catern. •We reserve this remarkable production of nature for a distinct excursion, because considerable time is re- quired to investigate it, and it is necessary to be pro- vided with proper dresses, lights and a guide.f Kent's Cavern is situated in the transition limestone, about the distance of a mile from Torquay, and at the opening of the vale of Ilsam. A lane near the turnpike on the Babbicombe road brings us into the shady bottom, on the right side of which this ridge of limestone rises. A few rude steps enable us to ascend the wall, beyond which a narrow and intricate pathway conducts us through the copse to the entrance of the cave. The approach is inconvenient and discreditable, but we hope that this hint will be of sufficient avail to remove so great a reproach to the public spirit of Torquay. The scenery in the neighbourhood of the Cavern — the still- ness and solitude that reign around it— added to its apparent seclusion from the haunts of man, give rise to feelings of unusual interest. turn sylvis scena coruscis Desuper, horrentique atrum nemus imminet umbraV Fronte sub adversa scopulis pendentibus ANTRUM : Intus aquae dulces, vivoque sedilia saxo j Nympharum domus. Kent's Cavern however has not been favoured with the Nymphs like the cave of the Poet, but it has become celebrated as the quondam resort of animals whose f The persons appointed Guides to the Cavern are J. Heggertty, mineralist, on the quay, and Geo. Fearse, at Tor ; to whom the keys are entrusted. No one is allowed to dig without permission from Sir L. V. Falk. 108 rent's cavern. bowlings shook the forests of the primeval world,— ^and whose relics are still preserved as types of an epoch which is enshrouded in a veil of solemn mystery, relieved only by the sublime and pathetic narrative of the inspired his- torian. We are here moving in the sepulchre of created beings, and every bone tells us of those awful periods, which — despite the theories that have made a mockery of the most sublime conception of human intellect, — the eye of speculative sciolists is too feeble to fathom ! ** Ln exhuming from their earthy beds or spar-be- spangled vaults" says Dr. Ure,* " the relics of that primaeval world, we seem to evoke spirits of darkness, crime and perdition ; we feel transported along with them to the judgment seat of the Eternal, and hear the voice of many waters coming to execute the sen- tence of just condemnation on an earth ' corrupt and filled with violence.' The powers of prophecy over- shadow us. The bony fossil starts to life and conjures us in mysterious mutterings to flee from the wrath to come. How solemn, to walk through this valley of death ! — Methinks the very stones cry out " The Lord reigneth ; righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His Throne!" Kent's Cavern is thought to be more than 600 feet in length ; the width and height vary in different parts, and the whole den is full of lateral intricacies. At the furthest end a still sheet of water spreads out before us. Beneath the stalagmitic floor have been obtained, be- sides the fossil pachydermata, bones of the bear, tiger, hyaena, wolf, ox, deer, rabbit and rat, &c. &c. The teeth of the fossil bear are larger by one-fourth than those of the living species, and the hyaena had evident advantages, in point of power, over the existing race. The teeth have been found in an admirable state of per- fection, illustrating the different processes of dentition from infancy to old age. The floor of the cave was first broken in 1824, by Thos. Northmore, Esq. of Exeter ; — a gentleman not more known for his valuable contributions to the anti- quarian researches of this county, than respected for his * New system of Geology. Kent's cavern. 109 advancement of science. To him, therefore, as the first discoverer of the organic treasuresof Kent's Cavern, the civic wreath is due, and it has seldom been more richly earned by individual energy. It is remarkable that Dr. Bucklaud, with all his perseverance, should have twice or thrice visited the cave previously to Mr* Northmore, and cursorily mentioned it in*' his Reliquiae Diluvianae," and yet never penetrated the stalagmitic incrustation. But sic vivitur. Soon after the success of Mr. Northmore, many scientific individuals availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them ; and it would be unjust were we to omit to notice the researches of a gentleman whose name has been already mentioned in this work, and whose indefatigable exertions are en- titled to the highest praise : — The labours of the Rev. J. M' Enery have enabled him to form a cabinet of great value, and to enrich with the fossil treasures of Torquay the institutions of Plymouth, Bristol and other provincial towns, and the splendid Museum of the Geo- logical Society ; — and of his zeal in the cause these will remain lasting monuments. But while hundreds have engaged in these investiga- tions, it is curious that few Geological works have con- descended to notice the Torquay cave, although much space has been given to others, both Foreign and British, of far inferior interest. In order, therefore, to present the public with an original and detailed account of the early discoveries in the cavern and of the circumstances which led to them, — we have great pleasure in introdu- cing two interesting letters on the subject with which we have been favoured by Thos. Northmore, Esq. F.S.A. the spirit and novelty of whose views cannot fail to be in- teresting to the man of science. We cannot, however, allow this opportunity to pass by without expressing how largely we are indebted to Mr. N. in the composition of this volume, and while there is no part of the book which has not profited by his advice, there are many which owe themselves to his assistance. We now beg to call the readers attention to Mr. Northmore's Letters. 110 rent's cavern. To Octavian Blewitt, Esq. Editor of the Panorama of Torquay. Sir, — In compliance with your request that I would draw up for your publication some account of the origin of my discoveries in the caverns of the transition or secondary limestone, in the vicinity of Torquay, I now trans- mit to you the following particulars, which I do the more willingly, because the second volume of Professor Buckland's work, entitled Rei.iqulx Diluvian^e, has not yet made its appearance, although promised to the public so long ago as the year 1825. The Rev. Mr. Mac Enery had also circulated a prospectus, about five years since, of a work then "shortly to be published in mie volume quarto ," entitled " Cavern Researches, or discoveries of organic remains, and of Druidical and Roman Reliques, in the caves of Kenfs Hole, Anstis* Cove, Chudleigh and Berryhead ; illustrated with plates, etc. including views, sections and ground plans ." I re- gret much that these long-promised works have not yet made their appearance. For the delay of the Oxonian Professor I have heard no reason publickly assigned ; but Mr. Mac Enery has complained, and justly, of " the limited circulation of works of this nature being by no means equal to the expenses" ; and therefore he has been " obliged to solicit the support of those who may feel an interest in the result of his researches." Hence it is highly probable that his work has been postponed, I hope not suppressed, for want of such support ; and I repeat that 1 deeply regret both these circumstances, and that as well for private as publick reasons. For many years I have been employed in collecting materials for a. more perfect Theory of the Deluge ; but the work so grows upon my hands, and the science of Geology is so rapidly increasing, and pervades so many other sciences, that I know not either when, or how, I shall be able to complete it ; and as it is my misfortune to differ both from the Oxonian Professor, and" the great teacher" Cuvier, and several of the Scotch and German Geologists, upon their Diluvian and Antediluvian theories, and parti- ularly upon their ideas of the primitive '• non-existence rent's cavern. Ill of organic beings" of the " late formation of man " and what is termed the " order, or suceession in the creation" of animals, etc. I had a great desire to peruse, and to profit by the Professor's new work, before I put a finishing" hand to my own lucubrations : I would fain still indulge the hope of its appearance, though I can obtain no satis- factory reason for the procrastination.* 1 now proceed to the main object of this communica- tion which is drawn up from some hasty memorandums, and, I am sorry to add, very imperfect observations made at the time ; reserving a more detailed account, if necessary, for the preface to my own work. In the month of September, 1824, 1 visited, with my family, your delightful, though now too crowded watering place, Torquay, without having the remotestidea of ma- king any excavations in its caverns for the purpose of dis- covering their hidden treasures of organic remains, but with the full and avowed design of examining Kent's Holeiov a very different object; viz. to ascertain whe^- * See Buekland's Inaugural lecture, p.p. 6. 21 — etc. " The pretended scale of life, (says Griffith on the Animal King- dom) founded on the erroneous application of some partial re- marks on the immensity of organized nature, has proved essen- tially detrimental to the progress of natural history in modern i times." Pr. v. This is true ; the idea is unsubstantial, and not founded on fact ; it seems to originate from the difficulty of accounting for the origin of things, and a certain reluctance in parting with the reasoning faculty. Within a few weeks after I had written the text; the lamentable intelligence arrived of the death of that greatest Naturalist — Baron Cuvier, — Science has lost in him her favoured Son — of whom it may be truly said, as Cicero declared of his friend Archias — that though he died venerable in years and wisdom tamen propter exeellentem artem ac venustatem videbatur omninu mori 7ion debuisse. — Death should have spared him for some time longer. Differing as I do from his " Theory of the Earth" and believ- ing it to be founded on erroneous bases, yet no man living is more ready than I am to express my deep regret for the loss of that intellect, from which mankind has reaped so much ad- vantage, and by which the present age has been advanced a century. It had been my intention to have addressed the pre- face of my own Geological work to him, and reasoned with him upon his Theory. But Alas! Death , is all -potent, and Nescia mens hominum fati. 112 KENT8 CAVERN ther it were, or were not a Mithratic Cavern ; for the Druidical Priesthood, like their Egyptian, Chaldsean, and Brahmiuical brethren, worshipped in such ca- vernous recesses, (whether natural, or artificial,) the Solar God, under a variety of names — such as Mnidhr, or Mithras, Bel, Belinus, Beluerus, Belatucader, the Tyrian Hercules, and Ogrnius, Cocideus, etc.* while the Eastern titles of that deity were, more generally, those of Osiris, Orus, Thoth, Budha, Creeshna, Maha- dcva, or Seeva, and more than a hundred others. In several of these deep and gloomy caverns, or temples, (which mystically represented the Dilavian abyss) and particularly in those of Elephanta, and Ellora, in Hin- dostan, the emblems of the Deus Genitor yet remain ; emblems which, to modern delicacy, and modern manners, must be justly considered in the highest degree obscene ; yet by no means so considered in the ideas either of our simple, plain-speaking, and plain-meaning British an-- cestors, or in those of the Ancients generally, whether of Europe or Asia. None however of these indelicate objects have been suffered to exist in any of the Druidi- cal temples of the British Empire that I know of, with one solitary exception ; and that, I suppose, from its having been but little known, and remote from general observation. The indelicate appellatives however do occasionally exist of various British Solar temples ; as for instance, the Devil's cave at Castleton, in the Peak of Derbyshire % where the Mithratic, or Dionysiack Mysteries were evidently celebrated. This grand and majestic Cavern of Castleton is even recorded in the most ancient, and earliest writings of the Indian Brah- mins ; for the connection between Asia and Europe through the medium of the Arkite priesthood is estab- lished. In these gloomy temples the Catechumens were initi- ated, and " purged of their sins ;" Here they saw, in representation, "the torments of the damned, and the joys of the Blessed" Such were the Eleusinian orgies, and many were the scenes of peril and horrour through * Archaeol : xi. 65. 70. xiii. 402. Stukeley, Iter Cur : 102-3. KENT*S CAVERN. lltf which the Epoptse passed. || One of the most usual modes of Purification, or Regeneration of the Aspirants was by creeping through a hole, or orifice, or passage in the rocks ; or by passing an arm, or leg, or portion of the body through it, if of small dimension ; or by going through a door, or gateway ; but this could not be done by the Aspirant, without the aid and approbation of the Priest, the door of itself "violently opposing" the wicked and impure, and "denying them admission" to the sacred " fountain of pellucid water." It was partly then with this view of investigation that I went to Torquay, A. D. 1824, and having, by mere accident, mentioned this my intention to my brother-in-law Capt. Richard Welby, (there resident) who had the beautiful work of Belzoni, upon the Py- ramids of Egypt, lying upon his table, he kindly offered it to my perusal, as thinking it might be of service to me in my Mithratic pursuits, — as in truth it really was ; for the fact is that the Pyramids of Egypt, (as was the Tower of Babel) were built for the same object and mystery ; the water of the sacred Nile was brought into them and used for the same purpose of bap- tismal regeneration, as the natural " pellucid water," of Castleton Cave, and Kent's Hole ; and the rock-basons, and stone-bowls of the Nymphs, and Druids ; and the tanks and reservoirs of the Hindu Pagodas were desig- nated to a similar end. Fortunately for me, Mr. Welby had at the same time Mr. Professor Buckland's Reliquiae Diluviance lying before him, which, he observed, just * mentioned Kent's Hole ; and this work also he handed for my perusal. I relate * Sir, these circumstances to you, in order to show how much discoveries depend upon mere accident. At that period I had never studied Geology, and I am ashamed to add, had scarcely ever heard of the name of Buckland ; My scientific pursuits (exclusive of Philology) had been confined chiefly to Antiquities, the study of which I had commenced under my excellent Tutor, Dr. Bennet, the late Bishop of || Compare Wilford's Extracts from the Puranas ; in the Asiatic Researches, vol. vi. 502, — and chap. x. 389 et seq. Faber's Cabiri ii. 408. 419. etc. also ii. 386, 394. etc. 114 Kent's cavern. Cloyne ; and to Chemistry, which I had studied princi- pally under Mr. Accum ; and I had so far succeeded in this most delightful science, that I was the fortunate author of that, since-celehrated, discovery, the conden- sation of the gases ; of which discovery Sir Humphrey Davy, and Mr. Faraday, and several other chemists and natural philosophers, have made so much and fre- quent use, though they have not done me the honour of once mentioning my name ; with the exception however of Dr. Hope of Edinburgh, and a few other men of science, who are too enlightened and too liberal to suffer the varying creeds of politics to stand in the way of the eternal codes of Justice and Philosophy. My experi- ments upon the compression of the gases were first pub- lished in Nicholson's Chemical Journal for the years 1805 and 1806. (See volumes xii. xiii. xiv.) My dis- coveries of Organic Remains in the Caverns of Devon- shire have been treated with the same puerile, jealous, and mean feeling ; and thus others rise to fame upon my labours. Sie vos non vobis.* * This discovery of the condensation of the gases into liquids is beginning to be a great favourite, both abroad and at home, and the Dutch Society of Science at Haarlem have very judi- ciously made it the subject of a Prize Essay, as to what practical use these gases compressed into liquids can be applied, &c. and they announce their design in the following words — " As several substances, which were formerly known only in the state of gas, may through pressure, and intense cold, be reduced to the solid, or liquid form, which has especially been proved by Faraday's experiments,'. &c. See Edin. New Phil. Jour. No. xi. p. 150-1. A. 1829. Now Sir, I applaud with as much zeal as any man the successful, and beautiful experiments of M r. Faraday. He has improved greatly upon my discovery ; but I affirm that it is unjust in him, as it was in Sir H. Davy, with whom I was once personally acquainted, under all their justly acquired celebrity, to blink the name of the first discoverer : nor willl suffer such injustice to be passed with impunity. The Dutch Society does not seem aware of the great extent to which this experiment might be carried j for instance, let the highly condensed gases be mixed in various proportions ; and let them be thus subjected to the Galvanic, and Electrick influence ; and, perhaps I may be thought too sanguine, when Texpress my opinion that the experiments may be attended with valuable results : — Possibly solid matter (the Crux Geologica) may be one of the consequences. I have neither time nor space to add more upon rent's cavern. 115 Upon perusing the Reliquiae Diluvianse, I confess that I was not a little surprized at the very slight, and cursory manner in which the Professor had mentioned Kent's Hole ; not the least idea did he seem to have of its concealed treasures : to this perusal however, and to this mere accident, am I indebted for my geological infor- this very extensive, and very important subject ; it is sufficient for me to point out the probable means of obtaining the desired end: but I cannot forbear adding an expectation of other im- portant results, if to certain of such compressed gases be sub- jected the metalloidal bases, — Silicium, Alumium, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, etc. In a memoir of Sir H. Davy, which appeared in the Gentle- man's Magazine, for July 1829 ; among the articles recorded as contributed by him to the Philosophical Transactions, is the follow- ing — " On the co7idensation of Muriatic gas into the liquid form." The article itself appeared in the Philosophical Transactions for the year 1823. p. 164. and was written by Sir H. Davy, Bart. President. Now, this was one of the very experiments which I had first originated and published i?i the year 1805, no less than 18 years before the learned President — yet no mention is made thereof; while in the same volume p.p. 199 to 205, Mr. Fara- day's experiments, and those of others are spoken of with appro- bation. The Baronet also had contributed to Nicholson's Journals, as well as myself. Here then is an instance of that political feeling, which operates too generally, " in order to deprive," (as Sir P. Burdett once said of Major Cartwright,) a reformer " of his just weight and celebrity." In the last edition of Cuvier's Theory of the earth, by Professor Jameson, A.D. 1827, " with numerous additions by the author and translator," a list is given of the British Caves where fossil bones have been found, p. 531-2. The names too of various discoverers are mentioned throughout the work, yet (would the reader believe it !) the Caves of Torquay are omitted, both by the author and annotator, and though in the Edinburgh Phil. Journal by the same learned Pro- fessor, notice is more than once taken of teeth and bones dis- covered by others in these Devonian Caves, and by some who actually were at work with me and had even consulted me, yet my name is blinked by the Scotch Professor, and all his corres- pondents. A similar omission occurs in Parkinson's last edition of his outlines of Oryctology, though published, A. 1830. Perhaps the precept of Cicero may be here recorded with some benefit. Sin autem temere aliquid alicujus praeteriisse aut non satis eleganter secuti videbimur, docti ab aliquo, facile et libenter sententiam commutabimus ; non enim parum cognosse, sed in parum cognito stulte, et diu perseverasse, turpe est ; propterea quod alterum communi hominum infirmitati, alterum singulari »uiuscujusque vitio est adtributum. De Invent, L, 11. e. 3 116 Kent's cavern. raation ; for from that hour I took up the science, and have continued to study it ever since ; and [ trust that I have made therein another discovery ; whether of impor- ance, or not, others may judge ; but this I shall reserve for my own future work. It now occurred to me, that I might, as the saying is, kill two birds with one stone, and extract as many or- ganic remains from our Devonian limestone caverns, as the Professor had done in Kirkdale. With both those ob- jects then in view, I hired two assistants (William Ros- siter, and John Ferris,) and accompanied by an able draughtsman, Mr. Gendall of Exeter, I set out on the 21st of September, A. D. 1824, with the double object of discovering organic remains, and ascertaining the existence of a temple of Mithras ; and happy am I to say that I was successful in both objects ; in the former pur- suit indeed I have been followed by hundreds, in the latter by none. The baptismal lake of Si pellucid water," the creeping path of " stone purification" and if I am not quite mis- taken, (for I speak doubtfully) the " mystic gate of obstacle'" the M oven mouth /' and possibly one more arcane memorial, sufficiently satisfied my mind upon the Temple of the extensively worshipped, and thousand- named Deity, Belin. But upon this subject no more at present, and I proceed to the organic treasures of the sacred Arksean Cave. And first ; at that period, A.D. 1824, there was little obstacle to, or difficulty in re- search ; no bars, no locks, no bolts, every one might enter the cave, explore if he pleased, and return accord- ing to his will, and pleasure ; not that I blame the owner, Sir Lawrence Palk, (since thebones have become objects of sale) for closing theentrance, and I believe that the Baronet never refuses to grant permission to any man of science upon due application, but the delays arising from other circumstances have been, I hear, the cause of complaint and inconvenience. Upon entering, then, the Cavern, and being at that time a novice in the art of exploring, I began to consider in what part it was most likely to find the expected treasures, and seeing a small recess (which 1 technically called a Den) Kent's cavern. 117 on the left side, some way in the Cavern, of a size suffi- ciently capacious to hold a large tiger, I began to dig- therein through the stalagmitic covering, and in less than ten minutes I could not forbear exclaiming with joy — Here it is ; and I pulled out an old worn-down tusk of an Hyaena, and soon afterwards, a Metatarsal bone of the Cavern Bear. About 20 or 30 other teeth and bones were the result of our labours on that day ; but among them, and what I much prized, were two jawn, upper and lower, of either the Wolf or the Fox ; these I placed, as I thought, safely in my basket, but upon my return to my lodgings I found they were gone, and though I subsequently offered a reward to the finder, I never was able to recover them. Such then were the fortunate results of the first day, and my object ivas complete ; for in truth my views tend more to Princi- ples, than mere matters of fact, and experiment. When once one leading discovery, or one great successful ex- periment, is made, it is a matter of comparative ease and simplicity to follow it up by additions and improve- ments ; numerous individuals find time and opportunity to make researches, which the original discover has not j' and the minds of men are variously constructed, some being adapted to originate discoveries, and general laws ; others to improve, and illustrate them in detail. The Steam Engine affords an appropriate example of the one ; and the doctrines of Polarization of light ; of electro-magnetism, and crystallography of the other. But perfection consists in the combination of both Theory and experiment : and science is not half perfect, nay, is almost null, unless crowned by Principles and General Law. But I repeat that it is ungrateful in the improvers of arts and sciences, to smother, to conceal, to keep down, and seemingly to forget the original discoverers, and inventors, who have in fact given them their existence and celebrity. This practice savours of va- nity, of littleness of mind, and is not better than sheer plagiarism, and it becomes every liberal-minded writer and speaker, to hold it up to merited obloquy. By this discovery I contributed to establish the ge- neral rule of the Limestone Caverns being the retreats, 118 rent's cavern. not of Antediluvial, but of Portdiluvial carnivorous ani- mals and their prey ; and such I am persuaded they will frequently be found. Mr. Gendall made, on this day, some beautiful sketches, both of the interior and exterior of the ca- vern ; one of which will appear as a vignette to this work. Before I quit this first Den, or lateral retreat, I should mention that Professor Buckland some short time after- wards, (for I immediately communicated to him my discovery,) continued the search in the same spot, and found a British flint knife, and some bones and teeth, if I recollect right, of the bear, and rhinoceros ; and not far from it Mr. W. C. Trevelyan discovered a beautiful tooth of a tiger, and a fine jaw-bone of a bear, and Other remains. f I now proceeded to take the admeasurement of the cavern and its bearings ; and to ascertain its tempera- ture, etc ; — and repeating my deep regret at the great imperfection, and much omission — (arising partly from the intricacies and extent of the cave, or rather series of caves and dens, of which I was then not sufficiently •f* Having mentioned my loss of the two jaws of the Wolf, it may be advisable to inform the future explorer, that these Cavern- Treasures have no-.v become real money treasures — and great objects of sale. It is my opinion that the value of the bones and teeth already discovered by the Ladies and Gentlemen, (particularly by Mr. M' EneryJ and others at Torquay, and its visitors, would be cheaply estimated at from 500 to 1000 guineas, and Sir L. V. Palk may possibly add a few more hundreds, if he would follow the plan which I proposed to him. I recommended him also to establish a Museum at Torquay — which would be not only a great acquisition to science, but an ornament to the place, and an honour to himself; and I offered, and now repeat my offer of, all that remain of my own researches, (which however are very few, for I have given most of them away) as a commence- ment of so laudable and useful an undertaking. I had forgot to mention that Mr. W. C. Trevelyan discovered I believe, some carbonate of magnesia in the limestone of Kent's Cavero, and it may be worth while to add, that there do not appear any shells in this stratum, though in other strata not far off, bivalve shells are found. Mr. Cumberland has suggested to me that in one of the Bradley quarries near Newton Bushell, a vein of a greenish sand is found enclosing shells and corals, auomifie. etc. rent's cavern. 119 apprized, and trusted to residents of Torquay to make perfect ; and partly from my short stay in the town,) I have only to trust to the reader's liberality to make all due allowance for errors and to express my earnest hope that a future ground plan, and perfect drawings will be published by those more adequate to the task and skilled in such undertakings, and resident on the spot. There are two entrances to Kent's Hole. The lower (now in use) fronts the S.S.E. — its base being about 7§ feet, the height about 5£ :■ — The upper fronts the E. and is about 8 feet broad, and has now but little elevation. This latter is about 46 feet distant from the former, and 2 or 3 feet higher up ; it continues the same span for ten feet inside, and is soon afterwards met by the first entrance, which has of course considerably deflected, (to the W. S. W.) almost at a right angle. Here is, what the people have called, the Boar's Head — being a crystallized carbonate of lime on the top of the cave*- My admeasurements were made in straight lines, by the direction of a small magnetic compass each as far as the light of the directing candle was visible — and I think the nnmber of such admeasurements was 14. — The whole length of the Cavern, including the windings, I estimated then at 657 feet. The width and height of the cave continually varies, the former from 2 feet 3 inches to 71 feet; the latter from that portion of the cavern called the oven, where you are obliged to creep , up to 18 feet. About 180 feet from the entrance is a cavern- ous lateral passage above 70 feet in length, containing loose bones (some very small) ; beyond this you begin to ascend, and 1 would observe that there are several lateral dens as you proceed, covered generally, as is the floor of the cavern, with stalagmitic incrustation concealing mud and animal remains ; when you get through the oven, you speedily arrive at the water, not far from which, is a cavernous passage 103 feet long, and there is ano- ther cut by which you may return. Within the upper entrance on the left is also a branch cavern of consider- able dimensions, but in this I discovered no bones, it lying more elevated. In the water my thermometer stood at; 49^ Far,, while the cave temperature was 54 J. At 120 rent's cavern. another time (in October) the external temperature was 63°, internal 65°, water 51°. The organic remains discovered in this complicated cavern are principally those of the Rhinoceros, Hippo- potamus, Elephant, Hi/ana, Cavern-bear, Elk. Tiger, Ox, (and I believe Buffalo.) Horse, Wolf, Bog, Deer, Sheep, Rabbit, Rat, Mouse, and some others. The marl or clay under the stalagmite is mostly of a reddish colour, and some worn pebbles, or poples, as they are called, appear within it; nor must I forget the copro- lite of the Hyaenas who evidently dragged in their prey into this den, and that possibly from a considerable dis- tance ; and I am only surprised that no human bones have been here found, (as in" some of the caves on the continent,) since human sacrifices were not unknown to the Druids, and Dartmoor with a portion of its vicinity was the very seat and centre of that Priesthood. In that Granite region are bow existing the remains of a British town, called Grimspound, under Hamel-down, which I have both visited and elucidated ; and with the help of the Rev. Mr. Mason, have rebuilt (excepting the roof) one of the old British towns ; the foundations of this town, (inclosed by a stone circle) are numerous. The town is situated not far from one of the Solar Tors, and from a very ancient British Gymnasium called Berry Pound. It is true that human bones, and I hear a skeleton, with pottery, charcoal, and ashes, etc. have been disco- vered by the Rev. H. F. Lyte, in the Ash Hole a large Cavern on the opposite side of the bay, under the three- gun battery on Berry head, but those are probably the re- mains of Danish and Roman soldiers there buried from their neighbouring camps. Speaking r)f this Ash-Hole which I visited on the 22d of September, 1824, it is worth while to add, that it is of extensive dimensions, being 103 feet 10 inches long ; 28 feet 6 inches wide ; and 23 feet high, and its * 'oven mouth" is really curious, being in the middle of a high cliff above the sea ; and having a rising mound directly in its front, higher than the elevation of the arch, it is completely concealed from view, and you descend of course into it. It was lonjj KENT S CAVERN 121 before I could find it out. It is 16 feet 10 inches wide, f> feet 8 inches high, but the real height of the arch can- not be ascertained from the quantity of earth fallen in. On this sloping earth grow the largest fern leaves I ever beheld. In its neighbourhood, are many fissures of the lime rock, particularly one just above the Hospital, which I showed to Professor Buckland, and which ])r. Greville descended. This Ash-hole has some crystalliza- tion, but it would be desirable on many accounts that the rubbish and mud, (if any) should be perforated to the bottom, both of this and Kent's hole, and the Pixies' cavern. Mr. Lyte, I hear, has penetrated to the extent of 70 feet in depth of the Ash-hole without reaching the bottom, the shaft passing only through rubbish and fallen stones- The tradition of subterranean cavities extending from this cave to Brixham in one direction, and to Kingswear in another, cannot at present be substantiated, but though I am no believer (generally) in such traditions, yet from the hollow, fissured and convulsed state of the whole region round, it is not impossible that some communi- cation from below may be discovered with other hollows, or with the contiguous sea. In one of the fissures of the Berry it is said that a bone of a large animal has been discovered, and I attribute all those chasms, and fissures to that DiJuvian, igni-aqueous period of which Ovid makes mention. Corripitur flammis ut qussque altissima tellus, Fissaque agit rimas. But not to wander too far from the Torquay Cave which is surrounded by as many fractures and disturbances as the Berry, (and both from the same Diluvian and Vol- canic origin) I proceed now to other Reliques disco- vered therein, viz. of human art and manufacture : for the Britons, like most of the other nations of the earth , in a less civilized state, used Caverns and subterranean hollows, (both natural and artificial, ) for their habita- tions and granaries and temples. In the very middle of the stalagmite, (about from 7 to 9 inches thick) M 122 rent's cavern* I found apiece of wood (apparently oak) turned up partly on one edge by art, about 6 inches long-, and 2f broad ; and about § an inch thick, it seemed to me at first to resemble the sole of a British shoe, or sandal ; but it may possibly have been the flat Thole of an ancient boat or barge, which is so shaped as to fit the gunnel ; btut whatever it be, some leather or skin seems to have been attached to it, from the black animal matter re- maining in the same aperture or hollow of the stalag- mite. Several British flint knives were also discovered, one sticking partly in the mud, and part in the stalag- mite. I found also some charcoal lying in the mud, but close under and almost in contact with the incrus- tation ; — nor must I forget one circumstance which ap- peared to me important, viz. that in some few instances this stalagmitic covering was double, with mud, and I be- lieve, bones between each layer ; a fact which alone (if wanted) would set at rest the phantasy of the mud being Dilnvian, but the absence of all marine remains is enough of itself, independent of other phenomena which will be mentioned hereafter. I had the honour of being accompanied in some of my researches by va- rious scientific gentlemen and others. Among whom I beg to mention the names of my relative Dr. Greville, (the Botanist) Capt. now Admiral Sartorius, Mr. Scudamore, Mr. Barker, the Rev. Mr. M'Enery, Mr. Henderson, Dr. Matthews, the Rev. Mr. Daniel, and last though not least, the celebrated Professor of Ox- ford, who kindly favoured me not only with his useful instructions how to proceed, but what carries more weight than precept,withhis zealous and valuable example. I rejoiced also in witnessing the zeal, and highly laud- able eagerness for knowledge in several of the ladies of Torquay, and its vicinity, many of whom are in posses- sion of some fine Reliquesfrom this Cavern; among others, Mrs. Edward Cary. Torquay seems highly favoured in this respect, and particularly by the honour it receives from the residence therein of one of the most accom- plished Botanists of South Britain ; one to whom the science stands indebted for her discoveries, and in grati- KENT'S CAVERtf. 123 tude has enrolled in her lasting records the appellative of Griffithsia.* It must be evident to the reflecting mind that the Britons came to inhabit the cave very soon after the beasts had left it, or otherwise had perished, and this destruction of the beasts of Prey originated from two causes ; one from the change of climate, viz. from African heat to British cold ; which took place imme- diately upon the "sudden, violent, and transient" deluge ; and which climate, the tigers, hippopotami, rhinoceroses* etc. were not by nature well fitted to bear ; and secondly from their having been more or less killed off by man — and that gradually ; — and I press strongly upon this point, for it is evident that some of the beasts lived in the cave for several generations, being born and bred, and some probably having died there, and it is equally evident that animals even of the hotter climes are enabled to en- dure for a considerable period a colder climate, such for instance as the Hysena and the tiger. § Many species of these cavern animals remained for ages existent in Britain, though now extinct, such as the bear, wolf, deer, elk, beaver, bison, buffalo, etc. I lay no present stress upon the co-existent animals now thriving — such as the horse, dog, ox, rab hit, rat, etc. etc, the progress of which are found conjoined with the hot climated race, because J reserve for a future discussion [* We beg to add to these excellent remarks of Mr. Northtnore, the following passage from Mr. Loudon's Encyclopaedia ot Plants j " Griffithsia, named after Mrs. Griffiths, of Devonshire, whose many discoveries in marine vegetation truly entitle her to this distinction : the highest which one botanist can bestow upon. another." O. B.] § It is a valuable fact, that four of the animals whose bones are here discovered, and are thus diffused in the northern hemis- phere, exist at present only in tropical climates, chiefly south of the Equator ; and " the only country in which the elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and hyaena are now associated, is Sou- thern Africa," see Reliq. Diluv. p. 44. It is my opinion, and I trust that I shall be enabled to offer some proofs thereof, that previous to the deluge there was a com- munication between the European continent and Africa ; at pre- sent I shall only state that the straits of Gibraltar were bursted at the same period as the straits of Dover. 124 rent's cavern. this grand geological, and most valuable fact, which the universal-Diluvian Theorists make every possible effort to conceal, — which thwarts all their Phantasies, forces them to resort not to one miracle, but to multi- tudes, forgetting- the necdeus intersit, and has caused the profoundest philosopher of the age to plunge into hesi- tation, and I had almost said into inconsistency and feebleness of reasoning; — I reserve then this examina- tion for another time, when I trust I shall prove to the satisfaction of every unprejudiced geologist, that not only the last deluge but that each preceding one was partial not universal ; and ought more justly to be called not Deluge, (which leads the mind astray from one of the main facts, and the great cause) but an igni-aqaeous convulsion, which alone can account for all the various phenomena that have so long tormented Geology. The proofs which I have of this hypothesis are some of them new, and I confidently trust will be convincing. At least they will lead to discussion, and discussion leads to truth. Every philosopher should court inquiry, and Cicero justly says — ' Tantum abest ut scribi contra lios nolimus, ut id etiam maxime optemus.' So far from being unwilling to hear the contrary opinions of others, it is our most ardent wish to hear them. Refellere sine pertinacia, refelli sine iracundia parati sum us. Tusc. Disp. Lib. II. 2. 1 am surprized to hear it made a question by some na- turalists whether the bear and horse were indigenous in Britain. The latter is at once decided by the teeth and vertebrae discovered in the Torquay caves ; and the Caledonian bear (I cannot speak of the Spelseus) is celebrated by the Roman Poet — Nuda Caledonia sic pectora prcebuit urso — Martial sp. v/i. and the Deiphin note adds — "Caledonia was a region of Britain, where are the thickest forests, and from thence fierce bearswere sent to Rome." Ancient Britain abounded mfoi'ests; not one of its seven provinces, from the Jugum Ocrinum (Dartmoor) to the Silva Caledonia, was freed from them : one of the most famous was the Anderida Silva (Sussex) ; nor are its subterranean or sub-marine rent's cavern. 125 forests unknown. Here then was plenty of space for wild animals, and Avell may the ancient Welsh Triad assert, that " before (and after) theCymry, Britain was inhabited by bears, wolves, beavers, and owen with large protuberances" ;* but I cannot consent to Mr. Sharon Tur- ner's position that the human race did not exist in Britain befure the arrival of the Cymry, or Cimmerians from the east, for the Iberi were its original inhabitants, even previous to the separation, or divulsion of the Island from the Continent; and these Iberi I take to have been the remnant of the much litigated Hyper-boreans — (or Hippa-ob-ori) so called from their worship of the Arlcite solar serpent. One of the ancient names of Bri- tain was undoubtedly as the Triads assert, Fel Ynys, which in a secondary sense is properly translated, ii the Island of Honey" — but in its true, and primary and most ancient sense means the Island of the Sun, but of these memorials of deep antiquity, more hereafter. That the ancient (painted, if not tattooed) Britons dwelt in caves and Argels (coverts) and had subterranean granaries and oracles underground, the reader may see in Turner, as also for their gloomy rites and human victims. f The Saxons also offered human sacrifices to their Gods. For the wild race of oxen in Scotland ; the Bisons, and Uri t or Aurochs, etc. see Encycl. Brit. Art. Bos.\\ * See Sharon Turners's Anglo-Saxons vol. 1. p. 4, 15. There is no doubt that Dartmoor was once covered with wood ; the remains of oak, birch, and I believe, pine have been found from two to eight feet beneath the soil ; and bears, wolves, botrs, wild bulls, and small horses, etc. seem to have occupied it. See the uotes on Carrington's Dartmoor, p. 163-4. + Vol. 1. p. 6-7. 18-19. S^e also Tacitus de mor. Germ : and the note of Aikin p. 28-9. j| Turner 11. 18. Lucan 1. 444. The following passage of Farkinson (Organic remains 333) is directly opposed to the fact, as far as regards our Devonian Caverns ; speaking of "fossil bones in caverns" he says — " Here the bones are almost all of carnivorous animals, either lying loosely at the bottom of caverns covered with animal earth, or encased in stalagmitic concretions." I need not say that the bones and teeth of other animals abound in these caverns, as of the horse, ox, deer, sheep, rabbit, nor do the bones (generally) lie at the bottom but mostly near the surface of the mud. 126 Kent's cavern. It occurred to me upon examining the two entrances into Kent's Hole, that the upper one had been formerly that in common use, and I ascertained this to be the case by clearing- away the earth and rubbish from its outside. Herein for the space of four feet in depth T found nothing but old knives, nails, limpets, and other shells, the ends of wax candles, corks, etc. by which, and the earth and boards, this entrance is now completely closed, I presume, in part, as a safeguard against stray cattle; but this arch, formed by nature, is beautiful, and almost Roman, and when cleared of the rubbish is above 5 feet in height, and near 8 feet in span — I could fancy that Ovid had it in view when he thus wrote, — Simulaverat artem Xngenio Natura suo. "Before I quit this subject it will be necessary to add a few words of the Chudleigh Cave, which in a Geological view has some peculiarities. Into this cavern I accom- panied Dr. Buckland on the 12th of April, 1825, but the Professor had been there before, and had already ex- cavated the mud to the depth of 4 feet. The cave is called the Pixies' Hole from a very ancient British word, signifying Fairies. See Grose's Provincial Glossary. The original word is Celtic — Pwci, (a goblin) Pocan, Irish ; and hence Shakspear has his celebrated Puck, or Robin Good Fellow, st that frights the maidens" " skims milk" etc. These little half visible, half in- visible " good people" and " good neighbours" are very common in Ireland and are still called Phookas, and are the remnants of the old Solar and Helio-Arkite super- stition ; "many rocky pits, and caverns are there called Poula Phooka" the very Pixies Hole of Devonshire. See the Fairy Legends of Ireland. Devonshire is indeed half -Celtic. The very name of Ugbrook, where the Pixies' Hole is, and which gives the name to Lord Clifford's beautiful seat, is perhaps derived from this Hole, which in Celtic is Og ; as Chudleigh itself is supposed, by Polwhele, to be derived from Cud, or Cicd, a cavity or shelter. This cavern w 7 as peculiarly the residence of a British family, and Dr. Buckland in his investigation discovered what appeared to me, (both from its round, or rent's cavern. 127 rather oval saucer-like form, and from its contents,) a British kitchen. Charcoal, pottery, flint knives, etc. re- warded his research, but I deeply lament that the Pro- fessor of Geology should have destroyed this relick so valuable to the admirers of antiquity; a small portion now only remaining. It was scooped out by the Britons through the stalagmite into the mud and bones ; and so well rammed or hardened at the bottom that I might almost call the flooring a Devonian lime-ash. The mud in one portion of this cave is of great depth, (in another portion there is none at all) but the bones lie near its surface, from about 1 to 2 feet deep ; all below seems free from bones ; the cave however has not been sufficiently searched. Miss Jones found in this cavern a beautiful tooth of a bear. I sounded 6 or 8 feet of this mud with- out finding any bottom, but I discovered a thin black layer or regular stratum of what I take to be the black owyd of manganese lying about 3 or 4 feet below the surface, and continuing, as far as I could judge, nearly through the whole length of the cavern. (I would ob- serve en passant that I found layers of manganese, also, in the green-sand formation to the east of Lyme Regis.) Here then, I think I may stop for the present, and as general results and deductions from facts are all in all I flatter myself that I am warranted in drawing the fol- lowing general conclusions : — 1st. That the mud in these caves is not oceanic, or Diluvial ; there being no marine relicts, or exuviae found therein, nor is there mud in every portion of all these caverns. 2. That the same mud has penetrated into these caves from torrents of rain either through the common entrances or through crevices, and other apertures ; and some brought in with the beasts, and their dragged prey. 3. That this mud (in part) preceded the entry of the beasts, because the bones lie (generally) on or to- wards its surface, and the long thin layer of manganese in the Pixies' Hole proves a considerable duration of time, 4. That the country was the habitation of beasts of prey (of hotter climates) and at the same time of other animals carnivorous and herbivorous, whose species endure to the present hour. 128 rent's cavern. 5. That after the destruction of the beasts of prey, the mud became incrusted with stalactite, and the caves became the abode of the Cymry, or Celtic and other tribes. 6. That the hypothesis that these bones, or any of them, were washed in by the Diluvian waters is erro- neous : the single fact of the length of time, the ages, I may say, in which they have accumulated, one above another, generation after generation, is sufficient to set aside such a vague hypothesis. 7. That these caves were, at first, probably, dens of wild beasts, particularly of the hyaena; The foeces of which still remain, as do the gnawed bones of the ani- mals which they had devoured. I found one bone with a rat's tooth sticking in it. 8. That the climate of this country, and of Europe generally must have been suddenly changed, and the re- treat of the hot-blooded animals cut off, which was one of the causes of their afterwards perishing gradually. 9. That this catastrophe must have happened at or about the period which separated France and the conti- nent from Britain, and that this period was (probably) what usually is called the Deluge, i.e. the last igni- aqueous catastrophe; which I have historical reasons for fixing about 12000 years ago. 10. That the Deluge could not possibly have been simultaneously universal, (as Buckland, Cuvier, and others imagine) both from general causes and high Phi- losophical principles, as from the double facts of the above beasts of prey having endured long subsequent to that event, (though previously existent, and cut off ;) and above all from the continued existence of the many saved animals up to this hour. The relics also of these " ancient animals occur in postdiluvian strata. "f With a f See Dr. Fleming's essay. Edin. Phil- Journ. 1826, p. 211. et seq. — also the Inaugural lecture of Professor Buckland p. 23-4. The inaiu cause of this error of Geologists lies in this, that they take locality for universality ; — and what is successive or periodi- cal, (how long soever the interval) for what is simultaneous. Every portion, or nearly every portion of the Glohe has heen successively, (or at one time, or other) under water, hut not, hy any rational possibility, simultaneously. Amongst the relics rent's cavern. 129 few words upon the probable causes of these phenomena, I must conclude this protracted letter — The whole region of the south east of Devon appears to have been the seat of tremendous volcanic convulsion ; upheavings, depressions, rents, chasms, fissures, con- tortions, divulsions, dislocations, and almost every other phenomenon and effect of subterranean expansive forces, are visible throughout ; if I were to select, where the objects are general, I should point to Haldon and Black- down, and the various fossils. I should point to Buck- land's, inappropriately-called vallies of denudation, (say rather of disruption, or disjunction ;) and to DelaBeches rents and dikes, etc. but the crushed state of the Saurians and Crocodiles, and other antediluvian animals in the neighbourhood of Lyme-Regis, lying under vast masses and strata of rocks ; and the very same state and same animals and similar strata on the opposite coast of France all together afford such a volume of evidence that I com- miserate the prejudice that cannot place confidence in the theory. ( When I made search for coal in this district where I now write, 1 mile west of Exeter, I found the whole argillaceous strata to the depth of 200 feet, much dislocated and disjointed, much sulphuret of Iron, and indurated nodules ; the waters too are abundant in sul- phuretted hydrogen, carbonate of Iron, and muriate and sulphate of soda. ) The abrupt and precipitous state of the cliffs on the Devonian coast ; the bursted glens, and vallies ( not excavated by water how violent and transient soever, but by volcanic force ) of the whole region from Portland to Ottermouth, and thence to Torquay, demonstrate the theory. But the amazing number of rents and splittings and caverns in the lime- stones of Torbay, on both sides of the water, prove that they also have suffered from the same igneous power, ( Limestone from the expansive power of its carbonic acid is peculiarly liable to such effects ; ) and I am of opinion that the gulf of Torbay was split open at the same igni-aqueous catastrophe. The caverns themselves then, are not antediluvian, but diluvian and postdiluvian. found in postdiluvial strata, are those of the turtle, elephant, and crocodile. 330 rent's cavern. I say postdiluvian, because I have not the smallest doubt that the effects of that dreadful convulsion long remained, as the effects in volcanic countries still remain for ages periodically shaken by Earthquakes ; South America is full of such evidence, but I know of no volcanic region that establishes the convulsive and dislocating theory more decidedly than the Island of Hawaii, where the Arkite Goddess Pele still continually rages.* * Compare Buckland's Inaugural Lecture p.p. 16-18. and his " excavation of vallies, on the coast of Devon which he attributes to a violent and transient inundation" p. 96. But when the Pro- fessor speaks of the " extremities of our vallies being abruptly terminated by the sea, of our hills being abruptly truncated, and often over- hanging the beach, or undercliff, with a perpen- dicular precipice" p. 97, I wonder the questions never oc- curred to him." — How came the sea there? and how came the abruptness of the terminations ? The answers to these questions would have turned his thoughts to causes much more potent and decisive, than inundations, or denudations, particularly after he had admitted the correspondence of the coast of Normandy, with those of Devon and Dorset (id 101) and that the" English chan- nel was nothing but a sub-marine valley" not however " owing its origin to diluvian excavation" but to igneous, or volcanic disruption which prepared and alone could prepare the way for the waters. It appears to me morally, and geologically certain, that fire equally with water, and contemporaneously , has contributed to the disasters of the Deluge. Our southern coast, says an able writer (speaking of Devon and Dorset) " presents two striking examples of the almost sudden termination of strata, close to points where they attain a thickness which is very considerable," such for instance as the Oolite and Lias ; and near Torquay, the limestone and red-sand. And Mr. De la Beche also finds the same fossils, the radii of fish, and the Plesiosaurus, (which I would rather call the Crocodilo-saurus) on* the same coasts of Lyme, and, as I before said, on the opposite coast of France, in the department of Calvados. These sudden terminations put me in mind of the Symplegades, the jostling rocks of the Euxine, and nothing but volcanic convulsion could have pro- duced such vast effects. But there is another phaenomenon east of Lyme Regis which is part and parcel of the same convul- sive period. Not only have we breaks, and crevices, and faults and dislocations, and bones and teeth of the elephant and Rhi- noceros, both at Lyme and Torbay — but I observed that one of the faults on the east coast of Lyme extended from the higher rocks to the table rocks or valley under the ocean, where it commenced to open more and more widely till it apparently ex- tended to a great sub -marine width, Perhaps this phseuomenon Kent's cavern. 131 The focus of the volcanic force in our Devonian region, seems to me to have been under the ocean, and extended equally to France as England, and was in all probability connected ( as to time ) with the phenomena of the Giant's causeway in the north of Ireland, and the opposite coast of Scotland. I have thus, Sir, complied with your request, and hastily put together my sentiments upon the Torbay strata ; — their caverns, their volcanic phenomena, and their organic remains, — which are at your service, not forgetting, as the Accomplants say, errors excepted ; and I remain, The admirer of Geology, and The advocate of Truth, THOMAS NORTHMORE. Cleve, March 16th, 1832. To Octavian Blewitt, Esq. %zi\tx 51. Sir, — A few days after I had finished the first letter, my bookseller sent me a well-written, and useful little work, composed by Mr. De la.Bkche, entitled The Geological Manual, 2d edition. This work is for the most part, adapted only to the existent state of Geology ; for Mr De laBeche appears to be fully apprized of the rapid progress of a science, in which I may almost say that the very idea of Stationary has no place. In truth may be accounted for by the sudden irruption of the ocean sub- sequent to and consequent upon the volcanic disruption. A circumstance lias lately come to my knowledge, which affords further proof of this igni-aqueous theory, and being in the lo- cality of Torquay deserves insertion. In the north-east side of the Bovey Heath-field-bason, Mr. Croker has, I understand, discovered pitch stone among the trap rocks ; on the north-east are the Haldon shells ; in the midst is the Bovey coal, under which shells have been found by my late friend Mr. Cross of Exeter, who bored through the strata in search for coal, so that within a radius of 6 miles are seen the remains and effects of igneous convulsions blended with diluvian ravages. Here you have simul- taneously trap, basalt, pitch-stone ; green-sand, shells, por- pbyritic jasper ; limestone, schist, granite, and Bovey coal, iron-ore, etc. etc. 132 Kent's cavern. Geology may not unaptly, as far as regards its motion, be compared to the progress of a comet ; its velocity increases so prodigiously as it approaches its perihelion, that resistance seems (for [ cannot go the length of M. Arago to affirm that it actually does) accelerate its motion. Averse as Mr. De la B. appears to be to " hasty generalizations," and what he is pleased to term, " the too common endeavour to force conclusions p. 246. yet I rejoice to find that he can, like many other Geologists, sometimes forget his own positions, and even "feel thankful'' for theories though founded upon erro- neous data; " it being impossible, he adds, but that the investigations to tvhich theory will 7iecessarily give rise, must end in the most important additions to geolo- gical knowledge." p. 520. and compare p. 204. I hope that Mr. D. will not forget this, if a new theory should make its appearance ; and let him also bear in mind that more than one celebrated ancient has said the same thing in other words and other languages ; in fact every writer who contributes his quota to the banquet of philosophy merits thanks ; and I wish that Mr. D. when he cited Mr. Conybeare's account of the Trappean rocks of Derbyshire had not quite forgotten the honest and inde- fatigable Whitehurst, who had been the pioneer, and a very skilful one too, to the modern geological Divine, and to a host of his Brethren. Compare the manual 495, with Whitehurst's inquiry, p. 197, etc. 1 lament also that when I see recorded the Pterodacfy,-? les, the various Saurians,the Belemnites.the Ammonites, the dapedia and marine reliques of Lyme-Regis, 1 do not see equally recorded the manifold exertions:, the useful labours, the ardent and persevering energy, the solid proofs of mental endowments, (to say nothing of the suavity of her manners, and her never-ceasing endeavours to instruct and improve her fellow-labourers in the science of geology) of a Lady to whom our modern Philosophers are so much indebted ; the indefatigable Miss Mary An- ning. See pp. 387. 9. I dissent indeed from some portions of Mr. D.'s theory, and deductions, and conclusions ; but this is not the place to discuss them, and I therefore proceed to the subject in hand. Kent's cavkrn. 133 I rejoice then that at last our Kent's Hole has been noticed, and that too with the epithet" celebrated" at- tached to it (p. 165), by a gentleman of Mr. D.'s high attainments; but the passage which has particularly- drawn forth this second communication is as follows, (p. 186.) *« Dr. Buckland informs me that Mr. M.'Enery found rounded pebbles of granite, of the size of an apple, mixed with the bones under the stalagmite in Kent's Hole, Torquay ; and he states that he has found peobles of green-stone, completely rounded in the same place ; and that in some parts of Kent's Hole, particularly the lowest, the bone breccia is full of fragments of grau- wacke and slate, some of them rolled, some angular. The cave itself is situated in a limestone resting on shale ; and the grauwacke and slate arc rocks of the coun- try ; but the granite is at some distance, not nearer than Dartmoor ; so that although the situation of the cave is such as to make it possible, though not perhaps very probable, that under a variety of combinations, the green-stone, grauwacke, and slate may have been coji- veyed into the cave, by what are termed actual causes, the granite pebbles would scarcely seem reconcileable with such an hypothesis" Very true! and in my judg- ment they are perfectly irreconcilable upon any rational hypothesis whatever. But this passage gives rise to so many, and to such various reflections, that it is difficult to know where to begin or how to arrange ; I shall how- ever take the advantage of the familiar ease of Epistolary writing and follow my own plain and simple method — First then; The whole paragraph rests upon mere hear-say ; Dr. Buckland informs Mr. De la Beche, that Mr. M.' Enery informed him, etc. But supposing this evidence substantiated, I can only say that such good fortune never fell to rny lot. I saw no semblance of rolled pebbles of granite, nor rounded greenstone, but what has most surprised me is that these balls of the size of apples, should have been found mixed with the cavern bones, which bones are generally supposed to have been conveyed therein by beasts of prey, and, what is more, at various and distant periods of time, N 134 KENT'S CAVERN* (the " beasts having lived and died there") and not hurried in by the furious sudden torrent of the Diluvian waters, but " the animals inhabiting therein, and in possession thereof generation succeeding generation'* p. 199. The very position then of these rolled granites militates strongly against the theory, which it would seem to support, and which in fact destroys all our ideas of time and place. Oh I no J if that theory can find no Better, or firmer basis to rest upon than this, it must go to that final abode, Numa quo devenit et Ancus. Had these rolled granites been swept over hills and Tallies, like their great contemporary rocks upon the Jura ; or their lesser Norwegian comrades scattered over the North of England and the British Isles, they would hardly have been associated with bones, lying in the midst of, and above the supposed Diluvian mud, but in all rational probability would have been deposited quietly, by their specific gravity, below both mud and bones. In truth if I were to speak my mind freely, and in the po- litical phraseology of the day, I should regard the whole paragraph in the light of a philosophical, feeler ; and as to the various requisite combinations of rounded granite, and rolled greenstone, associated with, and simultaneously accompanying angular fragments of grauwacke and slate etc., being conveyed into a limestone cavern, compara- tively speaking, almost hermetically sealed, (at least, a perfect cul-de-sac ) I agree with Mr. De la Beche in allowing, and barely allowing the mere possibility \ but that it is " not very probable" It is justly stated by Mr. D. that the nearest station of the granite is Dartmoor ; but how, or what means, these rounded pebbles could have been thence conveyed, or rather floated into the small apertures of Kent's Hole, is diffi- cult to contemplate, and even raises a smile when we attempt to reason upon. In good truth the whole of such a theory is involved in difficulties, and finds itself incessantly obliged to have recourse to miracles, or in other words to banish the use of reason, and thus con- fess its defectiveness. But since M. Thirria, and other Geologists have inferred that " the introduction of the kent'b cavern^ 135 pebbles and clay mixed with thebones (into other caves) is contemporaneous with the transport of the Diluvium" see p. 187, I shall not forbear the attempt (how lu- dicrous soever), to account for their introduction into Kent's Hole from the granite of Dartmoor.* Now m order to place this matter in the clearest point of view, let us suppose that the chosen spot from whence these granite apples proceeded was from the top of Heytor, and I fix upon this spot because it is a peculiar favourite with me, and that for three reasons ; 1st. that I met thereon with some beautiful specimens of schorl exposed from the disintegrated granite ; 2d, because I believe I saw there the remnant of a Druidical chair ; and 3d, be- cause there have been found in the neighbouring quar- ries some very large and fine crystallizations of quartz and felspar. Well, then, this Solar rock lies in a direction due N.W\ from Kent's Hole, and thirteen miles distant * Among other advocates of this strange hypothesis stand the names of M. M. Marcel, de Serres, and Pitorre ; see Edin. New Phil. Journal October 1831, p. 350. Speaking of the bone caves in the department of Aude, where the bones are said to be fractured not water- worn ; it is added " The diluvial currents that carried in the mud, the fragments and pebbles, .may also have carried in such bones as they met with in their way." This I take for granted is part and parcel of the " orthodox creed" mentioned in p. 283. But omitting the eternal petitio prin- cipii, the very idea of a deep, very deep, and raging marine torrent carrying-in to the " fissures of rocks" such bones (not water worn) as they " met with in their ( stormy and tempestuous) way" involves such an accumulation of accidents and lucky positions, that I really must say it is more fitted for the Arabian nights tales, than philosophical reasoning. I can hardly conceive the possibility much less the probability of such a fortuitous concurrence of circumstances. The bones, the granites* the pebbles, must have all swimmed in close and compact parallel lines, in the same plane, and just fitted to the few feet of the entrance of the caves, and the time could not have have been various (which we know it to have been, even " generation after generation,") but they must all have been jumbled nearly together, unless 20 diluvian waters arrived periodically so freighted ; but what is worst is the self-contra- diction of these theories, for at one time the bones are carried in by beasts of prey or were the relicts of the animals who had died in the caves ; at another they are torrent-bornei Quo teneam vultus mutantem Protea nodo ? Fiet aqua, et coenum, modo Saxa, atque ossa. 136 rent's cavern. therefrom, as the crow flies. f Here then we have the locus in quo, and a quo, or as the Botanists say, the habitat ; — we have next to suppose the Diluvian torrent running, or rather foaming, gushing and raging at the rate of 30 miles an hour, i.e. with steam engine velocity, in a due S.E. direction, carrying off in its vortex masses of our porphyritie moorstone ; suspending them in its mud ; and conveying them direct, and I had almost said miraculously, into the narrow mouth of the cavern. But here we find ourselves involved in a cloud of diffi- culties, which to my mind are inexplicable; for the cavern unluckily fronts the south-east which is the oppo- site direction to the impetuous course of the floating granites, and I see no fortunate escarpment ; no salient angle of a lucky valley of denudation to lend its propi- tious aid ; — but let us suppose both, for there is nothing like removing obstacles ; and with the help of Mr. D.'s favourite hypothesis of Eddies, we are presented with the view of a " rock-charged fluid," and an " Eddy- current, transporting boulders of granite, green-stone, grauwacke and slate, rolled and unrolled — some into the lowest part of the said cavern, and others mixed with the mud and bones just under the stalagmite. (Compare manual p.p. 1J6, 169.) But 1 wonder that another difficulty has not occurred to those Geologists who sup- port this amazing theory ; viz. that the caverns must already have been not only brim-full of the diluvian torrent, but it must have overflowed, and been gushing out from every pore, and aperture, at the very moment that the mud and boulders and rolled and unrolled bones, wheeled about in a marine fluid, were rushing in; and ■f Why this celebrated portion of the double peaked Olympus of Dartmoor should have been called Hey, or High Tor — I know not. The annotator on Carrington's Foem, p. 132, observes that " ou the top of the tallest peak there is a rock bason, and on " the slope below once oscillated a Logan stone which has dis* " appeared. This Tor at one time was known by the appellation " of Ather Tor," — (read Athur- Tor,)— and this is the true and proper name — for Athur Tor means Solar Tor, which it truly was par excellence — see Bryant 1. 21. So another Tor, now called Roborough Rock from the district, was formerly called Ulles Tor, [142] i.e. from Ul, the Sun, and those two appropriate names should be restored. rent's cavern. 137 that too, without a single accompanying fragment of ma- rine remains whether vegetable or animal, to support the hypothesis. To be sure Mr. D. brings some proofs of " the unequal action of our Devonian currents" even from the very neighbourhood of Torquay, (see p. 402,) but never was such inequality evinced more decidedly than in the instance in question, and never was it more wanted. In short this simultaneously universal diluvian theory can stand its ground no longer, it is involved in so many difficulties on every side ; it is exposed to so many ob- jections ; it stands in such constant need of the inter- ference of, supernatural agency ; while all along the human mind is so rapidly improving, that I now begin to fjel less surprize at any prudential postponements, and cautious procrastinations of philosophers ; now the school- master is abroad, the multa litura becomes as necessary to real wisdom as the nonum prematur in annum. I stand indeed amazed that at this eleventh hour such tenets shall find advocates in learned universities, and philosophical societies, both abroad and at home, as are the following ; 1. That this mundane globe should have rolled for ages upon ages in the vacuity of ether, without even a vegetable or an animal thereon ; one solitary, dreary waste of mud and water ! ! 2. That during all this prolonged and indefinite pe- riod, the earth should be considered as only in a pro- gressive state of adaptation for the reception of animated nature. 3. That at last dry lands should slowly and miracu- lously heave up their tardy summits from the bottom of the ocean. 4. That vegetation should then suddenly, and equally miraculously, make its appearance. 5. That some marine animals should also begin to oc- cupy the ocean. 6. That a succession of animals, terrestrial, amphibi- ous and marine, should then take effect, (though the exact order of succession is not yet, it seems determi- ned, ^ commencing however according to some fancied hypotheses, with zoophytes, (by way I suppose of a second preparatory adaptation) such as Infusoria, polypi $ ochinodermata, and so on, passing through all the clas- 138 KENT S CAVERN. ses and orders of the Insecta, Crustacea, Mollusca, Rep- tllla, and the feathered race, (though this is a matter of very great difficulty and indecision) up to the mammalia, crowning the whole series of incessant miracle, with the congenerate, and co-eval quadrumana and Bimanaj the monkey and the man. During the whole series of this strange, supernatural theory, various destructions of the whole, and various fresh creatio?is of the wltole are alledged to have been effected, and hence additional calls for preternatural agency. What is still more re- markable in this metaphysical and undigested hypothesis is, that though the laics of Nature have been generally holden in suspense or abeyance, (according to the will of the writer,) yet that some few of them, (having been found, I suppose, necessary,) have been deemed worthy to exist in force, such for instance, as the "general chemical laws. " See Manual, p. 472, 3,to47 6-478-484. During all this dreary period of rolling mud, not a thought is bestowed upon the necessary effects of the eruptive volcanic forces of the earth's igneous nucleus, nor of the various consequences of the laws of attraction and gravitation, and other potent laws of nature, but the whole are laid asleep by the magic wand, reposing I presume, on the sleeping Vishnu, and waiting for the twilight of that Divinity. When Sir, I see such a system supported, as it seems to be, by men of the greatest existent celebrity, well may they be adverse to general principles, and theory founded upon reason : well may they be eternally insisting on, and limiting the human intellect to facts, experiments, and observation. It is needless in this place, to investigate the causes ©fall this perversion of reason, and obscuration of the human mind. Alas ! they are too obvious, but their end is at hand ! I am, Sir, Your very sincere, THOMAS NORTHMORE. Cleve, June 4th, 1832. The reader is requested to insert at Page 120, line 22 from the top, houses instead of tcwris. SCENERY OF TORQUAY. 139 Before we extend our excursions beyond this neigh- bourhood, we beg to offer a few remarks on the magni- ficent variety of landscape with which it abounds. The position of the hills above Torquay affords an extent of panoramic scenery which is unequalled in any part of Devon ;* and in many of our rambles we occasionally burst upon a prospect partaking of the peculiar cast of a Swiss and Italian landscape. The scenery of Torquay, unlike that of many picturesque districts can never tire ; — there is either something new to refresh the observation, or the eye may rest with delight on objects which be- come more attractive by an acquaintance with their cha- racteristic beauties. There is, in fact, at all times, something to please. On the coast the assemblage of rock scenery is full of variety and interest, and from the hills the eye ranges over a wide extent of cultivated country, abounding in every description of landscape and terminated by the misty outline of the Moorland Tors. There is however a class of travelled persons who have a distressing desire to decry everything English, and to condemn every scene that is not dignified with an Italian title. For such tourists Devonshire has no charms; not indeed from her natural deficiencies, but because, for- sooth, they have beheld the Lago Maggiore, or can dis- course a five hours' harangue on the Pass of the Simplon. These, and the worshippers of the nil admirari creed — who know no pleasure but that arising from the defects of nature and their keen discernment of the faults of art, are not the persons who will enjoy the sce- nery of these shores. The beauties of Devon must be investigated, and that not superficially, but with the eye of philosophy and with a heart warm with the delightful and contented pleasure of refined taste. If our scenery has less of that magnificence of outline which constitutes the sublime, it has more of the beautiful and picturesque, and certainly more richness of colouring ; and it perhaps gains in harmony what it loses in boldness. Theimagina- * Barton Cross, Stantaway Hill, Tor Hill, the road from Chelston to Cockington, Chapel Hill, Dazon Rock near St. Mary Church, the Warherry, and many other spots in the vicinity command an unrivalled diversity of scenery. 140 SCENERY OP TORQUAY. tlon can picture few more delightful scenes than the open- ing of a summer morning when our glowing country, rich with its majestic elms, and waving corn-fields, is bright with the smiles of day, — and Brixham is pouring out her fleet of fishing-smacks in a line stretching far away into the Channel. Nor can words convey any conception of the scene at that hour when the moon is shedding her flood of pale radiance over the waters ; — when perchance one solitary bark, trembling in her own shadow as the moonbeams dance around her, drags sluggishly along, — and no sound is heard but the heavy splash of the oar, or the song of the midnight mariner, or the distant echo of the waves as they fall upon the beach with a hoarse and melancholy murmur. Hence it is almost unnecessary to say that Torquay abounds in an endless profusion of subjects for the pencil of the artist ; wood, rock, hill and dale meet the eye at every turn ; and the luxuriant shores of the bright, blue Bay, with all its lake-like forms, contrast beautifully with the limestone tors and bursted glens with which they are surrounded. But the artist is not the only person for whom this neighbourhood has charms : — To the Geologist the pre- sent appearances of the prevailing formations, and the aspect of the shores around Torbay, independently of the high interest excited by our celebrated caverns, are suf- ficiently attractive ; — while the Botanist enjoys in the country comprised in the three adjoining parishes of Tor, Cockington and St. Mary Church, a district un- usually rich in his department of science, — and, at all seasons, has before him a delightful field of research. The antiquary, too, in every part of the neighbourhood discovers something of profit or of pleasure : — Here he may muse among the sacred piles, " At twilight hour of eve, Where through some western window the pale moon Pours her long-levell'd rule of streaming light ; While sullen sacred silence reigns around Save the lone screech-owl's note, who huilds his bower Amid the mouldering caverns dark and damp, Or the calm breeze, that rustles in the leaves Of flaunting iv, that with mantle green Invests some wasted tower ;" — excursions; — brixham. 141 Here he may tracethe last evidences of Roman rule, — here he may wander amidst the ruins of those halls of feudal grandeur within which all is dumh save the song of the hirds which have taken up their habitation amidst the crumbling battlements. In truth, we find among the beauties of Devonshire nothing so engaging as this district, and the more we investigate its attractions the less shall we wonder at the admiration entertained by all who cull the flowers and sweets of its fertile and fascinating fields. EXCURSIONS. I. To Brixham and Berryhead. The distance from Torquay to Brixham is about 9 miles by land, encircling the shore, and 5 by water, across the bay. If we proceed by land, we pass through Paignton, after passing which, we ascend the high down above Broad sands, and soon reach Churston Ferrers ; beyond which on our right, is the little village of Galmpton. The road now leads direct to Upper Brixham. Brixham, (or, as it has been at different times called, — Brixholm, Broxholme, or Brithick- sham) is the largest parish in the hundred of Haytor. It contains 627 1 inhabitants ; about 5000 of these reside in the town of Lower Brixham, which is the largest sea- port in South Devon, with the exception of Plymouth. The shipping belonging to the place amounts to above 14,000 tons. Of these a large part consists of Trawling Sloops, which fish for the markets of London, Bath, Bristol &c, and which are to be found on the whole range of the southern and western coasts of the Island. The other vessels are chiefly light Schooners -which en- gage largely in the coasting trade and occasionally in the fruit and wine trade to the Peninsula and the Mediter- ranean. Brixham is therefore an important nursery of seamen, and the greater part of the inhabitants are occu- pied in naval and mercantile pursuits. The town is divided into Upper Brixham and Lower ; the former has much the character of a rural village, richly wooded, and containing many neat houses. The lower town has more the air of a place of business. It has in it many 142 BRIXHAM. good houses, but the general appearance is not inviting, though the country around is rich and varied. The Pier has been enlarged three several times but is still in- sufficient to accommodate the increasing shipping, and it has been in contemplation to throw out an arm into Torbay from a point between Brixham and Berry head, which would render Torbay the mo^t commodious naval station in England. Whether this may ever be done or not. must depend on the countenance and support of Government, as we have shown in the Introduction. Brixham has a good market on Saturdays ; on the other days of the week a fish-market is held on the Pier. There is a commodious watering-place for the navy, at the mouth of the harbour, to which water is conveyed by pipes from a considerable reservoir about a quarter of a mile distant. The public Institutions of the place are not numerous. There is a Reading Society among the principal inhabi- tants, and a parish Library attached to the Church of Lower Brixham, containing about 400 volumes. Branches of the Church Missionary, Irish and Tract Societies exist in the place. There is a well-supported Benevo- lent Society for the relief of the sick poor, and another for the assistance of poor women in child-bed. A Me- chanics Institute is also well supported. There is a National daily school which gives education to about 200 boys and girls, and a Sunday school containing nearly 1000 children, who are instructed by between fifty and sixty gratuitous teachers. The annual Treat and Holi- day given to these children about Midsummer, in the open air, is one of the most interesting sights imaginable. Brixham has two Churches, that of Upper Brixham is rather a fine old building with a lofty tower, and with some remains of ancient sculpture within, clogged up, as usual in too many country churches, with white-wash. The font is worth inspection, and there are in the chancel several mural monuments, and a brass plate with a curious epitaph to John Upton, of Lupton, Esq. The latter is believed to be from the hand of the famous non- conformist Divine, John Flavel of Dartmouth, whom Mr. Upton patronized, and who dedicated many of bis BRIXHAM. 143 printed works to him. Some of the parish registers and records are exceedingly old and curious, going back, we believe, to the year 1556. The Church of Lower Brixham is a modem edifice, erected by the contribu- tions of the inhabitants, in conjunction with the Society for building churches. It is externally a clumsy build- ing, but neat and commodious within ; affording sitting* to 1800 persons, more than half of them free for the poor. It has a good organ, and a handsome altar-piece, from the pencil of Mr. King, a native artist, now resi- dent in London. The incumbent of Upper Brixham is the Rev. Robert Holdsworth, of Exeter, and the curate, the Rev. Thos. Twysden. The incumbent of Lower Brixham is the Rev. H. F. Lyte, and the curate the Rev. J. B. Goodwin. The Town of Brixham and the greater part of the neighbouring country belonged formerly to the Pomeroy family of Berry Castle. About the close of the seventeenth century, the last owners of the property who bore that name, sold the lands in small lots to some of the substan- tial yeomen of Brixham, thus constituting a body of in- dependent freeholders, entitled '* Quay Lords," to whom the property around the town chiefly belongs. The' other principal landed-proprietors in the parish are, J. B. Yarde Buller, Esq. of Lupton House and Churston Court; J. F. Luttrel, Esq. of Nethway House; and G. Cutler, Esq. of Upton Lodge. Mr. Buller, the grandson of the celebrated Judge, is the principal resi- dent gentleman in the parish, and represents in it the ancient families of Yarde and Upton. His house at Lupton is one of the best in the County, though its situation is rather low : — The views from the grounds which have been lately much improved are very fine towards Torbay on the one side, and the River Dart on the other. Nethway House, the ancient seat of the Fownes family, is now uninhabited ; the owner Mr. Luttrel, residing at his seat, Dunster Castle, in Somer- setshire. This mansion has had the honour of enter- taining, more than once, Members of the Roval Family, and there are still to he seen here a buff jerkin, and other articles of dress belonging to King Charles the 144 LAYWELL AND BERRY HEAD. second. A portrait of the " merry monarch" on the staircase, though much injured by damp, exhibits his ill- favoured face with, perhaps, tolerable fidelity. The chief objects of interest around the town are the Laywell, King 1 William's Stone, Ash Hole, and Berry- head. Laywell is a celebrated reciprocating' spring in Upper Brixham, situated at the foot of a ridge of hills, immediately below the lawn of Laywell House, the resi- [ dence of Mrs. Admiral Pierrepoint. This natural curi- i osity has been so frequently described, particularly in j the Philosophical Transactions, vols. 17 and 36, that it i is useless to enter largely on the subject here. The basin is smaller than it is usually represented : there are other [ springs outside the well which are subject to the same ; changes as the principal one ; of which they are proba- bly the branches. The well admeasures about six feet I by four. The ebbings and Sowings are extremely irre- gular, and often disappoint, the visitor, who frequently exhausts his patience before the spring begins to play. ,; The phenomena are of course explained on the principle : ; of the syphon. The landing of William the Third has been already noticed at some length,* but the visitor will of course examine the stone, before he leaves Brixham. We shall now proceed to the Berry Head. A road diverging from the main line near a butcher's shop, rendered con- spicuous by amajestic elm which is said to have sheltered a regiment of soldiers during a shower of rain, leads us through some narrow lanes to the open common. This noble headland is a pleasant walk of about a mile and a half from Brixham ; it extends abruptly into the sea, frowning " bold and bluff' over the bay of which it forms the western boundary. It is the chief shelter to Torbay roads from the south-westerly winds, and the water is so deep under it that ships in rounding it may almost brush the cliffs with their yard arms. It is com- posed of secondary limestone, and the marble from its quarries is much employed for building. Two fortifica- tions were erected during the last war on this headland, * Sec Introduction; BERRY HEAD. 145 which in war-time were garrisoned by 1000 men. The barracks, however, are now gone, having* been built of timber, by the wise-men of that day, on the summit of a fine limestone rock. The Guard-house, Magazine, and Gun-shed baring; been erected, at a much smaller ex- pense, with the stone of the promontory, still remain ; and an old veteran, resides in one of them, " as the guardian of the place, and cultivates his potatoes and cabbages among the ruins. The only other living beings here are the quarry-men who work round the base of the rock, and a few sheep and wild birds that wander above."* The fine Military Hospital, half-way between Berry- Head and Brixham is also preserved. The fortifications of Berry Head are thought to be very inadequate to the defence of the Bay, from their elevated position and their distance from the anchorage-ground. The scenery from Berry Head is truly enchanting. " A noble expanse of varied landscape," says the eloquent writer in the little work already quoted, " spread itself out before me in all its rich luxuriance of green, such as England among- the countries of Europe, and Devon among the counties of England, could alone boast of. The lofty ranges of Dartmoor closed and crowned the whole, contrasting beautifully with the cultivated scene below. Immediately beneath me slept Torbay amidst its embosoming hills, its shores studded withvillasand skirted with rocks and woods. About a mile from the spot on which I stood, lay in a nook the busy town of Lower Brixham, from whence the faint stroke of the shipwright's hammer, and the distant yo-ho of the labouring sailor at times reached my ear. Beyond it was the ancient village of Paignton with its handsome church and ruins. Next appeared, at the bottom of the Bay, white in the Sun, the picturesque watering-place of Torquay. A beautiful succession of hills, rich in their contrasts of light and shade, carried me out from thence to Hope's Nose and the Thatcher rock, the terminating points of the opposite arm of the Bay. Beyond this a noble sweep of the coast stretched * From " the Pocket Book," a useful little religious Miscellany lately published at Brixham, and containing articles which reflect no small credit on the intellect of that town, o 146 THE ASH-HOLE. far away to the eastward, and white cliffs and fair towns led the eye along the edge of the blue waters to the Island of Portland, nearly seventy miles distant, and yet (on this occasion at least) distinctly visible to the naked eye. ■ How magnificent,' I could not help saying to myself while gazing on this scene, ' how magnificent is earth, even in her ruins \ How clothed with beauty, fallen as she is, for rebellious man ! " Among the Plants found in the neighbourhood of Berry Head, are, Euphorbia portlandica , Cnicus eriopho- rus, Cardnus teiiuiflorus, andOphrys apifera. Linum usitatissimum grows abundantly on southern exposures. After leaving Berry Head we must visit the Ash-hole, a cavern of considerable interest in the limestone rock, near the Military Hospital. We have already alluded to this cave, and Mr. Northmore has mentioned it in his Letter to the Author in a former page. We beg, how- ever, to introduce the following interesting account extracted from a communication with which we have been favoured by the Rev. H. F. Lyte. At a short dis- tance above the Military Hospital, on the side of a hill, is Ash-hole. Excavations were made here to some extent two or three years since by the Rev. H. F. Lyte, in search of organic remains. A vague report existed that such remains had been discovered in this neighbour- hood ; and the tibia of an elephant is in the possession of Capt. Cumby. R.N. of Upper Brixham, which was many years ago taken by a quarry-man out of a fissure in Berry Head. It has not been possible to ascertain the circumstances under which this bone was found ; but as it was not gnawed like those obtained in the hyaenas' dens, it may be conjectured that (similar to those dis- covered in the Orestone quarries near Plymouth) it is part of the skeleton of an animal which fell from the sur- face of the rock into the fissure, and there perished. It is in substance precisely similar to those found in the , bone cave near Torquay, and has doubtless been pre- - served in the same manner, viz. by the exclusion of the external air by a coating of alluvial mud. The discovery of this bone proving that this side of Torbay had been formerly frequented by the same animals whose fossil THE ASH-HOLE. 147 remains are found so largely in Kent's Cavern, stimu- lated Mr. Lyte to make an exploration of Ash-hole ; and as the results were rather curious, it may not be amiss to give a slight detail of them, and of the operations that led to them. Ash-hole is a large open cavern, about 30 yards in length, about seven in breadth ; and the same in height, with a large entrance in the centre. Tradition says that the cave was once open to a much greater extent than at present, and that one passage led to Kings ware, four miles distant. The first object therefore was to look out for this traditionary passage, and as it might possibly be stopped up by the accumulation of rubbish or stalactite, every hopeful spot was carefully examined for it, espe- cially the extremities of the cavern, where the stalagmite was quarried through in several places in search of it, but in vain, and from subsequent evidence, there ap- peared to be reason to believe that no such passage has ever existed. All attempts at exploration laterally having thus failed, a perpendicular shaft was next sunk in the lowest part of the floor of the cave, and after four feet of rubbish had been worked through — (for the entrance of the cave sloping inward peculiarly favoured the accumulation of rubbish) — a layer of bones, about half a foot in thickness presented itself, and on further examination this layer was found to cover the whole of the floor of the cave at about the same depth. These bones however were any- thing but those which the explorers were in search of ; they consisted of sheep, ox, rabbit, and even goose and chicken bones ; their vast quantities too were very puzzling, and gave rise to a variety of theories more or less ingenious, which however were a few days after completely dissipated by information received from an old inhabitant of Brixham. He remembered that about fifty years before, a large military encampment had been held on the neighbouring down for the whole of a summer, and the weather being extremely wet, the soldiers re- sorted to the Cavern to dress and eat their dinners ; which at once accounted for the accumulation of un- scientific bones in the place, and showed the value of 148 THE ASH-HOLE. local information in conducting- researches of this nature. The shaft being subsequently enlarged, aod driven about twenty feet deeper, the remains of a human skele- ton presented themselves, — the head entire, and appear- ing to belong to a body of large stature. Immediately under this were found considerable quantities of char- coal, and ashes, and half-consumed bones, mixed with broken pottery, which proved the cavern to have been a place of sepulture, and perhaps accounted for its name of Ash-hole, — a receptacle for the ashes of the dead. The pottery was Roman, for the most part very coarse, un- glazed, and scored on the outside in short parallel lines of about an inch in length, and occasionally perforated around the rim. No single urn was found perfect, but specimens of the sherds were preserved along with the bones, &c. Several human skeletons were subsequently discovered, together with some sling-stones, bits of brass and ivory, and pottery of rather a tiner texture ; but al- though another chamber of the cavern was opened out, and the shaft in the floor sunk to the perpendicular depth of seventy feet, nothing else of a remarkable kind was discovered, nor indeed was the original floor of the cavern ever reached ; the workings having been carried altogether through rubbish and vast fragments of rock which had fallen into the cavern from the sides or the mouth of it, and the excavation among the loose stones becoming so dangerous that it was impossible to proceed. There can be little doubt however from the explorations made, that if the whole cave were cleared out, many objects of curiosity would be found, although the ex- pense of such a measure would be considerable. The scisntUIe world is largely indebted to Mr. Lyte for his indefatigable exertions in this interesting cavern, and we Irope to see a subscription entered into, at no very dis- tant day, for the purpose of continuing the researches which he has so ably begun. From what has now been said respecting Ash-hole, it is evident that the neighbour- hood of Brixham was much frequented by the Komaus ; and in a subsequent division of this book, the antiquary will find the subject fully discussed. We have now noticed a sufficient number of ol jects DARTMOUTH STEAM-BRIDGE. 149 for one day's excursion ; we shall therefore retrace our steps to Torquay, by the usual road, or procure a boat at Brixham quay and return by water.* II. ExcursiontoDartynouth^andupthe Dart to Totnes, This is an excursion of no ordinary interest. Few parts of Devon are more celebrated than the highly beau- tiful district along the banks of the Dart, and it is a mat- ter of rivalry between this river and the Tamar, as to their respective claims on the admiration of the tourist. The characteristic scenery of the Dart is a continual variety of wood, hill, and dale, covered with cultivation, here and there interspersed with seats and villages, and presenting in its course between Dartmouth and Totnes more of the picturesque than the romantic. We shall proceed to Dartmouth through Paignton and then follow the road leading to the new Steam-Bridge, which will convey our vehicles across the river and enable us to d r ive at once into the town. The establishment and con- struction of this bridge constitute such a novel feature in the application of Mechanical Art, that we must beg to introduce a few particulars respecting it. The Dartmouth Steam Floating Bridge was established by the joint ex- ertions of Earl Morley, Col. Seale, and Stanley Gary Esq. under the provisions of an Act of Parliament,, and by the permission of the Admiralty. It was executed on the plans and under the sole direction of J. 1VI. Rendel Esq. of Plymouth, Member of the Royal Society of Civil Engineers. It commenced work in August last, and has continued since that period to afford a safe, expe- ditious and certain means of crossing the river at all times, and in all weathers. Indeed, during the last winter it conveyed-overthe Dartmouth and Exeter coach, laden with passengers, twice every day, without deten- * We cannot omit this opportunity of expressing our deep obligations to the Rev. H. F. Lyte for the readiness and friendly manner in which he has communicated to us much information of great value in the compilation of this work. We have been largely indebted to his kindness in our account of this excursion, — and the inhabitants of Brixham are no less so for his exertions in every cause tending to advance the moral or intellectual wel- fare of that ancient town. 150 DARTMOUTH STEAM-BRIDGE. tion, and on days when no boat could venture to cross. The width of the Dart at this Ferry is 1750 feet at high water, and about 1700 at half-tide. The Boat is flat, and admeasures 42 feet in length on deck, and 28 feet in breadth inside in the clear. A platform projects 18feet on each side beyond the body of the boat, for embarking and landing carriages, horses, and passengers, and these two platforms so nicely balance each other that they are raised and lowered by one man with ease. The Boat is worked by an Engine of four horse-power, having two boilers one of which is used alternately every week. The daily consumption of coals in working from 6 in the morning to 10 at night is Eight bushels, — never exceed- ing 4^ cwt. in the twenty -four hours. The average time occupied in crossing is nine minutes. The boat there- fore moves at the rate of about 190 feet in a minute. The chief peculiarity of this novel and ingenious contri- vance consists in the employment of chains extended across the river. This bridge has two chains, J of an inch in diameter, passed through the machinery and fixed on each shore. They lie along the bed of the river except when the boat is in the act of passing over, when those parts of the chains attached to the Machinery are raised to the surface, — forming however at each extremity of the bridge an immediate angle of 33°, so that at twenty- feet from the ends of the platform, a vessel may pass over them ; and the boat can likewise be stopped in less than half a minute. This plan has also the advantage of being economical ; for the weekly expense is little more- than £5, or ^6278 per annum ; and the whole establish- ment requires only three men, viz. a collector of the Tolls, and two Firemen. This was the first experiment, and we have therefore entered into these particulars. The undertaking has been attended with complete suc- cess, and it will confer additional honour on the fame of Mr. Rendel, the Engineer by whom it was executed. The briJge is commodious in approach, safe in transit in all weathers, and by night as well as by day; it re- quires little steam-power, and is superior to anything hitherto employed for ferries upon wide tideways or rapid rivers. DARTMOUTH. 151 The steam bridge will land us below the woods of Mount Boone, and close to the entrance of Dartmouth, to which we now proceed. This ancient town, is situ- ated on the western side of the mouth of the Dart, at the northern extremity of Start Bay, and between the Start Point and the Berry Head. It is distant about 30 miles from Exeter. In old records it is called Clifton- Dartmouth-Hardnesse, originally comprising three ham- lets so named; the distinction between them, although now little more than nominal, is still in some measure kept up : Clifton being an appendage of the Parish of Stoke Fleming, and the two others of the parish of Townstall. Dartmouth is peculiarly built on the side of a steep and craggy hill, rising above the bay which is here formed by the river, and extending a considerable dis- tance along the water's side. The town itself has few attractions beyond its antiquity, the houses are irregu- larly built, and the streets narrow ; the lower lines of houses occasionally communicating by flights of steps with those above. There are however many delightful villas on the heights and in different situations around the place ; and the picturesque scenery of the neighbour- hood, with the noble harbour animated by its fleet of shippings amply compensates for the inconveniences of the town. The antiquary will be pleased with the curious relics of ancient architecture with which Dartmouth abounds ; many of the houses have the old piazzas, and the upper stories project over the lower ; the fronts being ornamented with gable ends, enriched cornices, and grotesque and emblematical carvings in wood. Dart- mouth ( says Prince ) is " a large and populous town, situate on the south side of a very steep hill, which run- neth east to west a considerable length of near a mile, whereby the houses, as you pass on the water, seem pen- sile, and to hang along in rows, like gallipots in an apothecary's shop ; for so high and steep is it that you go from the lower to the higher part thereof by stairs ; and from the bottom to the top requires no less, in some places many more than an hundred. In old records it is called Ludhill, but now, and of a long time, Dartmouth ; no doubt so denominated says my author, (Risdon) bj the Saxons from the adjoining river." 152 DARTMOUTH. The "borough of Dartmouth comprehends three parishes, Townstall, St. Saviour's, and St. Petrox. ft has two churches, named after the two last mentioned parishes. St. Saviour's is a fine and spacious structure , of the 14th century, having been dedicated as a chapel by Bishop Brantinghain in 1372. It is now held with Townstall, its mother-church. It is built cathedral-wise, and possesses great internal attractions. It has a hand- some altar-piece, a rich old wooden screen and rood- loft, magnificently carved. The pulpit is highly interest- ing ; it is stone, and has many enrichments carved in wood, evidently added at a date subsequent to its erection. The communion table is surrounded with seats, the up- per parts have arabesque ornaments and arms. The table is supported by grotesque figures, and the four Evangelists with their symbols. The door or at least its iron ornaments appear to be coeval with the building. The date of 1631, Mr. Lysons says, must have referred to some repairs. The head of Sir Charles M'Carthy, who was killed in a battle with the Ashantees is deposi- ted in this church. St. Petrox is a small building sit- uated near the mouth of the harbour, within the ruins of the old castle of Clifton. It was formerly united to the benefice of Stoke Fleming, but it has been augmented by Queen Anne's bounty, and is now a perpetual curacy in the gift of the rector of that parish. It is distant nearly a mile from the inhabitants, and in consequence of this inconvenience, a Chapel of Ease has been lately erected in the ceutre of the parish; £ 1000. having been ob- tained by grant from the society for building churches, and the remainder by voluntary subscriptions. The In- cumbent of St. Saviour's and Townstall, is the Rev. Robert Holds worth, and the Curate, the Rev. Edw. Dix. The Incumbent of St. Petrox, is the Rev. J. M. Glubb.f There are three dissenting meeting houses in Dartmouth, belonging to the Independents, Baptists, and Wesleyans. The celebrated John Flavel, the non-conformist divine, was minister of St. Saviour's in 1656, from which he was f We beg to return our acknowledgments to the Rev. J. IVf. Glubb, and to Mr. J. W. Colenso, of Dartmouth, for their polite attention to our inquiries. DARTMOUTH. 153 ejected in 1G02 ; lie established the Presbyterian ehapel which has a monument to his memory ; he died in 1691. The grammar school is well supported. A handsome Sun- day school in the parish of St. Petrox, built by volun- tary subscriptions, was opened in 1823. A new public library has also been established ; the foundation stone of which was laid on the 1st. of June in the present year near the new market. Dartmouth has also many religi- ous and benevolent institutions which we need not par- ticularize. The " Cnstle Inn " is the principal Hotel in the town. The harbour of Dartmouth is unrivalled for safety or convenience in all weathers ; its deep and capacious basin can shelter upwards of 500 sail. The commerce of the place was once flourishing' and prosperous, but it has now dwindled away to a slight trade with Newfound- land, and the exportation of the produce of the neigh- bourhood. It has many vessels engaged in fisheries and the coasting trade, and its pilot-boats are well- known in the channel. There is a Merchants' Insurance Company maintained there. The jurisdiction of the port of Dartmouth is extensive, embracing Brixham, Torquay, &c. The town appears to have been governed by a Mayor, and to have regularly returned Members to Parliament since the time of Edward the Third. It has hitherto sent two Members elected by the Corporation, which is confined to twelve, with the Recorder. The inhabitants are now of course contemplating considerable changes in the polities of the borough. The scenery in the vicinity of this town is exceedingly fine, and the castle which defends the entrance of the harbour with two platforms of cannon commands an extensive prospect of the channel. We have no Botanical illustrations of Dartmouth. Jnchusa sempervirens and Valeriana rubra are plentiful near the town : Mr. Jones noticed Plant ago marltima and Hieracium umhellatum at the Castle, and Barfsia viscosa in the fields adjoining. The population of Dartmouth according to the census of last year (1831) was 4597; that of the parish of Townstall being 1246; St. Saviours, 23 !G; and St, Fetrox 1035. The annual value of real property as as- 154 BANKS OF THE DART. sessed in 1815, is in Townstall ,£3021. ; in St Petrox, s£5114. The antiquities of this town will be hereafter described. On the opposite side of the harbour is the parish and town of Kingsware. It is pleasantly situated on the banks of the river, and commands a fine prospect of the harbour. The walls of Kingsware Castle are still to be seen to the south of the town. The manor belongs to J. F. Luttrel, Esq. of Nethway. There is a regular ferry between this little town and Dartmouth. The annual value of the property, as assessed in 1815, is j£525., and the population in 1831, — 275. Kings- ware is a daughter-church to Brixham. After having made himself acquainted with Dartmouth, the tourist will hire a boat at the quay, and proceed up the river to Totnes, his vehicles having been previously sent on to that town by land, to await his arrival. The banks of the Dart comprise the most picturesque and cultivated district in South Devon ; as we follow its its circuitous and irregular course, the eye is captivated by its rich woodland scenery, diversified by hill and dale, and clothed with verdure. After leaving Dartmouth the hills rise on each bank to a considerable height, and the attention is soon engaged by the wooded grounds of Mount Boone, the residence of Col. Seale. We con- tinue for some further distance through a highly cultiva- ted country, and soon pass on the right, the bathing and boat-house attached to the Greenway estate. The river now turns at a right angle, and forms the bay of Greenway which, from many parts, resembles a lake of great beauty. The Dart in one creek of this bay ap- proaches Torbay by little more than a mile. Greenway, late the residence of Edward Marwood Elton, Esq., is romantically situated on the projecting neck of land, on the east bank. It is embosomed in wood, and the estate commands some of the most euchanting scenery on the river. On the left, we notice Dittisham Parsonage, de- lightfully situated on a rising ground ; and a little beyond, the church and cottages of the little village, which is one of the most picturesque objects on the Dart. The coun- try around is richly wooded, and the village is almost hid among the trees. As we advance further, we notice BANKS OF THE DART. 155 above the northern branch of Greeuway Bay, Watton Court, the property of Henry Studdy. Esq. ; and next in succession near the bend of the river, Sandridge, the delightful seat of Lady Ashburton. The scenery of this part of the Dart is unequalled either in richness or beauty. From Dittisham on the left and Green way on the right shore to the point where the river again contracts, the grandeur of the stream strikes the attention of every tourist : the picturesque inequality of the ground on either side adds much to its effect, and the plantations which adorn each slope, recline even to the water's edge. The prospect which now presents itself at every turn is truly beautiful ; wood, hill, and dale in all their com- binations are before us, and the majesty of the river as it rolls along harmonises with the scene around it. The course of the Dart now becomes more serpentine, and at every curve presents afresh succession of objects. In a little inlet on the right is the village and church of Stoke Gabriel, and Maisonette late the residence of Ad- miral Hicks. As we now proceed, the river continues to contract, and the banks become more rocky ; the scenery around is varied and shadowy, and the occasional peeps of the country are full of picturesque beauty. We soon glide beneath the stately woods of Sharpham, one of the most noble estates on the Dart,, and the seat of Capt. Bastard. There is a triple echo to be noticed in the grounds opposite these woods ; it is the most beautiful one on the river, and may be invoked as we pass along. The mansion is situated in a park of great attractions, and the banks of the river along the property are luxuriently clothed with wood. Sharpham is cele- brated for its Salmon fishery, and heronry. Sharpham aud Warleigh on the Tavy ( Dr. Moore observes in the Transactions of the Plymouth Institution ) are the only heronries now remaining in Devon. At a short distance beyond this, the church of Totnes is seen rising nobly above the town ; but the river loses much of that pecu- liar cast of beauty which we have been just admiring. We now land at Totnes. The site of this venerable Borough-town, is peculiarly fine ; it extends along the brow of a steep hill, rising from the margin of the Dart, 156 TOTNES. and commanding a rich view of the river, and the blue heights in the distance. It consists principally of one street nearly a mile in length, terminated on the east by a new stone bridge,— a handsome and massive, although rather heavy structure, spanning the river by three ar- ches. The ancient bridge, despite its inconveniences, ■was connected with associations of the highest interest to the antiquary. Many of the old houses in Totnes still remain, with the piazzas in front and the higher stories overhanging the lower. The church is an inter- esting fabric, having a finely-wrought tower with fret- work pinnacles ; it was rebuilt in 1259, and again about 1432. The great tithes are vested in Ayshford Wise, Esq. The benefice is a vicarage in the gift of the King, and is now held by the Rev. Joseph Cuming. The Curate is the Rev. Thomas Cleave. The Grammar School was founded in 1554 by the corporation, and was enriched by the appropriation of part of the estates of Elisosus Hele, a distinguished benefactor to this county ; This property consisted of a tenement in the parish of Harberton, of the annual value of £65. The Charity School was established by subscription, by Archdeacon Kendeil in 1/32 ; it has endowed and funded property, independently of the amount raised annually by subscriptions. The establishment comprises cliff* dren of both sexes — the girls are dressed in green, and the boys, with some exceptions, in blue. The National-school on Dr. Bell's system is well sup- ported. The almshouses Lave been newly erected, and are situated behind the town. There are many other excel- lent charitable and benevolent Institutions. The Guild- hall, Grammar-school, and National-school occupy the site of the ancient Benedictine Priory, behind the Church. §The Guildhall and Council Chamber were repaired and handsomely refitted under the direction of Gen. Sir Geo. , .Adams, during his mayoralty in 1831. ! Totnes is said to have been governed 1 by a Mayor since the commencement of the thirteenth century ; King John, Mr. Lysons observes, veller as he enters that part of the valley to which the name of Holne Chase is given. The road over Buck- land rock commands one of the most impressive scenes in our excursion. We descend the heath near Spitch- wick to New Bridge, which connects part of Wide- corn be with Holne, and then advance through the woods to the village, which is situated in the midst of this enchanting scenery. The sombre and shadowy caste of this dell with its dark and rugged belt of tors associated too with the sacred feelings of antiquity, produce an effect on the philosophic mind which years cannot dis- pel. Nature here appears to triumph over art, and in all the sullen pomp of her primitive sublimity to defy alike the" efforts of man and the solemn march of Time. She works with her rudest materials, and with them blends the beautiful and the sublime. Cold indeed must that heart be which does not feel better, more exalted, IIOLNE CHASE. 183" and more pure in the midst of tin's magnificence. The wanderer in North Wales may look in vain for a scene of such interest as the Lover's Leap, below Buckland and opposite the Chase. " Holne Chase, says Mr. Jones in his guide to Ashburton, extends for about two miles along* the banks of the Dart, — the upper part is wild and rocky. A road is formed through the woods ; the descent to the river is steep ; the stream can be heard as it rolls over the rocks, but hardly seen, being concealed by the trees. Some views are occasionally caught of the high downs on the opposite side which arise in a very precipitous manner from the bed of the river, over- topped with crumbling rocks. At the entrance to the Chase there is a fine walk near a mile in length, enclosed on each side with large bushes of holly, and the air is perfumed with the fragrance of the Myrica Gale which grows in great abundance in the swampy spots near the river. The greater part of the parish of Holne belongs to Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart.; his woods extend along the river for several miles. . Beyond the Chase, near Holne Bridge, is Holne Park, the seat of Sir Bourchier Wrey ; the house was built about twenty years ago, — it is not large, and the situation is rather low, being near the river." There is an encampment of six acres on Hembury behind Holne Park, which Mr. Jones refers to the Danes. Part of the Dart traverses limestone resting on schist, with occasional displays of dunstone, and at the Chase we meet with crystallised or rhombic felspar.* The Bofanistwill derive much pleasure at Holne Chase; among the plants found there, are Osmunda regalis ; Campanula hederacea; and Sibthorpia europcea ; at New bridge we meet with Spergula subidata, and Anthemis nobllls, and in the lower road at Buckland, Trichosto- mum polyphyllum. Oar first day's excursion here terminates, and we re- turn to Ashburton for the night. The first places we shall visit on the second day will be the village of Buck- fastleigh, and the remains of its famed Cistercian * Carrington; Notes. 184 BUCKFASTLEIGII, LITTLE HE5IPST0N, ETC. Abbey. They are situated in a picturesque and wooded vale surrounded by fertile meadows which are washed by the Dart. It is deeply to be regretted that so little re- mains of this once splendid establishment. An arched entrance, and a few massive walls of the gateway and tower are all that mark the existence of the Abbey, and (tell it not in Gath) a woollen manufactory has been erected in a part of the aneient site. The modern cas- tellated house has usurped the place of the former build- ing, and the refectory and other relics have been destroyed in consequence. The Abbey of Buckfastleigh was foun- ded in 1137 in honour of the Virgin Mary, for monks of the Cistercian order, by Ethelwerld, son of William Pomerai. Above it, the ancient grange is, we believe, still preserved. The Church is detached from the vil- lage, and is situated on a high rock commanding a view of Buckfast Abbey and woods. The Rev. M. Lowndes y is patron and incumbent of the vicarage. We now cross the river at Dart Bridge over which the Plymouth road passes, and proceed along the north-eastern bank of the river through one of the most fertile districts in its course. It passes throug-h a considerable portion of the parish of Staverton, which is celebrated for its productive orchards, and gives name to an excellent variety of apples. North of Staverton is Broad Hempston, distant about four , miles and a half from Ashburton ; and midway between it and Totnes. Little Hempston, a village on the Hems a stream rising beyond Berry-Pomeroy and falling into the Dart. Little Hempston is about a mile and a half from Totnes. The Parsonage House, which is now in ruins, is one of the best examples of the style of these buildings before the Reformation, in Devon. The scenery of the River, from Dart Bridge to this place is truly beautiful ; the stream gradually loses its wild and rapid character ; as it approaches the delightful grounds of Dartington it appears to check its speed, and at length winding gracefully round the base of the hill below the - old Castle of Totnes, it glides softly beneath the arches of its handsome bridge. The tourist is now at liberty to visit the venerable town of Totnes, and to extend his excursion down the southern part of the river, which CHUDLEIGH. 185 has been already described ; or to return through Bridge- town-Pomeroy to Torquay. We beg to repeat that the excursion we have here laid down will be highly interesting to the tourist (particularly if performed on foot); — Holne Chase is frequently visited in one day by parties from Torquay, who leave in the morning and return at night ; but it is impossible in this manner to examine a tithe of the beauties in its neigh- bourhood. VIII. Chudleigh and Ugbrook Park. The country around this town is full of interest to the antiquary and the tourist. It is situated on the road leading from Exeter to Newton Abbot, from which it is distant about six miles. The town owes almost all its privileges to the Bishops of Exeter, in whose possession, the manor remained for many generations. Bishop Stapeldon in 1309 gained for it a market and an annual fair. The present market is held on Saturday ; and the fairs on Easter Tuesday; the third Tuesday in June; and on the 2nd of October. A short distance out of the town are still to be seen the remains of the Episcopal Palace, the favourite residence of the Bishops. Ordinations were occasionally held there. The manor was alienated from the see in 1550 by Bishop Veysey* It is now the property of Lord Clifford. The Church was dedicated in the thirteenth century,, but the architecture of the present fabric, Mr. Lysons says, is of a later date. The vicarage is elective ; one of the Northmore family was the first vicar so appointed ; he lies there near the Altar, where is a flat monument and inscription to his memory. The church contains many grave*stones of different Devonshire families. About a mile south-west of Chudleigh is Ugbrook, the seat of Lord Clifford. The distinguishing scenery of this place is a beautiful succession of wood, rock, lawn and water. The park comprises about seven miles in citcumference, and contains about sVx hundred head of deer. It is richly wooded and abounds with picturesque scenery. The form of the mansion is quadrangular, with two fronts and four towers with battlements. The lawn 186 UGBROOK AND CHUDLEIGH ROCK. from the west front slopes to the edge of a spacious lake, ahove the northern hank of which is a steep and well- wooded eminence called Mount Pleasant. On the top is a Danish encampment with its trench. Ugbrook is now the residence of Hugh the present and seventh baron. In the house are several fine pictures by the old masters; and many family portraits, among which are two of the Lord Treasurer Clifford, by Sir Peter Lely ; That in | the Drawing* Room, representing- him in his Study, was engraved for Lodge's Portraits of Eminent Statesmen, and will be found in that work. Ugbrook has been made the subject of a poem by the Rev. Joseph Reeve, the author of a History of the Church; 2 vols, of Practical discourses, &c. and who was many years Chaplain to Lord Clifford's family. Major Rennelthe geographer, was born at Chudleigh, in 174*2. The late Lord Clifford was distinguished by his warm patronage of the arts, and by the personal in^ ' terest which he took in every thing connected with lite^ rature and philosophy. It is difficult to select any circle in the west of England so remarkable for its connexion with literary and scientific men and for the highly liberal sentiments of its members than that of which Lord Clif-. ford was at the head. Chudleigh Rock is an immense mass of lime-rock about half a mile from the town, and is celebrated for the beautiful marbles which it affords. It rises above a deep valley, thickly concealed by wood, in the bottom of which is a fine cascade. Midway down the rock, is a large cavern, which the country-people have made the abode of the Pixies or Devonshire fairies, this cave was inhabited by the ancient Britons, and Dr. Buckland in digging for organic treasures, discovered Pottery, flint-knives, &c. beneath its floor. This will be found mentioned in Mr. Northmore's letter to the writer at page 12/. Chudleigh Rock commands one of most beautiful views in the county, embracing the course of the river Teign, the Hennock Hills, Canonteign, Bovey Heathfield, Stover, Ingsdon House, the High Tor rocks, and the distant outline of Dartmoor. An Inspection Table, showing the Distance of Torquay from the following places. 23t«?taure of From Miles Ashburton 15 Babbicombe 2 Barton 3 Berry Pomeroy 8 Bishop's Teignton. ... 8 Brixham 10 Buckfastleigh 16 Cbudleigh 13 Cockington 2 Coffinsvvell 5 Combe-in-Teignbead 7 Compton Castle 5 Darlington 11 Dartmouth 12 Denbury 9 EXETER 23 Haccombe 5 Corcrtiaw. From Miles High Tor Rocks .... 14 Holne Chase 19 Ipplepen 8 King's Kersvvell 4 Little Hempston .... 8 Marldon 5 Newton 7 Paignton 4 Plymouth 33 St. Mary Church 3 Stoke-in-Teignhead . . 5 Teignmouth 8 Totnes 10 33w j?ca to Plymouth 50 Portsmouth 95 [Panorama of J^or/juay, 1832.] DART3I00R. 187 IX. £9H o VNTEL FROM HEUEN CHRIST DOTH COME g H NOW HEE IS GONE WEE ALL MOST FOLLO AFTER § 5 HIS WIFE HIS SONE AND ECKE HIS DAFTERS « H 55 i-i 6Z91 ■HEraicaftON ao qS aHiL a-JAi w The Registers of this Church begin with the year 1628. The improved appearance and neatness of the Yard are highly creditable. The village of Tor was granted under the Great Seal by Edward the Sixth, in the 7th year of his reign, to John Ridgeway and John Petre, Esqrs. Torwood Grange, " Grangia de Torwode" was granted to Sir Thomas Dennis.* June 25, 1541. (Eccles. Antiq.) * This gentleman contrived to monopolize a vast proportion of the wealth arising from the plunder of property at the Dissolution. In the scramble for religious property, says Mr. Oliver, he was one of the keenest and most successful competitors ; if the mammon of iniquity could confer happiness t this very rich man must have been supremely happy. 222 ANTIQUITIES Is the most perfect example of Tudor Architecture m ) this neighbourhood. The initials of Thomas Ridgeway j 1 with the date 1579 are seen on the cistern at the head of P the lead shute, in front of the building. The interior is [ still highly interesting. The stairs are of massive oak, - and some of the doors of the different apartments are P richly carved. The principal sitting-room and bed-room ' above have preserved the ancient wainscotting, which is f handsomely painted ; over the fireplace in the sitting-room i is the painting of a Castle, said to be the residence of \ the Donegalls in Ireland. At the top of the house is a ' small room with a lime-ash floor. In the rear of the J building are the remains of the granary. The entrance to the court yard is richly overspread with ivy. A few years ago considerable quantities of leaden pipes, about 4-inch bore, were dug up in a field above Torwood. They led from from the old Well at the head of the field (about 500 yards distant), and formerly supplied the manor house with water. This well, which had a fine pointed arch, has been destroyed within a few years! The walls J of one of the ancient gateways of Torwood are still [ standing, on the Braddons ; forming the northern ! entrance to the grounds of Joseph Garrow, Esq. We have seen a lease of land belonging to Thomas Ridgeway, of Tormohun, Esq., to several inhabitants of this parish, referring to a parcel of land between Ridge- way's land, that which once belonged to John Chockman, r and the church ; containing 70 feet in length and 24 [ in breadth, including the church house. This is dated in the reign of our Sovereign Lord William the Third, in the year 1700. The lease was for 99 years, and the yearly rent sixteen pence. We have also seen another lease, much mutilated, dated 1667, referring to this parish, and containing the names of Fortunatus Tapley, Thomas Ball, Thomas Cowell, Bartholomew Bickford, &c. The former document is evidently a renewal of the lease granted by Abbot Dyer, in 1520, mentioned in Mr. Oliver's article on Tor Abbey. The ground is now occupied by the parish workhouse. ANTIQUITIES. 223 This parish was once celebrated for its tin works. Robert Earl of Londonderry, says Mr. Oliver, presented a petition to the worshipful John Manley, Esq., Steward of the Stannary Courts of Devon, stating that on the 10th April, 1695, he was seized of three several tin-works^ situate in the parishes of Tor Mohun and St. MaryChurch; that great quantities of tin ore were digged up and thrown on the grass of the said several and respective tin works ; that he had erected a stamping mill, and had expended upwards of ^£500. in his enterprise, but com- plained that Edward Cary, of Tor Abbey, Esq., and others, had diverted the water course from the said stamping mill. [Eccles. Antiq.] CHAPEL HILL. A curious peculiarity in the construction of the building on this hill has been pointed out to us by Mr. Brown. The Roof is a gothic arch of solid stone, the outer covering of which is composed of thick horizontal slabs of slate ; forming altogether a compact mass of masonry, of immense security and strength. We shall be glad to know if any of our readers are acquainted with a similar example. There are also to be noticed in the building, four arches of different forms — an elliptical, a segmental, an obtuse Gothic, and an equilateral Gothic. If the building was ever dedicated to St. Michael as alluded to at page 89, it may have been in consequence of its elevated situation. " Formerly, says Mr. Oliver, most of the churches that were built on mountains or eminences, were dedicated to St. Michael ; perhaps because it is asserted in the most ancient legends, that he had frequently appeared in such places — in vertice Gargani montis, and others." St. Michael is also the tutelary saint of many votive chapels ; It is unnecessary to remind those acquainted with the classic writers, of the antiquity ofvotive offerings ; the Odes of Horace and the iEneid abound with such allusions. II. ST. MARY CHURCH. This manor once belonged to a family of the same name ; Robert de St. Mary Church was the last of the family in the reign of Henry II.; and his heiress brought it to 224 ANTIQUITIES De Rotouiago. It subsequently passed through the hands of the Lords Audley, and from them to the Bourchiers Earls of Bath, and from them to the Fords ' of Bagtor. It is now the property of Henry Cary, Esq., of Tor Abbey. The manor of Combe Pafford is the property of Sir \ Lawrence Palk, Bart. The church contains two sepul- [ chral slabs of the Holbrine family, with their arms ; one - bears the date of 1516. The Pulpit is dated 1624 ; I; it is built of richly carved oak, and unfortunately V painted. It bears the arms of the see of Exeter. Under [ the screen, in the pews, are seven badly painted figures |, of Catholic saints ; and in the same line on the other side, ; are other similar figures, covered with boarding. The King's Arms are dated 1712 ; the gallery was built in 1732 by subscription headed by Salter, the Vicar. There are memorials for Richard Lane of Ilsham, 1638 ; Edward Mouge, 1692 ; Sir Thomas Louis, Bart., K.F. and K.M.T.; Miss Stoughton, 1817, &c &c; and for four successive incumbents — viz. "Robertus Balle, A.M. hujus eccleske vicarius annis quinquaginta" died 16/4; William Raynold, of Oriel Coll. Oxford, "latelv Vicar of St. Mary Church," died in 1682 ; " Jacobus Salter," 30 years Vicar, died in 1713, and succeeded by his son, who died in 1767 ; John Fever was the next, and was Vicar 32 years and upwards ; he was succeeded by the Rev. Edward Kitson, the last incumbent. This most amiable man died July 2, 1827. The life of Robert Balle mentioned above as having been 50 years Vicar of the parish, is not a little curious. We learn from the honest and intelligent John Waymouth, (set. 74, and who has been Sexton for 40 years,) that this Mr. Balle being Vicar in the reign of Charles I., was sequestered under Cromwell, when he worked for his livelihood in the neighbouring stone quarries; it is said that he was once pursued by his oppressors and overtaken at Scot's Bridge, near Kingskerswell ; but that being disguised as a common labourer, he was passed by, and escaped. He was reinstated under Charles II. We now beg to introduce a htter from a very able ANTIQUITIES 225 Architect, Mr. Brown, of London,* on the Antiquities of this church. To the Author of the Panorama of Torquay. Sir , — I send you the following- Architectural remarks on St. Mary Church. This Church is situated on an eminence, and is a conspicuous object at a distance. The panoramic view from the churchyard is really delightful, extending overTorbay , Brixham, and Paignton ; and towards Babbi- combe and Teignmouth on the East. "A village church is on all occasions a pleasing object : to the young and thoughtless as a place where they meet each other in their holiday clothes, and to the infirm and aged as a place where after death they are deposited near their departed friends and relations." This is all that can be said of Mary Church, for with this exception, like some other buildings in its vicinity, it looks best at a distance. I had anticipated to have met with a more picturesque object, but was disappointed on finding that every vestige ofGothic ornament, both finial, crocket, and pinnacle, was gone ; and that every feature of moulding on the whole of the external surface had been totally destroyed and obliterated by repeated and detestable roughcasts of lime and sand ; so that instead of the Church with its Tower shewing those beautiful varied coloured stones sometimes to be met with about Devonshire, speckled over withyellow moss, crumbling away by the wasting hand of Time, and partially covered with tufts of grass, lichens, and ivy — not a tendril or a solitary leaf was to be seen to mark its antiquity : the whole monotonous surface presenting to the eye one entire, unsightly, towering, huge, chalky mass. Finding nothing interesting to an Architect on the exterior, I entered the Church, which I found to consist of a nave with a north and south aisle ; the length of the body of the Church, in clear of the walls, from east to * Mr. Brown is entitled to especial notice in this work, as a native of Devon (Tamerton Folliot) , as the author of the Principles of Practical Perspective, with plates, Royal 4to ; Rudiments of Composing Household Furniture classically ; Elements of Com- posing Architectural Ornaments. &c; and as a valued contributor to the Philosophical Journal, and other Literary and Scientific; Publications. 226 ANTIQUITIES west including; the altar, measured 95ft. 6in. The breadth of each aisle from wall to column 9ft. 6in.; and the nave in clear of columns 21ft. 3in. This nave, the moment I entered the Church, struck me as being considerably too broad and out of all proportion with the side aisles, which is not only an error in point of the tout ensemble, but [thereby weakens the Church ; as, if the vaulted roof be not'exeeedingly well braced above, the ceiling- is always sure to thrust out in a lateral direction, and throw [ over'the columns towards the side aisles. This is the case in many of our Churches, though it sometimes happens by the sinking of the vaults within the Church, | by being made too near the pillars: as for instance the , Church of Heavitree near Exeter, and the one at Newton Ferrers ; both at this time are kept together by unsightly bars of iron running direct across the middle of the Church from pillar to pillar. I found the columns here | in the south aisle gone over lOin. out of their perpendicular, ' and propped against the wall by the most unsightly pieces of wood— truly disgraceful. It is very remarkable in this Church that the capitals of the pillars on the north side only are carved, while those on the south are left plain. The same singularity maybe seen in Cockington Church, a picturesque building surrounded with firs and clad in mantling ivy. The pulpit is handsome, and was made in the latter part of the reign of James the First. It is octangular, and consists of small pannels with circular heads, and on the angles gilt trusses, the whole boldly carved, rude as that age was. It has no canopy or sounding-board, and its original pillar and staircase is gone, and the pulpit is now one-third buried in a sort of box-like pew. Around the frieze of the pulpit is written in carved Old English letters the following scriptural passage — the law was GIVEN BY MOSES AND GRACE CAME BT JESUS CHRIST. The whole is gilt.— The gallery is the worst 1 ever beheld; it is in three detached pieces— the one facing the pulpit is pannelled in the oriental Gothic, another in the north- west corner of the north aisle is new and is also in the Gothic style, and contains the arms of Thomas Wilson Ffrance, Esq., by whom it was erected; but the one ANTIQUITIES 227 over the entrance as you come into the Church, is in a tottering- state and was put up in 1732 ; it lias all the appearance from the burlesque paintings on it of having" been part of the gallery of a country Theatre. This may appear lightly spoken, but such is the case. The altar within the railing is laid with cold flag stones which are very damp, and dangerous for the clergyman to stand on ; and on the south wall near it I discovered a tablet stating that the late Rev. Edward Kitson had actually met his death on that very spot, while in the performance of his clerical duty. This floor should be boarded and have steps to ascend to the communion table. There is an Altar Picture in a gilt frame, by Annibale Caracci ; the subject, Christ taken down from the Cross and laid on the lap of the Virgin Mary, attended by an Angel. This picture is now entirely ruined by the dampness of the Church, though it has been there but a few years. Why do the Clergy not get stoves in their Churches and mats laid down in their aisles as they have in London ? Do they think that their country churches are drier and better ventilated. This cannot be the case, for in many of them the water may be seen running down the walls ; and in few Churches are the windows made to open. Strange it may appear, — but although perhaps no Church in Devonshire is higher situated, I never entered one that is so damp and cold. The screen in this Church is entire and of tolerably good workmanship, the tracery in the arches is chaste, the spandrils plain, and the cornice ornamented with arches and pendant acorns ; in the lower part of the screen some of the ancient paintings of the different saints are still to be seen, but partially defaced. The windows in the Church are tolerably good in the tracery, but the Altar window, which should have been the richest, is wretchedly plain and modern. The seating in the Church is part of the old benches, but they are out of repair and in a very tottering state. The only object in this Church peculiarly worthy of notice is the Saxon Font, which contains the following figures sculptured within a guilloche ; being prior to the Conquest they are of very rude workmanship. f f See accompanying Plate. 228 ANTIQUITIES 1. A man on horseback blowing" a bugle, which he holds in his left hand, in his right an ancient knife. 2. A dog with his head turned back regarding a flower. 3. A cock pecking at a bunch of grapes. 4. A wild boar baited by a dog. 5. A man with a bugle in his right hand, a spear in his left, and a tortoise by his side. 6. A nondescript bird, resembling a vulture, with a human head in its beak. 7. A nondescript figure, approaching to the monkey tribe, sitting in a chair, and playing on a harp. The circumstance relating to this Font is as follows ; it appears that previous to the year 1824 the end of the Font now resting on the floor was uppermost, and the present upper end which contains the sculpture was buried below the pavement ; the repairs of the floor of the Church in the year above-mentioned led to the discovery of the present figures, and it was therefore in consequence restored to its primitive position. Now as it was the practice with our Catholic forefathers, whenever they rebuilt a Church which had been erected either by the Saxons or Normans, to preserve their Fonts and even to retain them in the same original place ; there can be no doubt that when this Church was so rebuilt, the Saxon Font to them appearing of rude workmanship, and (as they supposed) to ill accord with their newly invented Gothic architecture, it was by them inverted. Many of the Fonts in our Churches therefore belong to the primitive Church, and not to the present structures, which may be even the third on the same foundations. It Avas a custom with the early Saxons first to set up their Fonts in different parts of the country, and to enclose them within a wooden house merely for baptismal purposes where afterwards they built a Church of wood, and in a few instances of stone ; whereas the Norman Churches were always constructed with stone. I am, Sir, Yours very truly, R. Brown, Aug. 1832. Professor of Architecture. gpxyan Jfmtt AT St. MARY CHURCH, DEVON. A. The Font. B. The Ornamental Band. [Engraved for the Panorama of Torquay.'] ANTIQUITIES. 22$ The Registers of Burials at this Church commence with 30th March, 1641 ; of Christenings 2nd May ; and of Marriages 24th June. The handsome altar-piece, repre- senting our blessed Saviour, as mentioned in Mr. Brown's letter, was presented by the late Sir Thomas Louis, Bart. In the vale of Paver or Combe Pafford, in an orchard opposite the old Alms-houses, are some ruins which tra- dition has invested with a curious tale which perhaps entitles them to notice. The legend says that whilst the place was building for a religious edifice, (prior to the erection of the Parish Church) the work of the day was torn down by night, and that this was the performance of a Spirit, whose voice was heard solemnly exclaiming, If you will my word fulfil Build the Church on St. Mary's Hill. Be this as it may ; notwithstanding the obliging disposi- tion of the Spirit, the walls have not the slightest evidence of such antiquity. St. Mary Church was one of the first parishes in South Devon that contributed to establish the sects of Whitefield and Wesley. So rigid were the inhabitants of these vil- lages in their devotion to the cause, that the doctrines of methodism were not only firmly planted, but the eminent founders themselves did not hesitate to appear personally among them, and enforce by their own eloquence the tenets they professed. Wesley and Whitefield frequently visited the parish, and the former held the meetings of his society at the house of a Member at Barton. Whitefield, on his visits to St. Mary Church, sojourned with his friends, the Shepheards, at Westhill ; and there, like Wesley, declared his opinions to the assembled circle. This old house of the Shephea ds is now uninhabited. Whitefield is also said to have preached in the open air in a meadow at Combe Pafford. III. Cockington. — This manor belonged, at the time of Domesday survey, to William de Falesia, whose pro- perty, Mr. Lysons says, was subsequently vested in Robert son of Martin Tours, Lord of Camois, in Wales. Roger, his youngest son, took the name of de Cockington. Sir James Cockington was the last heir male of the X 230 ANTIQUITIES. family ; at his death the manor passed hy marriage to Sir Walter de Woodland, usher of the chamber to the Black 1 Prince. It was held by Sir John Cary in the 14th cen-f tury, perhaps hy purchase. This ancient family pre-: viuusly resided at Stantor in the adjoining- parish ; andf the Cockington branch is celebrated for the number of } eminent men whom it produced. The property seems } to have heen twice confiscated during their connexion with it. Sir John Cary of Cockington was Chief baron!' of the Exchequer in the time of Richard II., and was' probably the son of Sir John, who twice represented ; this county in Parliament, along with Sir William Cary his brother. The Chief Baron was one of the judges who declaredin the king's favour at the celebrated council of Nottingham ; and although he was more fortunate than Sir Robert Tresylian, Sir Simon Burley, and others, the interest of Gloucester's party prevailed so far as to sentence him to death, and his estates to confiscation ; but the former sentence was remitted to banishment to Ireland, with an annual allowance of £20. The estates were restored to his son by Henry V. in consequence off a victory he obtained in Smithfield, over a knight errand of Arragon, distinguished throughout Europe for his feats of arms ; and as a further mark of approbation he and i his posterity were permitted to bear for ever the arms of the conquered knight, ' Argent, in a bend sable, three | roses of the first.' His descendant Sir William Cary* j was beheaded for taking part with Henry VI. at the j battle of Tewkesbury. After his attainder, Mr. Lysons j says, the manor of Cockington was granted to Sir Wil- : liam Bourchier, but was afterwards restored to the family. ; Sir George Cary, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, died at Cockington in 1615, and left the estate to his adopted ; nephew, whose son, Sir Henry Cary, from his circum- stances in the civil wars, was compelled to alienate this their ancient possession. f It was then sold (in 1654) to Roger Mallock, Esq. ancestor of the Rev. Roger Mal- * This gentleman was the immediate ancestor of the Viscounts Falkland. John Cary was raised to the peerage by that title iu 1620, and the arms above-mentioned are still borne by the two families. f Prince. ANTIQUITIES. 231 lock of Cockington Court, who is also the proprietor of the manor of Chelstun, which has passed by the same title. The Lords of the manor of Cockington had for- merly the power of inflicting capital punishment. Cock- ington had in former times, according- to Lysons, a market on Mondays and a fair for three days, at the festival of the Holy Trinity ; granted to Walter de Wood- land A. 1). 1297. The rectory of Tor Mohun with the chapel of Cockington was leased for life to George Cary, Secretary of War, by Queen Elizabeth in IC01 ; and granted A. 1G07, in fee to Sir Oliver Cromwell. § In 1609 Sir George Cary, the Lord Deputy, founded seven alms-houses at Cockington, for the poor of the parish. "Knowing, says Prince, how pleasing a sacrifice to God, charity and good deeds are, he purposed to do something for the poor ; and accordingly he set about the building of seven alms-houses for their use and comfort ; i. e. so many several apartments all under one roof, for seven poor people of that parish, — every one having a ground room, and a chamber over, with a little distinct herb- garden enclosed with a stone wall. 1 '* The charity has § Lysons, pp. 123-24. * The deed ran as follows. " Sir George Cary, of Cockinton, Kt. by his deed under hand and seal, bearing date 11th day of Sept. in the 6th year of the reign of K. James I., did grant to several feoffees in trust, an annuity of ,£30. per an. issuing out of his Minnors of Cockinton and Chilson, by quarterly payments for ever ; for and towards the reparation of seven alms-houses at Cockinton, there newly erected by the said Sir George Cary ; and for and towards the relief and maintenance of seven poor people, then and at all times afterwards inhabiting therein ; every poor man and woman to be paid one shilling every week, and at Christ- mas, yearly, a new frize gown and a new shirt or smock ; and the overplus of the £'30. per an. if any, shall be employed tor the us« of such of them as shall be sick ; and for such other necessary occasions as in the discretion of the feoffees shall be tlu ught fit:'* And the deed further declared, that " the owners of Cockinton House shall for ever thereafter nominate such poor people as shall be placed into the said alms-houses; so as such nomination be mad« within twenty-eight days after any of the houses be void,by death, or otherwise ; and so as the choice be of the poorest sort of the inhabitants of the parish of Cockinton ; and if there should be any neglect or default therein by the space of the twenty-eight days fully expired, that then the Bishop of Exeter for the time being, is to elect and nominate any such poor person as he shall think fit." Sir George Cary was buried in Cockington Church in Feb. 1615. 232 ANTIQUITIES also been increased by the purchase of 5$230 stock with k arrears, which gives a small additional allowance. In 1810,* an agreement was made between Mr. Mallock and the trustees, by virtue of which he has rebuilt the houses L in a more eligible situation and on an improved plan, L adhering of course to the tenor of Sir George Cary's ] deed ; The sum of 56150 was allowed to Mr. Mallock as the estimated expense of the repairs of the old buildings, but he expended more than double that amount in the erection of the new buildings. The Church, as we approach it from the lawn, is a highly picturesque, engaging, and beautiful object. It is richly overspread with ivy, and its dark tower rises among the trees which surround the fabric. As we enter \ the building by the doorway of the tower, which is \ arched with red conglomerate, the eye is engaged with the smallness of the interior, and with its appearance of \ elegant simplicity. There is a striking contrast between \ the capitals of the pillars of the two aides, those on one k side only are carved and the others plain. The church has been newly pewed. In the glass of the window over the communion table is emblazoned a warrior in armour ] with his sword. The screen has suffered much, but enough remains to engage the attention of the antiquary. On the sides of the entrance, boldly carved, are emble- matical representations of St. Matthew and St. Luke ; the former is on the north side with the inscription r Sanctus Mattheus, the latter on the south with the words > ; Sanctus Lucas. The font is of wood, handsomely carved, L and octagonal, having armorial bearings in each compart- ment, all impaled. We recognise those of Cary, Carew, Dinham and Paulet. The Pulpit formerly belonged to , Tor Church ; it is boldly carved and gilded, the upper rj part of the mutilated carved work having been surmounted [ with cherubs. When the present modern pulpit was erected in Tor Church, this interesting relic w-as about to have been broken up ; but it was fortunately saved from destruction by the Rev. Roger Mallock, who purchased it for the fabric which it now adorns. There are not many sepulchral stones to attract at- tention ; among those now 7 visible we have observed * Lvsons. ANTIQUITIES 26j Barbor of Cockington, 1702; Eastley of Stantor, 1603 ; Taylor of Cockington, 1709 ; those belonging to the Gary's in the family aisle have been recently covered by the pews. The Tower has been evidently arranged as a place of security, in time of danger ; the door has. inside bolts, and the upper apartments are fitted up with a fireplace and other conveniences* IV. Paignton. — This manor in very early times belonged to the See of Exeter, from which, by royal requisition, Bishop Veysey conveyed it to the Earl of Pembroke ; he sold it in 1644 to Sir Henry Cary, from whom, by an intermediate party, it passed to Samuel Kelland, Esq. At the death of C. Kelland Courtenay, Esq. his coheiresses brought it to the Earl of Cork and Mr. Poyntz, from whose representative, it passed by purchase to the Templer family. Blagdon barton, and Collator! Kirkham (otherwise ' Colaton Clavil') belonged to the family of Dennis, and passed to the Kirk hams by the marriage of Sir Nicholas with Agatha the sister of Sir Robert Dennis orle Deneis, in the reign of King Edwd. \, The heiress of Kirkham broughtthis property to Sir Geo, Blount, Bart, of whose representatives it was bought by M. Parker, Esq. Preston is vested in the Precentor of Exeter Cathedral, to whom the great tithes of the parish belong, by the appropriation of Bishop Quivil, in the reign of Edward I."* The lords of the manor could formerly inflict capital punishment. The ruins of the episcopal palace are still visible ; Sir Henry Pomeroy was obliged to make amendment and compensation to the Bishop (Bronescombe), in 1265, for having scaled the fences of this park, and hunted down the prelate's deetv with a large party from his castle at Berry. \ The Church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and measures 139 feet by 43. The stately tower is Gothic, engrafted on a Norman foundation, as the beautiful Norman doorway to the belfry shows. The roof of another entrance to the Church is richly groined. The Church has a large and airy appearance, but the six arches on either side of the nave are peculiarly plain. The columns/ * Lysons and Prince. f Eccks. Antiq. 234 ANTIQUITIES are also plain, and are much gone over towards the yard by the spreading of the roof, in consequence of a want of iron ties, with which the Gothic architects appear to have been unacquainted.! The windows are diversified in the tracery ; and some of them are of the most elegant design. The oak screen has been sacrificed, but some, remains of it are still visible in the north aisle, and among 1 the pews. In the Kirkham chantry is an elaborate and! truly magnificent monumental screen of freestone, with which, as Mr. Oliver observes, "barbarism has been suffered to riot with impunity." Under each of the two splendid arches are the mutilated effigies of a knight and his lady ; the base and the piers are superbly ornamented with small statues of saints all within canopied niches, which are curiously hollowed out from the surface of the stone. Those of the base are surmounted by mural battlements ; and those above the arches, by figures of angels holding shields of the form used in the time of Edwd. IV. One of the figures over the entrance is that of a warrior with his left hand resting on his sword. We regret to say that this splendid relic of art and piety is surmounted: with a modern escutcheon bearing the arms of Parker. O ! miseri, quae tanta insania, cives ! Within the chantry is the tomb of the Kirkhams, and their armorial shields. It bears the cross and crown ; under the former is the inscription Spes et, and under the latter Corona. The figures of the knight and lady are in a praying attitude. One of the shields has six quar-i terings, including Kirkham, Dennis, &c. The inscrip-i tions are now concealed by the seating. The poetical effusion to the memory, we believe, of Gulielmus Kirkham, thus commences, This worthy knight whose corps in tombe doth lye Hath and deserves a noble memory. In the north aisle, corresponding with this chapel, was another chantry ; the screen was wood. The Pulpit in this Church is splendidly carved, and painted with rich but quiet and harmonious colours. The five niches which had been closed up with mortar were restored by the Rev. F. Belfield of Primley. The figures in the three most f Communicated by Mr. Brown, Architect. m Ridgeway Carew. Mohun. w Palk. Pulpit at .Paignton. m Mallock. Norman Doorway of Paignton Tower. Cary. Haccombe. Tor Abbey. Pomeroy. [Panorama of Torquay, 1 832.] ANTIQUITIES 235 perfect are represented in the accompanying engraving; the centre is the blessed Redeemer on the Cross, at the at the foot of which is the Lamb, the figure in the niche on the left appears to have borne a scroll. These, like the Kirkham screen, were all more or less defaced by Cromwell's party : Splendid as they still are, it is pain- ful even to think of the wantonness of the period when these " sacred shrines And temples consecrate, were public marts Of profligate debasement." In a window of the north aisle are the arms of Bishop Lacy, who granted forty days indulgence to all penitents contributing to the support of the Church. In the wall, concealed and mutilated by a pew, is a stone skeleton — " a memento of mortality, says Mr. Oliver, not unfrequently placed in our churches during the 15th and I6th centuries." There is an escutcheon bearing the following inscription — " Heire lyeth the Heart and Bowels of the Right Honourable, most worthy, and highly esteemed John Snellen, Rear Admiral of Holland and West Friesland, who dyed the xxiiii of August mdcxci." His arms are, sable, two greyhounds argent; crest, a grey- hound, of the second. The Font is octagonal, plain. The Altar-Piece is of richly carved mahogany, with columns, between Corinthian and Composite. Underneath is an inscription which tells us that it was " Erected at the expense of Mrs. Jane Finney, of Blagdon, 1795. The Registers begin with 1559; that of marriages 18th Sept.; of baptisms, 12th Nov.; and of burials, 21st Nov. There ire memorials in the church for Matthew Finney, Esq. 1731; Protodorus Finney, Esq. of Blagdon, 1734; Han Belfield, Esq. 1800 ; Thomas Willes, M. D. 1809; •'ranees Mary Shard, the late possessor of Torbay House, [819 ; &c. &c. In the yard is the upright of the ancient Cross, at the foot of which it was the custom, in former times, to lay the corpse, while the Priest performed from its pediment part of the service for the dead. V. Marldon. — We are indebted for the following parti- culars relative to the Church, to the Rev. Geo. Oliver. " This church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and dependant on Paignton, is seated on the side of a hill, 236 ANTIQUITIES and measures in its inside length including the tower 90 feet, and in breadth 42|. Tradition says that it was built by the Gilbert family ; they certainly presented both to the church and its perpetual chantry: it is evidently the work of the 15th century. It consists of a chancel, a nave connected with a south aisle by seven arches, with a north aisle by five arches, and of a tower which rises about 90 feet high. Every observer must remark the additions and alterations introduced into the fabric since its first foundation. The stone screen is for the most part preserved, but has been moved upwards in the chancel. Over the entrance door are the words Exaltata est sancta Dei genetrioe super choros ange- lorum ad ccelestia regna. Above the screen has been hoisted a frightful erection of wood- work ; several of the windows have been repaired in defiance of every rule of ancient propriety ; and whitewash has been suffered to clot and bury the bold and beautiful sculpture of the capitals. The Registers of weddings begin 29th July, 1598 ; of baptisms. 7th July, 1602 ; of burials, 2nd Feb. 1604." The arms of the Gilberts of Compton Castle were emblazoned in many of the windows. There is also the family monument, with an effigies, smaller than life, but much mutilated ; another for (Egerus Gilbert, 1661; and memorials for John Peter, Esq., 1626; Abraham Peter, Esq., 1632 ; Sir Edward Cary,f 1654; Yard Eastley, of Stantor, 1J3J ; John Eastley, 1J93; &c. &c. VI. Brixham. Ulf possessed this manor in the reign of Edward the Confessor, and Juhel de Totnais, at the time of Domesday survey. It belonged subsequently to the Novants, •' from whom, says Mr. Lysons, it passed by conveyance to the Valletorts ; the co-heiresses of the last-mentioned family brought it to Pomeroy and Corbet. The Bonvilles afterwards became possessed of it; from them it descended to Grey, Duke of Suffolk, and by his f The impropriate Rectories of Mary Church and Paignton were sequestered from Sir Edward Cary, Recusant, in the time of the Commonwealth, and Mr. Oliver has preserved an order dated June 2, 1652, directing £50. to be paid out of the overplus profits, of the Rectories so sequestered, " for increase of maintenance of William. Randal, Minister of Berry Pomeroy." ANTIQUITIES 237 attainder became vested in the Crown." It was subse- quently divided into quarters, one of which came to the heirs of the late Duke of Bolton ; another to Charles Hayne, Esq. and John Seale, Esq. of Mount Boone ; another to Charles Hayne, Esq. and the Gillards ; and the fourth ( once the property of the Pomeroys ) to twelve yeomen of Brixham. The town was included, we believe, in this last portion, and although the shares have been much sub-divided, the proprietors all call themselves Quay Lords. The Church of Upper Brix- ham has been already noticed ( p. 142) it contains a cenotaph for the late Mr. Justice Buller, with a Latin inscription; and memorials for Yarde, Upton, and Fownes, Anthony Upton 1669; John Upton, Esq. of Lupton 1687; John Upton, Esq. 1690 ; Edwaid Yarde 1710 ; John Fownes, Esq. 1733. The following* is FlavePs inscription to Mr. Upton ; it is engraved on a brass plate, aud surmounted by a crown of righteousness. " To the pious memory of John Upton, Esq. a saint excellent on earth and now glorious in heaven, who was borne on earth April 7» 1590, and was translated to Heaven Sep. 11, 1641. Thinke not this single grave holds one alone, Many good men lie buried in this one : And though his life not long on earth appears, Hee ye good workes brought forth of many yeares : Swift to do good, his time he did improve, Industrious, active, and made all of love. Others do good by fits and in a mood, But this man's constant trade was doing good. Wisdome in him was joyned with devotion, And both adorned with sweetest conversation. Hee had no private nor self-seeking hart, As those that thinke the whole made for a part ; But by an universall spirite led, Which breathes into ye church from Christ her head, Hee loved ye whole, to it himself Hee gave, And in ye good thereof his good would have. Since then that spirite of Christ in him did live, That spirite to Him a glorious life doth give ; And as to it in plenty Hee did sow, A plenteous glory now to him shall grow ; And thou who mournest that Hee is not with thee Bee like him, and in blisse thou shalt him see." * Communicated by the Rev. H. F. Lyte. 238 ANTIQUITIES. In the Church of Lower Brixham is a mural tablet to Miss Smart, with some very beautiful lines, from the pen, we believe, of the accomplished Incumbent. Lvp- ton in this parish belonged to the ancient family of Peniles;* whose heiress in the loth century brought it to the Uptons, who possessed it for many generations. Charles Hayne, Esq. sheriff in 1772, rebuilt the mansion, and about 17^8, sold it to Sir Francis Buller, the Judge. It is now the residence of his descendant John Buller Yarde Buller, Esq. Upton was purchased of the family of Fortye by Montague Booth, Esq. about the close of the last century ; it is now the property and residence of George Cutler, Esq. There was formerly a chapel at this place. Neihway was brought by an heiress of the Coles to Sir John Hody, chief Justice of the King's Bench in the reign of Henry VI. His descendants about 1696, sold it to John Fownes, Esq. ancestor of John Fownes Luttrell, Esq. the present proprietor, see p. 143. Netbway had formerly a chapel. VII. Dartmouth. — This manor till the reign of Edward 1. passed as parcel of the barony of Totnes.| It is now, we believe, in the hands of the corporation. The manor of South-town, including St. Petrox, passed through the possession of Fitzstephen, Fleming, Mohun, Carew and South cote, from whom it came to Col. Seale, the proprietor of the Manor of Townstall. The South- cotes had a mansion behind St. Petrox church. " Here- tofore, says Prince, was a chain, which reached from one side to the other, which in time of war was front to be set up to prevent any invasion of the enemy." At the close of the 15th century Edward IV. entered into a covenant with the corporation of Dartmouth whereby they agreed to build " a stronge, and myghty, and dei'ensyve uewe towyr and bulwarke of lime and stone," for the protection of the place, to " garnish it with guns" &c, and find a chain to be laid across the mouth of the haven from one tower to the other. In consideration of this they were to receive an annual grant from the crown of £ZQ. We have not much to * Lysons, p. 72. X Ibid. ANTIQUITIES. 239 add to the account of the antiquities of Dartmouth, given at page 152. In the chancel of St. Saviour's is the tomb of John Hawley, a rich merchant and representative of the town, in the reign of Henry IV. The ruins of his mansion, called Hawley's Hall, are mentioned by Leland as remaining in his time in Hardnesse. On brass plates on a slab is the figure of Hawley as a knight in plate armour with his mail gorget, "between his two wives, taking hold of the hand of one with his right hand, and having the left on his belt ; a lion at his feet, and two dogs at the feet of each of the ladies." The original date, 1408, is now defaced. One of the ladies was the heiress of the unfortunate Sir Robert Tresylian, the celebrated Judge. We have always been struck with the similitude of Dartmouth harbour to that of Fowey, in Cornwall. VIII. Banks of the Dart. — Mount Boone, was for- merly the seat of the Boones, at whose extinction about the close of the 17th century, it was purchased by the ancestors of Col. Seale, the present proprietor. It was fortified with 22 pieces of cannon during the civil wars, and was taken by Coi. Pride. Greenway in the parish of Churston Ferrers was the old inheritance of the Gilberts of Compton Castle, having previously belonged to the family of Greenway. It was the birth place of the celebrated Sir Humphrey Gilbert. It subsequently- passed to theRoopes, and from them to the Eltons, Bullers, and Taylors. The modern mansion contains some good paintings. The parish of Churston Ferrers takes its name from the family of Ferrers. The old mansion at Churston was inhabited about twelve years ago by the son of Lord Vernon. The church is an appendant to Brixham, and is served by the Incumbent, or his curate. Watton once belonged to a family of that name, from whom, by female heirs, it passed to Fissacre and Holway, who held it in the reign of Charles 1. It is now the property of Henry Studdy Esq. — Watton Court, the residence of Mr. Studdy, has a small chantry chapel, with font, &c* and a burying ground attached to it. It was founded by the Holways, who endowed it with lands. Sandridge in ancient times had "lords called after its own name.'* Stephen de Sandridge held here three parts of a knight's 240 ANTIQUITIES. fee of the bishop of Exeter, as early as Kins: Henry 2 he married a daughter of Sir Antony Ager, one of the maids of honour to Queen Elizabeth, from whom in 1578 he ob- tained a patent of unusual privileges. She granted him power to undertake voyages of discovery, and to possess and inhabit such unknown and remote lands as were not already held by other christian princes, and this grant was to be null and void if not acted upon within the space of six years. Accordingly in June 1583, he equipped a squadron of five ships from 10 to 200 tons> with a crew of 260 men and artificers. In order to charm the natives with the "sweet sounds of melody," they were provided with "music in good variety, not omitting the least toyes, as morrice dancers, hobby- horses, and May-like conceits, to delight the savage people, whom they intended to win by all fair means possible." On the 1 lth of the month, this gallant ad- venturer sailed from Cawsand Bay, Plymouth, and pro- ceeded direct to the northern parts of America and New- foundland, where they arrived on the 30th July. On entering St. John's, he took possession in the name of the BIOGRAPHY 257 Queen of England and secured 200 leagues of land. The new territory was immediately parcelled out, and this celebrated colony was apparently established on a secure and lasting foundation. Sir Humphrey then proceeded in the Golden Hind of 40 tons, the Delight, and a small vessel ( called his frigate ) the Squirrel of ten tons, to make further discoveries to the southward. The Delight was soon lost among the shoals near Sable Island, and of 100 men on board, (among whom were the historian and mineralogist of the expedition) only twelve were saved. They now proposed to return to England, and although Sir Humphrey was repeatedly urged not to venture in his frigate, as she was by no means calculated for the voyage, he replied, " I will nut forsake my little company going homeward with whom I have passed so many storms and perils." After they had passed the Azores, they were overtaken by a tempest, and the, little vessel was almost buried in the waves. Her gallant commander was seen sitting in the stern with a book in his hand, and was heard by the seamen of the Hind en- couraging his comrades by exclaiming" " Courage my lads ! we are as near heaven by sea as by land." The same night the vessel, with all her ill-fated crew, was swallowed up by the sea. "Such was the unfortunate end of the, brave Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who may be regarded as the father of the Western colonization, and who was one of the chief ornaments of the most chival- rous era of English history." There can be no doubt that Sir Humphrey Gilbert, as the first coloniser of New- foundland, merits the highest rank among our naval- heroes. Hjs love of glory and honourable ambition, animated him with a thirst for foreign discovery; and while his talents fully qualified him for the enterprise in which he engaged, we find him entering on these adven- tures with that fortitude and spirit of research, Avhich gave the early English navigators such large advantages over their Spanish and Portuguese contemporaries. The mother of Sir Humphrey, by her second marriage, gave birth to another distinguished character of the Elizabethan, period, — the brave, accomplished, and unfortunate Sic; Walter Ralegh,* * Biog. Brit. Prince, Gortpn, Cab. Cycl. 258 BIOGRAPHY. Adrian Gilbert, the younger brother of the prece- ding, was also a navigator of some celebrity, He procured from Queen Elizabeth in 1585, the privilege of making discoveries of a voyage to China and the Moluccas, by the north-westward, north-eastward, or northward. He was the patron of the subject of the following memoir, who did honour to his friendship by calling the first harbour in which he anchored on his northern expedition, Gilbert's Sound. Prince also speaks of his skill in mining. John Davis, the eminent navigator, was born at Sandridge on the Dart, about the middle of the 16th cen- tury. He undertook, in 1 585, an expedition for effecting' a north-west passage to the East Indies, and discovered the straits leading to Baffin's Bay, which still bear his name. He twice subsequently engaged in polar expe- ditions ; but like all his followers in that field of research, with the recent exception of Capts. Parry and Franklin, he failed in making any important discoveries. He accom- panied Cavendish in one of his voyages to the South Sea, and was killed off the coast of Malacca, in an engagement w 7 ith some Japanese, while serving under Sir Edward Michelbourne, Dec. 1605. He is said to have invented a quadrant for taking the sun's altitude at sea, which preceded the use of Hadley's sextant. He wrote some accounts of his voyages, and a work entitled "The World's Hydrographical Description."* Sir Thomas Ridgeway, first Earl of Londonderry, was born at Torwood manor-house, towards the close of the 16th century. He was knighted in 1600 by Queen Elizabeth ; and was created a Lord of the Privy Council, Treasurer of War, and Deputy Treasurer of Ireland, by James I. At the institution of the baronetcy, in 1611, Sir Thomas was immediately invested with the order, and was the second Devonian admitted to that dignity. For his eminent public services he was advanced, four years afterwards, to the Peerage, by the title of Baron Ridge- way of Galen Ridgeway in the county of Londonderry ; and in 1622, by that of Earl of Londonderry. He died in 1620, and was buried in the parish church ofTormohun, * Biog.Brit. BIOGRAPHY. 250 where he had previously erected a handsome monument to his father's memory. The Rev. Dr. Robert Cary, a celebrated writer on chronology, was born at Cockington in 1615. He was educated at Oxford, and took his degree of Doctor of Laws in 1644. On his return from his foreign travels, he was presented to the rectory of Portlemouth near Kingsbridge, by the Marquis of Hertford. During the civil commotions he joined the presbyterian party, but expressed so warm an attachment to Charles II. at the restoration, that he was created Archdeacon of Exeter. He was ejected from that office in 1664, and immediately retired to his living. He died in 1688. His work was entitled " Palceologia Chronica, a Chronological Account of Antient Time; in three parts; 1. Didactical; 2. Apodeictical ; 3. Canonical. London, 1667. "§ William (?) Newcommen, was born at Dartmouth about the middle of the 17th century, and is known for his useful labours in the advancement of the steam engine. He followed the trade of a locksmith in his native town, and having been pleased with the researches of the Marquis of Worcester and others, on the expansive force of steam, he commenced a series of scientific experiments, apparently incompatible with his condition in life. Capt. Savary had invented a small engine for draining the mines in Cornwall, but it was deficient in many important principles ; and it was the aim of Newcommen not only to improve upon this plan, but to strike out in another and more extended path. He constructed his machine with the cylinder, and overcame the difficulty of condensing the vacuum which had baffled his predecessors, by intro- ducing a jet of cold water to condense the vapour in the cylinder, as soon as the piston was sufficiently elevated by the steam ; so that it might fall again by its own weight. His experiments were successful, and the scientific skill by which they were marked, recommended him to the notice of Hooke, the mathematician, with whom he maintained a correspondence. But there was § Biog\ Brit. Philos. Trans. No. 1. 260 BIOGRAPHY. one serious inconvenience attendant on this method, which continued tocontractthe utility of steam machinery; namely, the loss of time occasioned by the cooling- of the cylinder itself, during the condensation of steam, — and the subsequent loss of steam in restoring the the temperature of the cylinder, before the piston could reascend. This invention, however, was an important step in the great field of philosophy, and it preparecf the way for the magnificent discoveries of James Watt, for whom it was reserved to perfect and establish this most splendid ornament of human art. John Lethbridge, an ingenious machinist, of more merit and ability than many who have been better known, was born at Newton Abbot towards the end of the 17th century. We are indebted for the following particulars respecting him to Lysons's Devon, vol. II. " This gentleman appears to have been of the ancient family of his name. In a letter printed in the Gentleman's Maga- zine (vol XIX ), he states that, being much reduced in circumstances, and having a large family, he turned his thoughts to some extraordinary method of improving his fortune; and being prepossessed with the notion that it would be practicable to invent a machine to recover goods from wrecks lost in the sea, he made his first experiment in his orchard, at Newton Abbot, on the day of the great eclipse, in 1715, by going into a hogshead bunged up tight, in which he continued half an hour without any communication of air; he then contrived to place the hogshead under water^ and found that he could remain longer without air under water than on land ! His first experiment having been thus encouraging, he constructed his machine, with the assistance of a cooper in London. It was of wainscot well secured with iron hoops, with holes for the arms, and a glass of about four inches in diameter. It required 500 lbs. weight to sink it, lead being fixed to the bottom of the machine for that purpose; and the removal of 15 lbs. would bring it to the surface of the water. With this machine, Mr. Lethbridge says, he could move about twelve feet square at the bottom of the sea, where he frequently staid thirty-four minutes ; BIOGRAPHY. 261 he bad frequently been for six hours at a time in the engine, being frequently brought up to to the surface, where he was refreshed with a pair of bellows. Many hundred times, he states, he had been ten fathom deep, and sometimes twelve fathom with difficulty. When his machine was finished, he offered his services to some merchants of London, to adventure on the wrecks of some treasure ships then lately lost ; but it was some time before he found any who had sufficient confidence in the success of his experiments to offer him terms at all adequate to his deserts and expectations ; but after his success had been proved, he was employed to dive on wrecks in various parts of the world, both for his own countrymen, and for the Dutch and Spaniards, He mentions, in his letter already quoted, that he dived on wrecks in the West Indies, at the Isle of May, at Porto Santo, near Madeira, and at the Cape of Good Hope. His most laudable en- deavours were so far crowned with success, that he was enabled not only to maintain his family, but to purchase the estate of Odicknoll, in the parish of King's Carsvvell, near Newton Abbot. At the house of his grandson, John Lethbridge, Esq., at Newton, is a board on which is an inscription in gold ietters, dated 1736, stating that John Lethbridge, by the blessing of God, had dived on the wrecks of four English men of war, one English East Indiaman, two Dutch men of war, five Dutch East Indiamen, two Spanish galleons, and two London gaUeys, all lost in the space of twenty years ; on many of them with good success ; but that he had been very near drowning in the engine five times. The apparatus, about twenty years ago, was at Governor Holdsworth's, at Dart-* mouth, but it was then in a decaying state. Mr. Leth- bridge is thus noticed in the register of the parish of Wolborough : «' December 11, 1759. Buried Mr. John Lethbridge, inventor of a most famous diving engine, by which he recovered from the bottom of the sea, in different parts of the globe, almost 36100,000. for the English and Dutch merchants, which had been lost by shipwreck." There is reason to suppose, that Mr. Leth-. bridge was the. first person, who, by his ingenuity and intrepidity, succeeded in recovering goods from wrecked vessels ; there is, I believe, no record of Phipps's belU 262 BIOGRAPHY. which was a prior invention, having been successfully used for that purpose. "|| Philip Frowde, a dramatic poet, and friend of Addison, was born at Totnesin the latter part of the 17th century. He was educated at Magdalen College, Ox- ford, where he formed a personal friendship with Addison, which continued through life. He was the author of two tragedies, " Philotas" and " the Fall of Saguntum," besides a variety of very beautiful poems, published in the Musae Anglicanee, aud distinguished by their chaste Latinity. He died in London, in 1738.f John Huxham, M. D. born about 1694. We are indebted for the following memoir of this celebrated physician to Henry Woollcombe, Esq. of Plymouth, to whomit was given by the late Jas. Northcote, Esq.R. A., who had taken it from a manuscript written by an intimate friend of Huxham's who knew him well. We shall give the interesting memoir by Northcote, verbatim, with the exception of one error which states him to have been born at Totnes ; we are, however, assured by his immediate descendants that they now occupy at Harberton (one mile from Totnes) the house which was unques- tionably his birth-place, aud that it has remained in their family for many generations. They have also in their library many books which are thought to have belonged to him. The following is Mr. Northcote's account. " John Huxham, M. D. — He was born in Harberton of very honest but obscure parents. His father was a dis- senter in principle, and a Butcher by Trade, and a very careful man. He had a small estate in the parish of Staverton which h-e left to his eldest son, which was disposed of when he came of age, to defray the charges of his education. The Doctor was young when his Father died, who left him to the sole care of Mr. Thos. Edgley a dissenting minister in Totness, who was era- powered to bring him up to any profession that he inclined to or was fit for. It soon appeared that be was capable |j Communicated to Mr. Lysons by Capt. Thomas Lethbridge, Ji,N., a grandson of Mr. John Lcthbridge. f Biog. Dramat. BIOGRAPHY. 263 of letters, and therefore Mr. Edgley placed him to a grammar-school. The most of his time in this way was spent with Mr. Gilling of Newton, where he acquired a very good knowledge in the classics, and it was discov- ered that he had a great memory, tho' assisted by very little diligence or application. He was always esteemed to have very good parts, and to perform his exercises well, but at the same time careless ; but honest in making no pretensions to Religion, i. e. he did not coincide exactly with the bigots of that time. Having finished his courses, he Avas sent to Leyden to study Physick under the learned Boerhaave. He did not re- main there more than one year and half, his circumstan- ces not admitting any further expense, but it happened that by his great application, added to his abilities-, he had got more in that small time than some would or could have done in thrice the time. In short, he studied hard, read a great deal, and made the best of his advantages, and after he had gone thro' all his Lectures, he went to Rheims in France to take his degree, because that could be had much cheaper there than at Leyden. Thus finished, he returned to Totness, waiting for a place of settlement to try his fortune. He did not wait long for a place, for Dr. Hankyn, a thick-headed physician of Plymouth, dying, Edgley thought it was an opening for him, and accordingly carried him directly thither. His coming recommended by Mr. Edgley was sufficient to put him under the protection of the Dissenters, who were immediately his friends ; and that he might appear in lodgings suitable to his quality, he was taken to lodge and board with Mr. Mordecai Cockey, one of the best men in Mr. Enty's meeting. In this situation he con- tinued some time, having as yet little practice, for Dr. Seymour had the general run of the Town. Business not immediately answering expectation, he began to think of marrying into some family which might have interest to promote it. It happened that Miss Ellen Corham was then in town, and not provided for. So he made her an offer, and succeeded, and being settled in an house of his own he began to look bigger and affect much more gravity than usual, and here was the begin- 264 felOGRAfHY. ning of that stiff and affected behaviour which he has been so very remarkable for. He pretended to believe that his awkward strut and unnatural gravity would give him respect ; tho' he freely owned to a friend, when he was speaking to him about it, that he laughed at him- self for doing it. " Je moque de moi meme," was his expression. He began to be much out of humour a little after he was married, because business did not come in as he expected. He said Plymouth was ' a damn'd quacking place,' because some people were better pleased to trust themselves in the hands of an old apothecary, than with a young physician who had never been used to them. He used every little art he could think of to make people believe how much he was employed. He would often appear in boots,* though he had no place to ride ; he would often ride out at one gate and return by another, though he had no patient to visit, and he scarce ever went to church but his boy must be sent to call him out, tho' he had nothing in the world to do ; and thus he went on, inwardly cursing the apothecaries who did not think it worth their while to recommend him ; till luckily for him Doctor Seymour's first madness broke out. He then began to be taken notice of by the church party, as well as the dissenters. His practice now increased daily, and in a very few years he got an estate, and that he might be known the better, he wrote up several cases which he met with, to Dr. Jurin, Secretary to the Royal Society; by which means he contracted a correspondence with him, and was soon chosen a Fellow of that body, to which he was a credit. Thus he was soon introduced into the best business both of town and country, and was thereby enabled to live in that splendour which at first he never expected. As a scholar, he was allowed to understand Latin well, and to be thoroughly acquainted with books. As a physician, he was indefatigable in his business, and spared no pains by night or day to visit, if * From a change of manners this is somewhat unintelligible to us; but it must be remembered that at this time, Physicians appeared dressed, wearing cocked hats, powdered wigs with bags attached to them, shoes with buckles, &c. and no one would have thought of wearing boots unless he were actually going on horse- back. Note by Mr. Wooll combe. BIOGRAPHY 265 occasion required ; nor was he griping for his fee like Doctor Seymour ; but was generally esteemed moderate in his demands, and very compassionate and even gene- rous sometimes to the sick poor. He was very tenacious of his opinion and practice, when contradicted by any physician. He kept a decent character with regard to his morals, and was guilty of very few excesses in any shape. He was a good Anatomist and Natural Philoso- pher, and had, upon the whole, knowledge and learning sufficient to support his character in business. He died at Plymouth, August 10th 1768, and lyes buried in the north aisle of the parish church of St. Andrews in that town, at the east end of that church near the great door. As to his age he was always shy of speaking of it, so that it cannot be known with any certainty ; but his family supposed him to be between 73 and 74 years old, at the time of his death. By his marriage he had one son who was bred to the Church, and two daughters, all of whom survived him. As to his person, he was rather a little man, of a fair complexion, and had a cast in his left eye. His print is a strong likeness of him as it was taken from a tolerable picture and painted from the life. He com- monly wore a scarlet cloak, and (when drest) a suit of Mack velvet. Mr. W. Veale, the Apothecary, of Ply- mouth, said that Dr. Huxham must have been 76 at his death. At the latter part of his life he always visited his patients in a sedan chair."* There is a Portrait of Dr. Huxham in the Hall of the Royal Society at Somerset House, among those of its Members ; and another original portrait of him in the possession of the Rev. Richard Hennah, Chaplain of H. M. troops in Plymouth Garrison, who married 1 a Miss Veale, the only child of the Mr. Veale alluded to in the preceding memoir by Northcote. His writings are * There are a great many anecdotes preserved of Huxham, all tending to corroborate the account here given of him, for though ke was unquestionably a man of talent, yet he was an instance of that strange admixture of character we constantly perceive in human nature. I abstain from mentioning them, because I hope some of them are overcharged ; and I do not love to dwell on the imperfections of men, where there is real ability, as there was in t&is one. Note by Mr, Woollcombe. AA 266 BIOGRAPHY, " A Treatise on Fevers 1739," 8vo. A Dissertation on the malignant ulcerous Sore-throat, " Observations on Air, and Epidemic Diseases ;" "Observations on Anti- mony," etc. A spirituous infusion of Peruvian bark and aromatics, which he was fond of prescribing, still retains the title of «« Huxham's tincture of Bark." His Treatise on Fevers led to a singular but gratifying distinction. The Queen of Portugal was attacked with fever which baffled all the skill of the native physicians. The King therefore summoned the physician of the British factory to her assistance, who stipulated for her immediate resignation to his own treatment and discretion. Her Majesty soon recovered; and the physician having de- clared that he had derived all the knowledge on which his method was founded from the principles contained in the work of Dr. Huxham, the King ordered a translation of the Treatise to be made into the Portuguese language, and on its publication, presented Huxham with a splen- did quarto copy. It has been announced in Germany that the collected Latin Medical Classics now publishing at Leipsig, will comprise anew edition of Dr. Huxham's works, The Rev. Edward Lye, the learned author of the Saxon Dictionary was born at Totnes, in 1704. Having gradu- ated at Oxford, he entered into holy orders ; and held successively the livings of Little Houghton and Yardley- Hasting-s in Northamptonshire, to which he was pre- sented by the Earl of Northampton. But the lustre which he has shed on this his county arose from his profound acquaintance with the manners and language of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors, which he has illustrated with unequalled ability, and with a vast fund of philo- logical research. His first literary work was a translation of part of the Gothic Glossary of Francis Junius. This celebrated work, entitled " Etymologicon Anglicanum," Mr. Lye published in 1743, from the MS. in the Bodleian library, enriched with original notes, and a new grammar of the language. His second work was a translation of the four gospels into Gothic, and a Gothic Grammar. But the most splendid and elaborate of all his efforts, is his "Anglo-Saxon and Gothic Dictionary," a work of BIOGRAPHY. 267 immense talent, versatility of intellect, and erudite and laborious study. Although it occupied many years in the composition, he did not live to see it published ; but in 1772, five years after his death, it appeared under the auspices of Owen Manning- the antiquary, with a grammar of both tongues- prefixed, and a memoir of the author. The title is " Dietionarium Saxonico et Gothico- Latinum, auctore Edvardo Lye, edidit et auxit O. M." 1772, 2 vols, folio. This is a work of which Devon may well be proud, for it would take an honourable rank, if it had no other aim than that of a successful compilation ; but it possesses the higher merit of having not only diffused a taste for this most interesting department of national history, but of having given an impulse to phi- lology which is even yet insufficiently appreciated. t It does not appear that Lye kept up his connexion with his native county, for Dean Milles is the only Devonian in the list of subscribers to his work. Benjamin Kennicott, D.D.,the celebrated Hebraist, was born at Totnes, in 1718, and was the son of Ben. Kennicott, the parish clerk. He was educated at the Totnes grammar-school, and obtained the situation of master of the charity-school of that place. By the assistance of some friends he became a student of Wadham College, Oxford, in 1744, where he distinguished himself by his application to the higher branches of theology. In 1747 he published "Two Dissertations, the first on the Tree of Life in Paradise ; and the second on the oblations of Cain and Abel." This work brought him into notice ; he was soon after elected Fellow of Exeter College, and, as a tribute to his merit, was admitted to the degree of B.A. without the usual fees. He enter- tained his design of collating the Hebrew MSS. of the Old Testament about 175C, and a few years afterwards called public attention to the subject by a pamphlet entitled " The State of the printed Hebrew Text of the Old Testament considered." The plan was successful, and he commenced, in 1758, the arduous work of collation, f We are indebted for a translation of Manning's Life of Lye, in the Saxon Dictionary, to Henry Woollcombe,JEsq. of Plymouth; which is the authority for this article. 268 BIOGRAPHY under very liberal patronage. The principles, however, ex- pressed in the tract already published, had excited no small attention, and were ably commented upon by Mr. Home, afterwards Bishop of Norwich. But these things did not deter him, and he proceeded actively with his under- taking. About the same time he was presented to the living of Culham in Oxfordshire, and appointed a preacher at Whitehall. He took his degree of D.D. in 1761, and received from the crown a pension of 3S20Q. In 1767> he was chosen Keeper of the Radcliffe Library, and three years afterwards a Prebend of Westminster, which he afterwards exchanged for a Canonry at Christchurch. In 1776, his Hebrew Bible appeared with the various readings of MSS. 2 vols, fol.; to which he added in 1780, another folio work entitled " Dissertatio in Vetus Testa- mentum Hebraicum, cum variis lectionibus." His other works were principally sermons and polemical tracts, and '• Remarks on select passages of the Old Testament" posthumously published. All these writings display great power and originality, profound learning, and independent thinking. Among early anecdotes told of Dr. Kennicott at Totnes, it is said that he composed some sacred music, and instructed the choir of the church ; it is also said that he was fond of bell-ringing, and Mr. Poiwhele has preserved his set of rules for the ringers at Totnes. The inscription which he wrote and had engraved on his father's tomb is curious, and original : "As virtue should be of good report, sacred be this humble monu- ment to the memory of Benjamin Kennicott, parish-clerk of Totnes, and Elizabeth his wife : the latter an example of every Christian virtue ; the former animated with the warmest zeal, regulated by the best good sense, and both constantly exerted for the salvatiou of himself and others. Reader, soon shalt thou die also ; and, as a candidate for immortality, strike thy breast and say, Let me live the life of the righteous, that my latter end may be like his. Trifiing are the dates of time ivhen the subject is eternity. Erected by their son, Benjamin Kennicott, D.D,, Canon of Christ Church, Oxford." This amiable and excellent divine died August 18th> 1783.* * Chalmers. Aikin. Gorton's Biog. Diet. Lysons. Vol. II. BIOGRAPHY. 269 George Baker, an eminent East Indian benefactor, was born at Tormohun, in 1721, of very respectable pa- rents. He was a man of great talents, and rose entirely by his own exertions. He chose the naval profession, and in due time obtained command of one of the ships be- longing to the East India Company. He retained this situation for many years, and at length retired from the service, and settled at Madras. That place was then badly and very inadequately supplied with water, and Mr. Baker proposed a plan to the company, by which water might be brought to the settlement. This plan was reported on by the Company's agents as impracticable, and given up as useless. But Mr. Baker's ardour was not damped by this refusal ; he undertook the patriotic work at his own risk and expense, and succeeded in bringing thcwater to Madras. The wells are called, we believe, Baker's Wells, to this day ; they were subse- quently sold to the East India Company.* Mr. Baker was the immediate ancestor of Nicholas Baker, Esq. of Newton. The following is the inscription on his mo- nument in the parish-church of Tormohun. " To the memory of Geo* Baker, Esq., who, after a life devoted to the public service and to private acts of beneficence^ died at Madras, in the East Indies, July 9th, 1799 ; aged 78 years. His benevolence and charity ceased not with his life ; amidst various and liberal bequests to the indi- gent and distressed, he distinguished by a legacy of <£500, this his native parish. His nephew, William Baker, caused this marble to be erected in token of his veneration and affectionate gratitude." Philip Furneaux, D. D. a celebrated nonconformist divine, was born at Totnes in 1726. He was educated for a dissenting minister^ and in due time was appointed assistant preacher to the presbyterian congregation in St* Thomas's Southwark, and a Sunday-evening lecturer at Salter's Hall. In 1753 he was elected pastor of the congre- gation of Clapham, where he became one of the most popular pulpit orators of his day. He was there presented with the diploma of Doctor of Divinity by one of the Scotch * Communicated by Nicholas Baker, Esq., of Newton. 270 BIOGRAPHY. universities. For the last six years of his life his sphere of usefulness was much contracted by the appearence oS mental derangement, from which he never recovered. He died in 1783. Dr. Furneaux's works, although not nu- merous, are distinguished by their large spirit of christian benevolence and universal charity, to say nothing of their talent and acuteness. The work which is per- haps best known, is "An Essay on Toleration," which he published in 1778 ; but the most important is entitled "Letters to the honourable Mr. Justice Blackstone, concerning his Exposition of the Act of Toleration and some positions relating to Religious liberty, in his cele- brated Commentaries on the Laws of England." In this work he attacked the principles of the Judge, with much spirit and ability, and was not unworthy to form, along with Jeremy Bentham and Priestley^ that distin- guished Triad by which the positions of Blackstone were assailed. f Robert Sweet, a popular and meritorious writer on 1 Gardening and Botany, was born at Cockington in 1782. He was the son of William Sweet, the gardener at Cock- ington Court, and displayed, at an early age, a talent for that walk of life in which he has so much excelled. On the formation of the celebrated Nurseries at Bristol by his elder brother, Sweet proceeded to that city to perfect himself in the art, and subsequently filled the honourable office of foreman at Colville's Establishment in the Chelsea road. But he is more known to the practical gardener for his useful publications, — and to the botanist for the arduous research, diligence, and ability which distinguish them. His chief work is entitled " Hortus suburbcmns Londinensis" but a still more recent publi- cation has appeared entitled " Cistiriece, The Natural order of Cistm or Rock Rose," — the extreme beauty of which causes its to regret that we are not more largely favoured by his pencil and his pen. Sweet was always, we believe, an eccentric person, — modest in the expression of his sentiments, and reserved in showing his talents f Gent. Mag. BIOGRAPHY. 271 until called upon to display them. It is not unlikely that his abstracted, and occasionally absent manner arose out of his habits of study and that mode of reason- ing which traces every result to its cause. His life has been a checkered one ; and although it has already been productive of very marked utility, Ave trust that he may yet be permitted to favour and delight a public, with whom he is always welcome. William Brockedon,* another of the eminent men whom Totnes has produced, and one of the most popular artists of modern times, was born in that town, October 13th, 1787. His father, who was a watchmaker, was a native of Kingsbridge, where, and in the adjoining town of Dodbrook, his family have been residents or have held property since the reign of Henry IV. The subject of this memoir was educated at the school of Mr. Dawe, who is still living, though retired from his establish- ment, at Totnes ; but in this, his acquirements were limited to writing and arithmetic. His father was a man of singularly fine and powerful understanding : and to his natural talents are, no doubt, to be attributed the turn which Mr. Brockedon's character had taken before the age of 15. It grew under his instruction and advice, and the taste he then acquired for mechanical pursuits has never left him. At the early age just mentioned, Mr. Brockedon had the severe misfortune to lose bis father, who died in Sept. 1802. During his long illness of nearly twelve months, our artist, young as he was, conducted his business; after his death, in accordance with an arrangement made previously to that event, he spent six months in London in the house of a watch manufacturer, to perfect himself in what he ex- pected would have been his pursuit in life. On his return from London, he continued to carry on the business on behalf of his mother for five years ; when some drawings that he had recently made were shown to the Ven. Arch- deacon (then Mr.) Froude of Dartington. The art had been * We are proud that Mr. Brockedon has permitted us to present his native county with the, first memoir of his honourable and interesting exertions. 272 BIOGRAPHY a pleasure to him from childhood, and Archdeacon Froude (who had been a kind friend to his father, especially during his illness) now generously took an interest in encouraging him to pursue painting as a profession. With his characteristic feeling, the Archdeacon liberally aided Mr. Brockedon's journey to London and establish- ment there, during the period of his studies at the Royal Academy. Mr. Brockedon first went to London as an artist in Feb. 1809, and from that time pursued his studies as a painter with little interruption from other objects. In 1815, immediately after the Battle of Waterloo, he pro- ceeded to France and Belgium, and had the benefit and gratification of seeing the Gallery of the Louvre before its dispersion. Soon after his return he painted the picture of the Acquittal of Susanna, now in the Crown Court of the Castle of Exeter, and presented it to his native County. The next large picture which he produced is now in the Church at Dartmouth, presented through his valued friend, A. H. Holdsworth, Esq., M.P.; the subject is Christ raising the Widow's Son at Nain ; this picture obtained for him the prize of 100 Guineas from the Directors of the British Institution. In 1819, he in- vented a mode of drawing fine wire by means of holes pierced in Sapphires, Rubies, and other gems. This discovery was patented, but from the facility of violation was not a source of profit, though it is now the mode universally adopted. In connexion with this object he again visited France. In the summer of 1821, he married an inestimable woman, and left England soon after for a tour in Italy. He wintered in Rome, and painted during his stay, a picture of the Vision of the Chariots to the Prophet Zachariah, which was exhibited there in the Pantheon. After visiting Naples he retur- ned to England by Venice, the Tyrol, the Rhine, and Belgium. On his arrival he renewed his studies as a painter, and produced several pictures. In 1824, he made an excursion to the Alps, to investigate the route of Hannibal; and on his return, having traversed the Alps four times during that journey, it occurred to him that illustrations of the « 'Passes," a subject of great in- BIOGRAPHY 273 terest and pleasure to him in the inquiry, would not he uninteresting to the public ; and with this view, he followed up the investigation during the following sum- mers of 1825, 1826,-28 and 29. In the course of this pursuit, he was led to cross the Alps fifty-eight times, and to pass in and out of Italy by above forty different routes. His work on the "Passes of the Alps" in two volumes is a part of the result of these Journeys. In 1829, Mr. Brockedon had to endure a severe dispensation in the loss of his wife in child-birth. His last visit to the Alps followed that event, as a means, amidst the change and excitement of such scenes, of diverting his mind from his affliction. Another beautiful work has been edited by Brockedon subsequently to the Passes of the Alps ; viz. "An Illustrated Road Book from London to Naples," but only two parts out of five yet have appeared. Brockedon is the editor and the principal contributor of the draw- ings, — Prout and Stanfield occasionally assisting him with the production of their pencil. The work however belongs to the Findens ; and as the delays of publication depend on them, it is probable that it will not be com- pleted until after the publication of their splendid illus- trations of Lord Byron, a work which engages all their attention, in order that it may be issued concurrently with Murray's new edition of Byron's Works. To those who have seen the first numbers of this Road Book, it ia unnecessary to point out the merits of Brockedon's Place Louis XVI, Lanslebourg, etc. which are not only excel- lent as works of art, but rival, with no mean pretensions* their beautiful associates. Mr. Brockedon still retains his love of scientific pur- suits. He has recently invented a new pen which he has patented jointly with Mordan, the well-known pencil manufacturer. It is new in its form and principle of action ; the slit being oblique in the direction in which the writing usually leans ; it bears the name of the oblique pen and since the sale has commenced, the production has fallen far short of the public demand for it. Mr. Brockedon's time is now occupied in painting or in making drawings in water colours for his works, with occasional deviations, as in the case of the pen and thor 274 BIOGRAPHY. wire, to mechanical inquiry and pursuits. Hence the objects to which his attention is directed are numerous, but he may justly claim the merit of perseverance in the accomplishment of all that he has undertaken. Our space does not allow us to enter into a critique on Mr. Brockedon's talents as an artist * but in these days when art seems to raise her drooping head, it is no small credit that his works are the theme of universal admiration. His historical paintings display a depth of thought and an unaffected ease of imagination, which are unknown to the showy style of some of his contemporaries 5 but we confess that we rejoice to see his pencil at work with the sombre and mighty magnificence of mountain scenery. His turn of mind is peculiarly qualified for this branch of the art 5 and while he has reaped a rich harvest of fame by his productions in his native land, it is pleasing to see him gathering fresh laurels from the sunny fields of Italy. aSurcjnqpljtnil |->ummar», EMINENT NATIVES OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OP SOUTH DEVON. Ashburton — John Dunning, "anaroe, says Sir "William Jones, to which no title can add lustre," the 1st Lord Ashburton, and Statesman, born 1732. — John Gifford, translator of Juvenal and Persius, Poet, and Critic, b. 1797. — [Carlisle, the Deistical Writer, now resident in London, is also a native of this town.] Brixham Parish — Sir John Hody, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, floruit, 1440, Chudleigh — John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, the hero of Blenheim, b. 1650. — Thomas Rennell, Painter. —Major James Rennell, Geographer, b. 1742. Cockington — Sir John Cary, Chief Baron of the Ex- chequer, fl. 1390. — James Cary, Bishop of Exeter, fl. 1419.— Rev, Dr, Robert Cary, Chronologist, fl. 1650. — Robert Sweet, (now resident in London,) writer on Botanv, b, 1782. 275 BIOGRAPHY Dartmouth — John Hawley, a rich Merchant, and be- nefactor to the town, fl. 1400. — W. Newcommen, Engineer, fl. 1680. Grernwat — Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Coloniser of New- foundland, Warrior and Navigator, b. about 1540 — Adrian Gilbert, brother of the preceding, a Navi- gator, and the person, who gave name to " Gilbert's Sound," fl. 1585. Harberton — Dr. John Huxham, Medical writer, b. 1694. Loventor. — Rev. George Lyde, Vicar of Widecombe in the Moor, who was preaching when that Church was destroyed by lightning in 1638 ; Author of a Poem on the catastrophe. Newton Abbot — John Lethbridge, Inventor of a Diving Machine, fl. 1730. Sandridge — John Davis, Discoverer of "Davis' Straits,'' fl. 1590. Sharphaivi. — Mr. Sergeant Drew, lawyer — and Recorder of London in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Teignmouth — ^Mrs.) Mary Anne Prowse, (now resident in Torquay), Author of the " Guerilla Bride," and other Poems. Torbryan — Guy de Bryan, Warrior and Ambassador, fl. 1350, — Sir William Petre, Secretary of State, etc. fl. 1560. Tormohun — Sir Thos. Ridgeway, Earl of Londonderry, fl. 1600. — Geo. Baker East Indian benefactor, b. 172*1, Totnes. — Philip Frowde, Dramatist, fl. 1710. — Edward Lye, Author of the Anglo-Saxon Dictionary, b. 1704. — Benjamin Kennicott, D. D., Hebraist and Canon of Christ Church, b. 1718. — Philip Furneaux, writer on Religious Liberty, b. 1726. — William Brockedon, Historical Painter, (now resident in London ;) b. 1787. APPENDIX. <£ccl?£ta£ttcal Crs'taoltel) merit I. — United Parishes of Tormohun and Cockington. Incumbent. — Rev. Robert Gee, M. A. Clerk. — Mr. Lander. * Torquay Chapel of Ease. Minister. — Rev. Charles Lane, M. A. Clerk. — Mr. Sharland. — Organist. — Mr. Barnes. II. Parish of St. Mary Church. church. Vicar.— Rev. G. M. Coleridge, B. D. Dependant Churches. * Kin gsker swell. — Incumbent, Rev. A. Neck. M. A. *Coffinswell. — Curate, Rev. W. Barker, M. A. III. Parish of Paignton. Vicar. — Rev. Robert Gee, M.A. * Dependant Chapelry of Marldon. Curate. — Rev. Richard Hayne, M. A. IV. Parish of Brixham. Upper Brixham. — Vicar, Rev. R. Holdsworth. Curate. — Rev. Thomas Twysden. * Defendant Church of Kingsware. Incumbent. — Rev. R. Holdsworth. Lower Brixham. — Incumbent, Rev. H. F. Lyte, M. A. V. DART3I0UTH. St. Saviour's and Townstall. Incumbent. — Rev. R. Holdsworth. Curate. — Rev. Edward Dix. St. Petrox. Incumbent— Rzv. J. M. Glubb. APPENDIX 277 VI. TOTNES. Vicar. — Rev. Joseph Cuming. Curate. — Rev. Thomas Cleave. VII. COMBE-IN-TEIGNHEAD. Rector.— Rev. W. B. Wrey. Curate. — Rev. Thomas Kitson. VIII. Stoke-in-teignhead. Rector. — Rev. Dr. Collyns. IX. WoLBOROUGH AND St. LEONARD'S ChAPEL, Newton Abbot. Rector.— Rev. W. Clack. Curate. — Rev. J. Bradford. X. Newton Bushell Chapel. Incumbent. — Rev. Thomas Whipham. Curate. — Rev. John Atkins. XI. Haccombe Extra-parochial Chapelry. Incumbent. — Rev. Thomas Carew. Officiating Minister. — Rev. William Kitson. XII. Berry Pomeroy. Vicar. — Rev. J. Edwards, Curate. — Rev. E. C. Brown. XIII. Abbot's Kerswell. Vicar. — Rev. William Kitson. Curate. — Rev. Robert Kitson. BB 278 APPENDIX XIV. Ogwell. East Ogwell. — Rev. Thomas Whitburne. West Ogwell. — Rev. John Templer. XV. Denbury. Incumhetit. — The Venule. Archdeacon Froude, Curate. — Rev. — Coney. XVI. Ipplepen. Incumbent. — Rev. — Marriott. XVII. Dartington. Rector.— The Ven. Archdeacon Froude. Archdeaconry of Totnes. Archdeacon. — Rev. R. H. Froude. Roman Catholic Church. I. Ugbrook. — Rev. J. Brownbill. II. Follaton. — Rev. C. Tirmnings. III. Tor Abbey.— Rev. J. M'Enery. Independent Chapel, Torquay. Minister, — Rev. W. Greenwood. Military Establishment. South Devon Yeomanry Cavalry. Head Quarters, — Teign mouth, Commandant , — Major Warwick H. Tonkin, K. C. M. Governor of Dartmouth Castle, A. H. Holdsworth. Esq. Civil Establishment. Collector of Customs for the Port of Dartmouth, (including Torbay.) Edward Brooking Esq. Comptroller. — George H. Sparke, Esq. appendix 279 Magistrates for the Paignton Division. Henry Studdy ; Edward Elton ; J. B. Yarde Buller ; J. Farlby ; Henry Gary ; George Templer, and Robert Shedden, Esqrs. Rev. William Kitson ; Rev. Robert Holdsworth. The Torbay Bank. {Established in 1832.) Firm, — William Vivian, William Kitson, and Edward Vivian. Rooms at Mr. Kitson's Office, Vaughan Parade. London Bankers— Btwmrd, Dfcnsdale, and Diwsdale, 50, Cornhill. Professional Men at Torquay, Medical. Physicians. — William Scully, — Alexander Denmark. R. F. de B. Barry ;— W. B.'Wilmot. Surgeons, — William Pollard; J. B. Jolley; Henry Cartwright; J. B. Blackaller, Tor. Attornies. Messrs Abraham* and Kitson. J. N. P. Cosserat,* Thomas Atkins.* ^Masters Extra, in Chancery. Fine Arts, &c. L. Costil, French Gentleman, Artist. INDEX TO THE panorama at Corquag, ABBREVIATIONS. Antiq Antiquities. Mem Memoirs. Trans Transactions. Par. Hist. . Parochial History. Hist History. Page Abbot's Kerswell 1 75. Antiq. 249 Ansty's Cove, 91-92 The Cavern, . . . . 92 The Camp, . . . . 204 Antiquities of Dartmoor 197-98 Antiquities, .. .. 200-51 Anning's, Miss, discoveries, 132 Appendix, 276 Ash Hole, . .. 13/120, 146-48 Ashburton, 180, — Camps... 207 B. Babbicombe, 94-95 Baker, Geo. mem. of . . . . 269 Balle, Robert, anecdote of 224 Banks of Dart . . . . 154-55 Baronius, Cardinal . . . . 251 Barton, .. .. 6, 96, &b Beche, Mr. De la, 5, 11, 131-38 Becky Fall, 193 Believer Tor, 193 BerrvHead, . .. 121, 144-46 . Antiq. .. . . 202-3 Berry Pomeroy Castle . . 165-71 Village, .. ..171 Church Antiq. 246-4 Biography, 254-75 Bishop's Teignton Church .. 250 Blagdon 171 Booker, Dr. on Napoleon . . 31 Booker's, (T. W.) Poem on Torquay 3 Botany of Torquay. . .. 74-76 Berry Head . . 146 ■ Dartmouth .. . . 153 Holne Chase . . 183 Page Bovey Heathfield. . . . 11, 195 Bowerman's Nose . . . . 193 Bradley, 13, 117,— House, 173 Breakwater in Torbay . . 3 Brent Tor 196 Brewer, Lord Win. 208, 215-16 Bridgetown Pomeroy. . .. 158 British Antiquities . . . . 201 in Kent's Hole,. . 122 in Chudleigh Cave, 127 Brixhara, 25, 141, 148, 236-38 Church, .. .. 237 Broadhempston 185 Broadridge Plain . . . . 175 Brockedon, Wm. mem. of 271-74 Brown's (Mr. R.) letter 225-28 Brutus, the legend of . . 19-21 Bryan, Lord de, mem. of 254 Bu'ckland, Professor, 110-133 Buck fast Abbey .. ..184 Buckfastleigh ibid Buckland on the moor . . 181 C. Cadwell 176 Cary family 230 Cary, Sir John, mem. of 230, 254 Cary, Dr. Robert, mem of. . 259 Castle field 207 Cawson hill 195 Chagford 195 Changes on the coast . . 15-18 Chapel hill .. .. 89, 90, 223 Charles I. at Ford . . . . 244 Charles II. at Dartmouth . . 24 Chelston 50, 98 INDEX 281 Chudleigh, 185, Cave,\26-27. 186 Churston Ferrers . . . . 239 Civil wars, trans, in the, 23-24 Clacywell pool 196 Clark, Dr. Jas. on climate 51-58 Clifford, the late Lord .. 186 Climate of Torquay.. 39-58 of Tor and Upton . . 49 of St. Mary Church and Paignton 50 its effects on disease 52-55 Cockington .. 98-100. 229-33 Church, 99-100. 232-33 Court House.. .. 98 Almshouses.. .. 231 Coffins well.. .. 165,245-46 Combe-in-teignhead .. 159, 243 Compton Castle. . .. 104-6 Condensation of Gases .. 114 Conchology of Torbay 79-82 of Torquay Cranmere Pool 195 Crockern Tor 197 Cromlech at Drewsteignton 195 Cross at Newton . . . . 27 D Daccombe 24 6 Daddy's hole 93 Danish Antiq 207 Danes, incursions of 22 Dartington 177-79. Church, 250 Dartmeet Bridge .. ..181 Dartmoor 187-9 civilization of 188-8*5 writers on .. 198-9 Dartmouth, 22, 23, 24, 149*54 238-39. Church* . . Steam Bridge . Davis, John, mem. of Echo at Watcombe Sharpham Etymology of Ash Hole Ather Tor 101 155 Edginswell .. .. .. ..176 El berry Cove Spring . . . . 103 Ellacombe 87 148 136 195 126 194 126 4 216 204 56 Dazon Rock Denbury, 174, — Camp, Par. Hist. . . 152, 231, 149-50 .. 258 .. 131 206 248 Dennis, Sir T.. character of 221 Dittisham 154 Dryness of Torquay . . 47-48 E. East India Comp's. first fleet in Torbay 28 Ecclesiastical Destructions . 218 Cawson Hill . Chudleigh .. Manaton . . " Pixies" . . Torbay Tormohun .. Warberry .. Exotics grown at Torquay F. Flavel, the nonconformist 142 — his Epitaph on Mr. Upton 237 Ford House ,. .. 161, 243 Fortifications on the Berry 145 French the, in Torbay . . 28 burn Dartmouth 22-23 Frowde Philip, mem of . . 262 Furneaux Philip, mem. of. . 269 G. Geology of the district . . 5-18 Gilbert family 106 Gilbert, Sir H. mem. of . . 256 Adrian, mem. of.. 258 Goodrington 102-03 Greenway 154, 239 Griffiths, Mrs. discoveries 74, 122 Grimspound .. .. 120, 194 Gubbings, the 188 H. Haccombe 164-65 — Church, 244 Fox Hounds 72, 164 Harberton Church . . . . 250 Hardy, Sir Charles . . . . 29 Hemans, Mrs. her Poem, 30, 199 Hembury Camp 207 Heraldry 251 Heronry at Sharpham .. 155 Heytorite, the mineral .. 191 History of the district.. 19-33 of Devon, (Moore's) 254 Hist. Sketch of Torquay 35-36 Trans, at Dartmouth 22-24 Totnes . . 24 High Tor Rocks 136, 187, 190-92 282 INDEX. Hody, Sir John, mem. of . . 255 Holne Chase 182-83 Hope's Nose and Farm . . 91 Huxham, Dr. mem. of . . 262 I. J. Ikeneld, British Way . . 201 Ilsam 91 Johnson, Dr. Jas. on change of air . . 38, 58 Jones, Rev.'J. P. onPorteus 218 Ipplepen, 173— Par. Hist. 249 Ipplepen Monastery . . . . 249 Iron, use of, in Churches.. 250 K. Kent's Cavern .. .. 107.38 Kennicott, Dr. mem of .. 267 King's Kerswell, . ..172 Church . . 247 Kingsware 154 Castle . . 23, 24, 154 L. Land Shells of Torquay . . 83 Laywell Spring 144 Lethbridge, John, mem. of 260 Little Hempston . . . . 184 Livermead 88-89 "London Bridge Arch" 12.93 Loventor 171 Lupton 143, 238 Lustleigh Cleve 19fc Lydford Castle 196 Lye, Edward, mem of . . 266 Lyte, Rev, H. F. 13, 120, 146.49 M. M'Carthy, Sir Charles . . 152 M'Enery, Rev. J. his work, 73 109, IK his researches 13: Madrepore Rock at Ogvvell \l Maidencombe 101 Maisonette .. . . .. — 155 Mallock family 230 Manaton 193 Marine Botany of Torbay 77. 7 Marldon .. .. 106, 235.36 Meadfoot Bay 93 Merivale Bridge 197 Milher Down .. 27, 161, 214 Minerals .. 15— Mines .. 14 Mithratic Mysteries .. 112.16 Mohun's, Lord,Chapel atTor 209 gives name to the Parish 216 Molluscae 79 Mount Boone . . 24, 154, 239 Museum at Torquay . . . . 73 N. Napoleon in Torbay . . 29.30 Natural History of the district 74. 83 Nethway 143, 238 Newcommen, mem. of .. 259 Newton 24, 161.62— Chapels 244 Northmore, Thos. Esq. his Letters 107 O. Oddicombe 101 Orwell Church, East . . 248 West.. . ibid. ; Oliver, Rev. G. on Tor Abbey 208 on Eccles. Antiq. 217 Otter, the 191 P. Paignton .. 50, 101.2, 233.35 Church . . . . ibid. Park Hill 93 Haver or Combe Pafford 96, 229 Petit Tar 96, 101 Petre, SlrWm.mem. of .. 255 Phoenician relics 200 Pier at Torquay . . . . 36, 69 Pope's residence at Blagdon 171 Prince, Author of the •'Worthies" 246 Prince Town 196 Princess of Wales at Torquay 29 Professor Buckland's work 110 Public Establishments of Torquay 65.73 142.43 152.53 156.57 162.63 of Brixham of Dartmouth ofTotnes.. of Newton.. 33 Queen Adelaide at Torquay R. Reeve, Rev. J. his works . . 186 his Poem . . 214 Reynells of Ford . . . . 247.48, Ridgeways Earls of Lon- donderry.. 85, 92, 212, 216" INDEX. 283 Ridg-vay, SlrThos.mem. of 258 Ringmove 159, 243 Rock-basins, formation of, 198 Romans in Torbay . . . . 22 Roman Roads & Camps 202.07 Roman Antiq. in the Ash Hole 148, 203 Roundham Head . . . . 102 S. St. Catherine's 176 St. Mary Church . . 96, 223.29 St. Nicholas 243 Sandridge 155. 239 Seats around Totnes . . .. 157 Newton.. .. 163 Brixham . . 143 Scenery of Torquay . . 139.40 Seymour family 180 Sharpham 155, 239 Shiphay 107. 17(i Spitchwick .. . . .. ..181 Stantor 4 .. 99, 106 Stantaway Hill .. ..87, 139 Statistics of Torquay 58, 64 Staverton 157, 185 Steam Bridge at Dartmouth 149 Stoke-in-Teignhead . . . . 1 60 Church 243 Stony Valley 96, 97 Sweet, Robert, mem. of . . 270 T. Tables of Climate . . . . 43.46 Statistics.. .. 62.64 Teignbridge (Club) .. ..163 Antiq. .. 205.06 Teign, the river .. .. 215.21 Teignmouth 15, 22 Thunder Hole 12 Tin Works at Tor, &c. . . 223 — — injure the rivers 241 Tor Mohun 86.87 Workhouse lease 211.22 Tor Mohun Church 86,217,21 Tor Abbey.. .. 27, 29, 84.86 Antiq 208.15 Sands 88 Torquay 35.73. Torwood 92.222 Torbay House 104 Torbav, outline &c 2 Torbryan, 173— Par. Hist. 249 Tor Hill 139 Totnes 19, 21, 24, 156.58, 205, 240.43 Church .. .. 241.43 Trilobite in Grauwacke . . 13 U. Ugbrook 185.86 — Camp, 207— Hist. 250 Upton . . . . 49, 87, 97, 238 V. Vespasian in Torbay . . . . 22 W. Warberry Hill . . 97, 139. 204 Watton 155, 239 Watcombe 14, 100 Wesley and Whitefield in South Devon 229 White Rock 173.74 Widecombe in the Moor . . 192 William HI. in Torbay . . 25.28 — at Ford 27 — his reception at Brixham 26 — and the little Brixhamite 26 William IV. in Torbav . . 31 — his reception at Brixham 31.33 — at Dartmouth .. .. 31.33 Wistman's Wood. .. 187,97 Wolborough . . . . 162, 247.48 Woodbine Cottage . . . . g& THE END, COCKREM'S mivzttavv 0f ICx&zSmen at EaxquKj) atrtf C0r, Auctioneer. Stabb, T. George-street. Bakers and Confectioners. Gidley, Wm. 1, Strand. Hill, George, near the Turnpike. Manning, H. J. Old Quay. *Lang, Wm. Fleet-building, near the Turnpike. *Mardon, John, Commercial Road leading to Park Street. 51 Putt, F. Commercial Road, between Tor and Torquay. VVilcocks, John, Union Row Those marked thus * are Bakers only. Booksellers and Stationers. Cockrem, E. ( Printer and Stationer to his Majesty) 5, Mill-street, opposite the Lower Terrace. Cole, P. Lawrence Place. Croydon, — adjoining Poulton's Hotel. Luscombe, R. near the Commercial Inn. Boot and Shoe Makers. Branscombe, W. (to her Majesty,) 8, Braddon's Row Bridgeman, Saml. 5, Braddon's Row Dart, Chas. No. 2, Park-street. Lander, W. 1, Torwood-street. May, Robert, Union Street Babbage, (Patten and Clog Maker,) Torhill, Tor Brewers. Bridgeman, John, Union Row Blackmore, John, Old Quay Prowse, William, Near the Turnpike Builders. Harvey, Jacob, Park-street. Luscombe, W. near the Turnpike Rossiter, John, Lower Terrace. Rossiter, Thomas, George-street Wish, W. Park-street. DIRECTORY 285 Butchers. Henly, Edward, sen. George-street Henly, Edward, jun. Cary-street. Luscombe, Thos. 6, Mill-street Parnell, Wm. Tor. Priston, Thos. Torwood-street. Staddon, Thos. Torwood-street Tully, John, Commercial Road, Tor Cabinet Makers Burt, W. C. 9, Strand. Clampitt, G. Tor. Hearder, S. C. Torwood Row. Stark, Wm. (Dealer in Spode Ware,) Braddon's Row Carver and Gilder Way, Charles, 13, Old Quay Chemists and Druggists Harrison, James, 4, Strand. Havill, Paul. 11, Strand. Paige, Thos. 9, Torwood Row Wyatt, Richard, 2, Lawrence Place Cheesemonger Sf Seedsman Shapley, J. R. Braddon's Row Classical and Commercial Academy Mare, J. 1, Braddon's Row Co«Z Merchants Brown, — Madrepore Place Cookings, S. Montpellier Godfrey, Thomas, 3, Strand Row, — Cary Buildings Winsborrow, J. Tor Dairyman Huxham, William, near the Market Farrier Cawdle, John, Veterinary Surgeon to the South Hams Yeomanry. — Licensed to let Post Horses, &c. Grocers and Tea-Dealers Buckingham, John, Opposite Royal Hotel Carroll, J. K. Tobacconist, &c. Down, William, Torwood Row Goss, William, Braddon's Row Havill, William, 11, Strand 286 DIRECTORY Grocers and Ter-Dealers. Henley, John, Chandler & Grocer, 8, George-street Michen, Elizabeth, Union Street Pike, Ann, Waldon Steps Prowse, Samuel, George-Street Wheatley, John, Union Row Wills, John, Grocer & Druggist, Tor Hair Dressers, Perfumers, Sfc. Ball, — Lawrence Place Ellis, J. P. Abbey Place Ironmongers, Tinmen, SfC. Harrison, George, Old Quay Hambling, E. Torwood-street Stark, Robert, (Agent to the Globe Fire and Life Office,) New Quay Laundresses , Mardon, Elizabeth, Commercial Row, leading to Park-street Wills, Jane, Park-street Linen Drapers, Hosiers, and Haberdashers Dashper, Henry, 8, Mill-street Rendell, I. and A. 12, Strand White way, Mark, 1, Lawrence Place Milliners and Dress-Makers. Bastow, Mrs. Union Row Godfrey, Misses, 5, Torwood Row Heath, H, & M. 4, Torwood Row Kempster, Mrs. Park-street Rendell, Mrs. Torwood Row Dealers in Minerals and Shells Heggerty, J. Old Quay. Wyatt, Mary ,7, Torwood Row Nurseryman, Florist, and Seedsman Morgan, J. Torbay Nursery, Tor Painters, Glaziers, and Plumbers Parr, Thomas, Union Row Pentecost, Wm. 6, Braddon's Row Selley, Edward, near the Turnpike Watson, Wm. 12, Lower Commercial Road, Tor Way, C. Old Quay, DIRECTORY 287 Poulterer. Kilby, Charles, Vaughan Parade Saddler. Mortimore, Wm. opposite the Royal Hotel Simmonds, — Torwood-street Straw Bonnet Makers. Smallridge, Misses, Park-street Tailors and Habit Makers Dashper, Henry, 1, Mill-street Lear, John, 2, Palk-street. Perrin, John, Park-street. Satchwell, Thomas, Madrepore Place Sandford, William, Union-street Weeks, Thomas, Torwood-street Toy Shop and Fancy Stationers Hearder, t. C. Torwood Row Undertakers. Harvey, Jacob, Park-street Hearder, S. C. Torwood Row Luscombe, W. near the Turnpike Stark, Robert and William Wish, William, Park-street White Smith and Bell-Hanger Bastow, W. 2, Union-street Wine Merchants. Beasley, T. 6, Old Quay Prowse, J. Park-street Stabb, Thomas, 7, George-street Watch- Makers. Braham, James, Watch .Maker, Goldsmith & Engraver Jacobs, Alexander, Silversmith, and Jeweller (to his Majesty) Carriers. T. Medland, leaves Torquay for Exeter, through New- ton and Chudleigh every Monday and Thursday morn* ing returning the following days ; To Exeter, through Teignmouth, Dawlish, and Starcross every Tuesday and Friday mornings returning the following days. J. Tozer, leaves Torquay every Tuesday, for Plymouth and Devonport ; leaving Plymouth every Friday Morning on his return to Paignton and Torquay. 288 RECTORY. H. Heath, from Totnes every Tuesday and Friday, returning 1 the same days. J. Worth, from Totnes every Monday and Thursday returning 1 the same days,- Mary Ferryman, from Torquay to Newton every Wednesday ; to Totnes on Saturday, returning the same days. John Herd, from Newton every morning returning the same day. Philip Winsor, from Bovey, every Saturday returning the same day. — Elliott, from Shaldon every Tuesday and Thurs- day, returning the same day. Five safe Vessels are employed between Torquay and London : one of which clears as regularly as circum- stances may permit, every eighth day. Apply at the Offices of Godfrey, Matthews, and Slade, Torquay; or at Chamberlain's Wharf, London. The Brunswick Steam Vessel, of 100 horse power, runs regularly during the season between Plymouth, Torquay and Portsmouth ; she calls at Torquay every Monday and Thursday about 7 5 P. M. on her way to Portsmouth, and returns from that place to Torquay every Wednesday and Saturday morning on her voyage to Plymouth. Apply to R. J. Slade, the Agent, at Torquay. There is constant communication between Brixham and Guernsey and Jersey, by sailing vessels. Pleasure Boats of various sizes, may be procured du- ring the usual season, of Messrs, Slade, Godfrey, Peeke, Hammick, Stabb, Whiteway, Merdon, Shaw, etc, they generally be found ready for hire near the steps of the pier. E. Coekrem, Printer and Stationer to His Majotty, Torquay. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS % 021 3892733 93J28 BflPI