THE Devon Rural Archive in Modbury is hosting a lecture on Torre Abbey, the best-preserved medieval abbey in Devon and Cornwall.

Torre Abbey in Torquay is an archaeological site of national importance, and will be taking centre stage at the Devon Rural Archive’s first lecture of 2016, on Thursday, February 4, at 7pm.

Dr Michael Rhodes, Head of Museum Services for Torbay Council from 1992-2010, will give a richly illustrated talk entitled ‘Devon’s Torre Abbey, its rescue and significance’, revealing how the history of Torre Abbey was slowly uncovered following recent restoration work and how these findings can enlighten us about 800 years of English Catholicism.

The Abbey was restored in 1996, following funding from two lottery grants, but prior to this, little was known about its medieval archaeology, its later life as a country house, or its unusual history.

Dr Rhodes has just written the first comprehensive history of the Abbey, based on the latest historical and architectural research, entitled ‘Devon’s Torre Abbey – Faith, Politics and Grand Designs’.

‘The Abbey has an extraordinary history,’ explained Abi Gray, resident archaeologist at the DRA. ‘Founded in 1196, it became the wealthiest English monastery of the order of Premonstratensian Canons but was closed down by Henry VIII in 1539.

‘It then became a private house and was lived in by the Roman Catholic Cary family from 1662 for nearly 300 years and its story reflects the saga of English Catholics during the years of the penal laws.

‘The Abbey was acquired by the local council in 1930 and adapted for use as an art gallery and Mayor’s Parlour. Today, following its recent renovation, the new Torre Abbey museum provides a perfect setting for Torbay’s collection of paintings and antiques, many of which have been locally donated.’

The talk will take place in the lecture theatre at the DRA, Shilstone near Modbury, PL21 0TW, at 7pm and refreshments will be available from 6.30pm and booking is recommended. To book please call Abi on 01548 830832 or email: [email protected]. For further information visit DRA’s website: www.devonruralarchive.com.