Torquay Cemetery

Torquay rapidly developed as a seaside resort in the early 19th century so existing graveyards of the parish churches became overcrowded and insufficient for further burials. Hence, in 1851 the local board was petitioned to provide a new burial ground for the town. The Torquay Extra Mural Cemetery Company purchased the current site and laid out the cemetery between 1852 and 1853. Later in 1853 locals petitioned the then Bishop of Exeter, Henry Phillpotts to consecrate a section in the cemetery for Anglican burials. The first interment was carried out in 1854, but the bishop refused to consecrate the section until it had been separated from the rest of the cemetery by a boundary wall. This…