St Marychurch

St. Marychurch in Devon, England, is one of the oldest settlements in South Devon. Its earliest documentary record dates from around 1050 AD.

It is a former English urban district, abolished in 1900 when it was incorporated into the neighbouring borough of Torquay. Notable former residents include 19th Century zoologist and creationist Philip Henry Gosse, who lived at Sandhurst on Torquay Road (now called St. Marychurch Road). The former town stretches from Plainmoor to Maidencombe and is known for its scenery, shopping precinct and neighbouring churches. These churches include:

• St Marychurch Parish Church with its high tower and Saxon font dating from around 1110 AD. On Sunday May 30, 1943, the main part of this church was destroyed by a German bomb, killing 21 children and 3 teachers.

• Our Lady Help of Christians & St Denis (Roman Catholic) with its high steeple.

• Furrough Cross United Reformed Church, originally a Free Church built by parishioners who objected to "Popish Doctrines" at the parish church. Built 1852 under first minister Rev. Hugh Kelly, whose diocesan was the Bishop of Michigan, USA. It later severed all contact with the Anglican Church and later became a Congregational church.

Tourist attractions include Babbacombe Cliff Railway [1] Babbacombe Downs with its stunning views across Lyme Bay, Bygones Victorian museum [2] and the Model Village at Babbacombe.

The main shopping street (Fore Street) consists of a small market and boasts four public houses, a post office, a fishmongers, butchers, bakers, greengrocers, bookshop, pet shop, four banks, two supermarkets and a health food shop, as well as a number of cafes, estate agents and hairdressers.