Tor Church. ([1845?])

Blewitt, Octavian. The panorama of Torquay. Second Edition. London: Simpkin and Marshall; Torquay: Cockrem, 1832. pp. 217-8.The Church is supposed to belong to the commencement of the 14th century; although a more ancient fabric existed in the parish before the establishment of Tor Abbey, and which Lord Brewer appropriated to that foundation. The present building measures 70 feet by 42.[…] The old singing gallery bore the date 1760, and the pannels were ornamented with heraldic shields. Many of these were sacrificed to make way for the side galleries, one of which, in the true spirit of modern taste, is supported by imitations of Grecian columns! The few remaining Arms were demolished when the old gallery was removed in 1830, and have not yet been replaced. […] It is much to be regretted that any spoliations should be permitted in our churches. They are far too deficient in antiquities to have any to spare, and their guardianship must not be entrusted to men who have no taste to feel their value. It cannot be too strongly insisted that the petty officers of the Church have no right to remove, to destroy, to alter, or to diminish any of its meanest appendages: that power is vested in superior hands, and is never to be exercised but with religious caution and respect. [Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Steel l.engr vign

77x105mm

No. 824