Torre Abbey
Description
Torre Abbey is a historic monastery and art gallery in Torquay, Devon. Founded in 1196 as a Premonstratensian monastery, it is the best-preserved medieval monastic complex in Devon and Cornwall. Today, it is known for its medieval and Georgian buildings, formal gardens, and one of Devon’s largest art collections.
After becoming one of the wealthiest monasteries in England, Torre Abbey was dissolved in 1539 during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. Much of the church was demolished, but the surviving buildings were later converted into a private house and remained in the hands of the Cary family until 1930. The site was then acquired by Torquay Borough Council and later adapted for public use, including as an art gallery.
The abbey complex includes the medieval gatehouse, cloisters, and the Spanish Barn, which famously held Spanish Armada prisoners in 1588. Following major restoration, Torre Abbey reopened in 2008 and now hosts permanent collections, contemporary art exhibitions, and cultural events.
Address
The King's Drive, Torquay, United Kingdom
Established
1196
Wikipedia article