TORQUAY, Devonshire, a small sea-port and watering-place on the coast of the English Channel, in the parish of Tor-Mohntn, or Tor Mohnn, cud hundred of Haytor, is situated iu 50' 2S' N. lat., 3' 33' W. long., distant about 30 miles S. from Exeter, 194 miles W.S.W. from London by road, and 219 miles by the Great Western and South Devon railways. The population of the town of Torquay in 1851 was 7903. The living is a perpetual curacy in the archdeaoonry of Totnes and diocese of Exeter.
About fifty years ago Torquay consisted only of a few mean huts inhabited by fishermen. The mildness of the climate, and the favour able position and picturesque character of Torquay, induced many eminent physicians to recommend it as a winter residence for invalids. The abundance of building stone, which is found in the vicinity, pre cents great facilities for building. The town has consequently very much increased. Torquay lies in a small sheltered recess at the north
eastern extremity of Torbay. On all sides landward it is inclosed by lofty hills, on the sides of which the houses are built. The town is lighted with gas and paved, but the supply of water is insufficient. There are two chapels of the Establishment, a Freo Episcopal church, chapels for Independents and Baptists, and National schools. Torquay contains assembly-rooms, a club-house, subscription- and reading rooms, a museum, and baths. The pier, which is used also as a pro menade, ineloses a small but convenient tidal harbour. The rise of tide at spring-tides is about 18 feet. The imports consist chiefly of American timber, coals and culm, Portland stone, corn, bricks, slates, and general goods: the exports include earthenware, cider, elm and oak timber, and yellow-oehre.