Torquay - hotel, baths, etc. ([1871])

White, J. T. The history of Torquay. Torquay: Directory Co., 1878. pp. 201-2.The new Baths were opened on the 3rd of August, 1857. The original bathing house was erected by the late Mr. W. Pollard in 1817, at the lowest house in Beacon Terrace, now Sealawn, where the water was pumped in from the sea. It was felt that, as the requirements of the town had outgrown the capabilities of this useful establishment, a much more comprehensive enterprise was called for. Accordingly, in 1852, a Company was formed; the site fixed upon for the Baths was the sea front of a picturesque little promontory, known as Beacon Hill, which separated the Bathing Cove from the Harbour. The shares were readily taken up by the trading community, who considered that such an undertaking would promote the prosperity of the town as a health-resort. The sea front of the hill was cut away, and thus sufficient space was obtained for the enterprise. The building, which is in the Italian style, contains on the principal floor a well-proportioned saloon forty-four feet in length, thirty-eight feet wide, and twenty-five feet high, with a beautifully-enriched dome ceiling. The bay windows open upon a terrace which commands a view of Torbay from the open channel to Waldon Hill. In either wing are hot, cold, plunge, douche, and shower baths, in separate compartments for ladies and gentlemen. There are also rooms appropriated for reading and other purposes. The whole of the basement is taken up by a spacious swimming bath, forty-five feet by forty-three, graduating in depth from seven feet to three. It communicates by four spacious arches with the open sea, access to which is obtained by steps leading from the dressing rooms into deep water at all times of the tide. […] The Baths were erected by Messrs. J. T. and W. Harvey, from designs prepared by Mr. Julian. Although the establishment has been a very important adjunct to the town, it was never a financial success. The Company was badly advised, and they met with obstacles from the first.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Steel l.engr vign

80x101mm

No. 198