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AGATHA CHRISTIE Crime writer and probably Torquay's all time most famous resident, was born as Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller in Barton Road, Torquay in 1890. Spending most of her life in the area 'Greenway' a stunning Georgian Mansion set on the banks of the River Dart became her holiday home, which is now open to the public and supported by The National Trust. Many of her novels were based on places in and around the area, such as the Imperial Hotel, St Marychurch and stunning coastal locations such as Anstey's Cove and Beacon Cove. It is said she found characters for her book during a tram ride in Torquay! BENJAMIN DISREALI Benjamin Disreali originally known for his literary talent, was first seen as a visitor to Torquay in the 1850s. In admiration of the town he returned many times, and stayed at the former Royal Hotel. His career as an author was of course replaced in time by that of politician, becoming twice the Prime Minister. In 1863 he was bequeathed land and a property known as Mount Braddon which likely saved him from bankruptcy. As a result of his lavish lifestyle and dubious investments it was sold a few years later for around £1,850 to pay of rising debts. THE MONTY PYTHON TEAM It is widely known that John Cleese based his infamous tv sitcom, Fawlty Towers, on a 'not so perfect' stay at the Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay in 1971! The reason for his and the rest of the Monty Python team's visit was originally to film a number of sketches for the Monty Python's Flying Circus during the late 1960's and 70's in the locations of Torquay and nearby Paignton. Let's hope the hotel's current proprietor is not so eccentric! VISITORS TO KENTS CAVERN One of Torquay's main tourist attractions includes Kents Cavern, a Stone Age Cave system originally explored by the Rev J McEnery in the 1820's and more extensively explored by William Pengelly up until 1880. Over the years the fascination of the caves and their history showing the co-existence of humans and animals has attracted many famous visitors, namely story book writer Beatrix Potter in 1893, King George V (as the young Prince of Wales) in 1879 whilst his mother Queen Victoria spent time in Torquay, and Haile Selassie the Emperor of Ethiopia who was so impressed with what he say he 'tipped' the guide! BANKSY In 2010, world famous Bristol based graffiti artist Banksy, is reported to have painted a mural on the wall of the Grosvenor Hotel in Torquay's Belgrave Road. Known as the Scarlet Pimpernel of modern art for his anonymous drawings, mystery still surrounds his true identity. More recently, unfortunately due to vandals with very little artistic talent, the mural has now been covered over. Sig: Barramore holiday apartments in Torquay offer stylish, self-catering apartments, ideal for your holiday in South Devon.
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