Old Images of Torquay, Devon: Historic Photos & Film

Enjoy a glimpse of history through fascinating old images of Torquay, Devon, England, UK.

Old Photos of Torquay

Old photo of St John's Church and the surrounding buildings in Torquay, taken between 1867 and 1880 — Old photo of St John’s Church and the surrounding buildings in Torquay, taken between 1867 and 1880. From the archives of Cornell University Library, uploaded to Flikr.

Old photo of the interior of St John's Church and the surrounding buildings in Torquay, taken between 1867 and 1880 — Old photo of the interior of St John’s Church and the surrounding buildings in Torquay, taken between 1867 and 1880. From the archives of Cornell University Library, uploaded to Flikr.

Old photo of Vane Hill Torquay, taken from Waldon Hill, Devon, circa 1880

Waldon Hill & Torquay Harbour, Devon, circa 1880

Old photo of St Luke's Church in Torquay, Devon, circa 1880 — Old photo of St Luke’s Church in Torquay, Devon, circa 1880

Old photo of Abbey Crescent at Torquay, Devon, England, circa 1880

Old photo of Victoria Parade, Torquay, Devon, from the Pier, circa 1880

Old photo of the view of Princess Gardens Torquay, taken sometime between 1890 and 1905. From the archives of the Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection at the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Old photo of Torquay from the Rock Walk, taken sometime between 1890 and 1905. From the archives of the Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection at the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Old photo of Torquay, taken sometime between 1890 and 1905. From the archives of the Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection at the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Old photo of the view of Torquay and Paignton, taken sometime between 1890 and 1905. From the archives of the Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection at the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Old photo of Torquay on 26 January 1901, on the Proclamation of Edward VII

Old cigarette card photo of Waldon Hill at Torquay. From the George Arents Collection at the New York Public Library.

Old cigarette card photo of people enjoying walks and refreshments at Torquay. From the George Arents Collection at the New York Public Library.

Old cigarette card photo of the beach at Torquay. From the George Arents Collection at the New York Public Library.

Old cigarette card photo ofthe Terrace Gardens at Torquay. From the George Arents Collection at the New York Public Library.

Old photo postcard of the Trevarno at Torquay, Devon, England

Old photo postcard of Haldon Pier at Torquay, Devon, England

Devonshire Girl Guides 1937

In 1937, the County Rally of the Devonshire Girl Guides was visited by the Royal President of the Girl Guide Association, Princess Mary, the Princess Royal. Also in attendance was Lady Clinton, the County Commissioner, and Torquay’s Mayor, Mr A Dennis Phillips.

The Princess Royal At Torquay (1937) – British Pathé on YouTube

Rough Seas 1941

Rough Seas At Torquay – 1941 (1941) – British Pathé on YouTube

VE Day 1945

VE Day was on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

While the war continued for the time being in other parts of the world, the end of the Nazis in Europe led to celebrations across Britain.

This 9.5mm cine film footage was a home movie recording of VE Day celebrations in Torquay.

VE Day Home Movie – Dave Eldergill on YouTube

1955 CEA Conference

This is a little gem!

The cinema executives and their cheerful wives arrive at Torquay railway station on steam trains, and have their luggage moved by station porters.

They’ve obviously had a bit of worry with rail strikes, but managed to arrive on time.

“He is met by a chap who is lonely now his daughter is married…”

Then a lovely shot of the town and harbour, then a glimpse of the Imperial Hotel, before we see another executive and his smiling wife and surprisingly young son arriving by car at the Grand.

In Wales, it’s quite funny watching the 80 year old cinema owner coming out of his traditional semi to be chauffer driven about in a small car. There are quite a few images of different locations in Cardiff in this section of the film.

Then we’re back to Torquay, where the executives have finally left the bar and are now sitting about drinking tea, before a blustery walk on the beach with their wives.

Talk Of Torquay – C.E.A. Special For Conference (1955) – British Pathé on YouTube

Easter 1957

In these silent clips from Easter time 1957, we see local people getting the town ready for the summer visitors.

Torquay Prepares For Easter (1957) – British Pathé on YouTube

Buses 1997

Buses, passengers, cars, businesses and buildings appear in this video from 1997.

TORQUAY BUSES 1997 – DaveSpencer32 on YouTube

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