The People's Republic of South Devon

Maestro Basil Cameron had part of his illustrious career as conductor of Torquay’s Municipal Orchestra, he moved on to become Commander of the CBE in 1957 Continue reading…...

If you wanted to replicated the refined charm of the Continent on a budget, then where better than Torquay? The Persuaders! followed in the footsteps of The Saint in using The Bay as the basis of the South of France " and who can blame them? Continue reading…...

Torquay is home to exotic locations, especially if you're in need to a far flung setting for a TV show on a budget. Torquay harbour doubled as Cannes and a The Bay featured as a 'Sussex yacht club' in TV episodes of The Saint. Continue reading…...

Larry Grayson, who presented The Generation Game on the BBC with Isla St Clair and become one of the faces of 80s television, lived in Torquay for several years Continue reading…...

Paul Robeson " campainger and activist, who was blacklisted during the Cold War for his commitment to political causes " performed in Torquay Continue reading…...

Set in Torquay, Fawlty Towers has had a legacy that stretches far beyond its 12 episodes. Kevin Dixon outlines some of the spin offs Fawlty Towers has spawned. Oddly, none of the others are set in South Devon... Continue reading…...

Torbay had its first drugs raid on April 12, 1969. It marked a change in the times, and took place at Torquay’s main hippie pub at the time " the Rising Sun on Belgrave Road (now the Old Mill). Continue reading…...

Torquay's beatnik scene in the early and mid 1960s revolved around two pubs, says Mike Williams in the second of his articles looking back to Torquay's beatnik history Continue reading…...

Torquay's beatnik community, saving some notable exceptions, didn't follow the American example of the beat movement of literature and politics, 'the beatnik lifestyle was mainly one of part-time work, the cheapest possible rented rooms, support from the National Assistance Board, and loafing about...

Torquay Rock’n’Roll is looked into again by Mike Williams in the second of his eye-witnessed series for Torquay's Other History on the PRSD Continue reading…...