King John gave Lord William Brewer of Bridgwater “the third best ships that our sailors captured”
Dr. ROOKE’S POCKET-GUIDE TO HEALTH AND HEALTH-RESTORING PLACES. Published in 1885
TORQUAY
Torquay lies on a beautiful bay encircled by hills covered with villas. The three principle hills are called the Braddons on the north; Walden Hill, with a fine fir wood, to the west; and Park Hill on the east. Torquay is well sheltered form the N. and N.W., and tolerably well from the N. E., and this protection extends over a considerable part of the immediate neighbourhood, so that there is unusual opportunity for exercise as well on level ground as on gradual ascents, a great advantage to invalids. The general character of the climate is very much like that of Queenstown; but the air of Torquay is drier, and according to Mr. Vivian, it is drier than at any other place in South Devon, which Sir James Clark ascribes in part to the limestone rocks that are contained in this neighbourhood, and partly between two streams, the Dart and the Teign, by which the rain appears to be in some degree attracted. Various portions of the town differ greatly, that near the sea being more sedative and relaxing, that on the hills towards Babbacombe rather bracing, at all events by comparison; and the different aspects of the three hills offer to invalids a considerable choice.
TODAY IS THE FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY
Who is said to have lived, as a hermit, in a cave for thirty years living only on bread, salt and water. He later returned the outside world preaching to large crowds. Legend has it that he died in 356 and the age of 105.
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