Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: English Riviera

In late Saxon times, the manor of Paignton was owned by Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter. Later bishops built the Bishop's Palace adjoining the parish church, some remains of which are still standing. The first church on this site was possibly a wooden structure but nothing remains above ground, although its foundations have been discovered. The Second (Norman) church was built about 1100 but this was almost completely demolished and rebuilt around 1250. Today, the church which can be seen is the third building to be established there and has been gradually transformed since the Middle Ages. A ‘memento mori’ - the depiction of the decaying body was intended to remind the viewer of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

In late Saxon times, the manor of Paignton was owned by Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter. Later bishops built the Bishop's Palace adjoining the parish church, some remains of which are still standing. The first church on this site was possibly a wooden structure but nothing remains above ground, although its foundations have been discovered. The Second (Norman) church was built about 1100 but this was almost completely demolished and rebuilt around 1250. Today, the church which can be seen is the third building to be established there and has been gradually transformed since the Middle Ages. It is claimed that this baptismal font is the oldest in Devon. The font has a ‘honeysuckle’ decoration and is Norman. In the 15th century it was replaced by a contemporary one and buried in the churchyard. When it was rediscovered in the last century, it was given away and turned into a decorative garden vase. It was finally put back in its old place in 1930.

In late Saxon times, the manor of Paignton was owned by Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter. Later bishops built the Bishop's Palace adjoining the parish church, some remains of which are still standing. The first church on this site was possibly a wooden structure but nothing remains above ground, although its foundations have been discovered. The Second (Norman) church was built about 1100 but this was almost completely demolished and rebuilt around 1250. Today, the church which can be seen is the third building to be established there and has been gradually transformed since the Middle Ages.

In late Saxon times, the manor of Paignton was owned by Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter. Later bishops built the Bishop's Palace adjoining the parish church, some remains of which are still standing. The first church on this site was possibly a wooden structure but nothing remains above ground, although its foundations have been discovered. The Second (Norman) church was built about 1100 but this was almost completely demolished and rebuilt around 1250. Today, the church which can be seen is the third building to be established there and has been gradually transformed since the Middle Ages.

Torquay was a small settlement, but by the early 19th century the mild climate was attracting visitors who came to the town as a place of rest, especially for respiratory ailments. With the construction of the railway in 1844, Torquay became a medium-sized town. Torquay was known as the English Montpellier and the English Naples and as there is hardly any frost during winter it is located on the "English Riviera". The Pavilion Theatre opened in 1912 and had lounges and a cafe in addition to the foyer and auditorium. A municipal orchestra was formed and many famous conductors and singers performed here. In 1973, it was proposed to demolish the building, but in the same year it was listed as a historic monument. It was rented out and the interior was destroyed when it was remodeled for various types of entertainment. At times there was an ice skating rink and in the 1980s a shopping arcade. Since 2020 it has been closed and awaits restoration.

Torquay was a small settlement, but by the early 19th century the mild climate was attracting visitors who came to the town as a place of rest, especially for respiratory ailments. With the construction of the railway in 1844, Torquay became a medium-sized town. Torquay was known as the English Montpellier and the English Naples and as there is hardly any frost during winter it is located on the "English Riviera".

Torquay was a small settlement, but by the early 19th century the mild climate was attracting visitors who came to the town as a place of rest, especially for respiratory ailments. With the construction of the railway in 1844, Torquay became a medium-sized town. Torquay was known as the English Montpellier and the English Naples and as there is hardly any frost during winter it is located on the "English Riviera".