TORRE ABBEY MUSEUM

Founded in 1196, Torre Abbey is Torquay's oldest building. After extensive renovation work guided by archaeologists and historians, it has reopened as a museum. From 1196 to 1539, it was one of England's richest abbeys, inhabited by monks who took a vow of silence. In the ^16th century, it was transformed into a country house, before being acquired by the Cary family in 1662. Several generations followed before the building was sold to the Torbay region in 1930. Today, it houses over 600 works of art from the ^18th century to the present day, including an important collection of paintings and sculptures, notably by Pre-Raphaelite artists, as well as watercolors and proofs of William Blake's illustrations for The Book of Job. The vaults of the prayer rooms have been refurbished, as has the chapel. The walls that could not be completed have been extended with glass panels that enhance the building. A fine example of heritage conservation. Next to the abbey stands the "Spanish Barn", where Spanish prisoners were held during the Armada attack. It is now used for contemporary art exhibitions. It was also used as a film location for an episode of France 2's Secrets d'Histoire program devoted to Agatha Christie, "The Strange Queen of Crime". The building houses original manuscripts by the author, as well as her typewriter.