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Summary

A fine example of a 14th century gatehouse.

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1009302: Torre Abbey
• Listed Building (I) 1206852: TORRE ABBEY

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX96SW/1/8
• Old SAM County Ref: 171
• Old SAM Ref: 24820(P)
• Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division: SX96SW10

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• GATEHOUSE (Built, XIV - 1301 AD (Between) to 1400 AD (Between))

Full description

Watkin, H.R., 1920-21, Torre Abbey, Mohun Gatehouse: Keystones in Groined Roof of Foot Entrance, 17, Pl. (Article in Serial). SDV362669.

Two similar cryptographical marks carved into keystones of two bays of the gatehouse are actually different and elude interpretation.

Pevsner, N., 1952, The Buildings of England: South Devon, 290 (Monograph). SDV336217.

Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division, 1953, SX96SW10, Photo (Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card). SDV316217.

Site visit 8th November 1952. A fine example of a 14th century gatehouse in a perfect state of preservation. It measures 12.7m north-south by 7.5m east-west with octagonal angle towers on the north-west, south-west and south-east corners. There are two arched and vaulted entrances, one for vehicles and the other for pedestrians.

Department of Environment, 1975, Borough of Torbay, 151 (List of Blds of Arch or Historic Interest). SDV362418.

Gatehouse dates to c.1320 and bears the Mohun arms. Quadripartite vaulting inside.

Timms, S. + Allan, J., 1981, Torre Abbey (Site Visit). SDV366864.

Site visit 3rd November 1981. Externally appears to be in good condition. Roof recently renewed. Owned and maintained by Borough Council. C14 windows. Blocked openings in south side show usual arrangement of building attached to gatehouse.

Robinson, R., 1986, Torre Abbey Gatehouse (Site Visit). SDV366929.

Field Monument Warden Site Visit 6th March 1986.

Gibbons, P., 1993, Torre Abbey No. 134670 (Report - Survey). SDV366863.

The site of the gatehouse indicates that the area to which it gave access to the south of the southern cloister-range, was the inner court of the abbey. Traditionally, inner courts were areas specifically set aside for buildings to which there was limited lay access, and they often included guest accommodation. At Torre, a two storied stable block abutted the south wall of the gatehouse, there being direct access at first floor level between the two buildings. The wall footings and cobbled floor of this building were revealed in 1984 in a service trench. An engraving of 1661 illustrates this building together with a more substantial ruined structure to the east, set parallel with the south cloister-range. Parchmarks have been observed in the lawns to the south of the mansion which indicate the location of the buried remains of this building which was probably the guest house.

Department of National Heritage, 1994, Torre Abbey (Correspondence). SDV316485.

Scheduled monument consent granted for works concerning the strengthening of structural beams in a Georgian extension to the rear of Torre Abbey.

Swete, J. (ed. Gray T. + Rowe, M.), 1997, Travels in Georgian Devon. The Illustrated Journals of the Reverend John Swete. Vol. 1 (Monograph). SDV341166.

Dro=564m/2/99,115

Ordnance Survey, 2026, Mastermap 2026 (Cartographic). SDV366713.

Gatehouse marked.

Historic England, 2026, National Heritage List for England 2026, 1206852 (National Heritage List for England). SDV366714.

Premonstratensian Abbey. Founded 1196, converted to a house in 1598 with progressive remodellings of the late C17, C18 and early C20.
PLAN: Courtyard plan. Offset C14 gatehouse to the SW.
EXTERIOR: The gatehouse is the best-preserved medieval structure of the complex. Embattled with octagonal corner turrets and one large and one smaller double-chamfered archway with rib vaults with carved bosses; scattered fenestration.
See listing description for full details.
Date first listed: 20th November 1952

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV7746 - Monument Protection Programme Site visit
• EDV7908 - Conservation plan for Torre Abbey

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