Historic building recording and archaeological excavation was carried out at Torre Abbey, Torquay, Devon between June and August 2021.
The principal aim of the historic building recording and archaeological excavation was to ensure the adequate recording of any historic fabric exposed. The Oakford Archaeology team aimed to establish the presence or absence, character, depth, extent and date of archaeological deposits within the site and to excavate and record them as necessary prior to and during repair work. Below are the results of the building survey and small excavation.
The Building Survey
A building survey recorded the boundary walls establishing their date, construction and sequencing. Some walls were early 19th century, part of the extensive repair works undertaken by Colonel Lucius Cary after 1906, others were post-medieval and C13th/C14th. Some alterations may relate to the acquisition of Torre Abbey in 1930 and the opening of the northern gardens to the public. Dressed stone blocks were identified which are likely derived from the monastic complex.
Torre Abbey, west elevation of courtyard 2 boundary wall
Excavation
The base of the southern end of the courtyard 2 boundary wall was investigated prior to the works commencing. This involved the excavation of a shallow trench at the interior angle of courtyard 2 and 3. This was approximately 1.2m long, 0.3m wide and excavated to a maximum depth of 0.38m, exposing modern gravel above plastic sheeting covering previously disturbed ground. Neither wall had a proper footing with courtyard 2 wall extending to a depth of 0.11m below current ground level, while courtyard 3 wall extended to a depth of 0.18m before being truncated by a modern drain. Courtyard 2 wall rested on a mid reddish brown silty clay (104) with frequent stone rubble and slate fragments. This contained four sherds of post-1780 industrial whiteware, including one sherd of blue-and-white transfer-print, and a single fragment of 14th century ridgetile, and has been interpreted as a 19th century landscaping deposit. No further excavation was undertaken and no underpinning was required.
Torre Abbey close up of trial hole 1 showing early C19th made ground underneath the base of the courtyard 2 boundary wall
You can read more about Torre Abbey here. For any questions or enquiries about planned work on historic buildings or heritage assets, please get in touch.