Steel engraving of Bishopstowe in 1845
The Palace Hotel started life as seaside home of a controversial bishop. It was built in 1841 by Henry Philpotts, Lord Bishop of Exeter, in 25 acres of grounds.
Bishopstowe was built in the Italianate style comprising nine main bedrooms, 11 servants’ bedrooms and a large shed for washing carriages. The bishop was a powerful figure. In both the pulpit and in the House of Lords he was an opponent of political, economic and social reform. He’s been described as the last of the clerical aristocracy.
Where he got the money for his splendid villa – and the Bishop’s Walk along the coast – has been the subject of recent debate. At the Church of England’s General Synod in 2006 it was alleged that Henry was paid almost £13,000 in 1833 – equivalent to more than £1,000,000 in present day value – as compensation for the freeing of 665 slaves on a plantation in Barbados which he owned with three business colleagues.
Bishopstowe was built in the Italianate style comprising nine main bedrooms, 11 servants’ bedrooms and a large shed for washing carriages. The bishop was a powerful figure. In both the pulpit and in the House of Lords he was an opponent of political, economic and social reform. He’s been described as the last of the clerical aristocracy.
Where he got the money for his splendid villa – and the Bishop’s Walk along the coast – has been the subject of recent debate. At the Church of England’s General Synod in 2006 it was alleged that Henry was paid almost £13,000 in 1833 – equivalent to more than £1,000,000 in present day value – as compensation for the freeing of 665 slaves on a plantation in Barbados which he owned with three business colleagues.
The Palace when it was the private mansion Bishopstowe
Bishopstowe would not be unique in being funded from the profits of the slave trade.
I have been informed by Mr Kevin Dixon
I have been informed by Mr Kevin Dixon
"Bishop Henry Phillpotts was paid almost £13,000 compensation for 665 slaves on three plantations in Jamaica under the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act. However, he only seems to have acted as a trustee for the Earl of Dudley. He wouldn't have been permitted to financially benefit. Accordingly, Bishopstowe wasn't directly built from the proceeds of the slave trade. On the other hand, 7 Torquay residents were slave owners and were compensated for their losses." |
The Palace Hotel after the December raid in 1942
Courtesy The Torbay Herald?
Taken around 14th April 2020
Taken on 15th April 2020
©Linda Dewis
Taken on 16th April 2020
©Linda Dewis
Taken on 13th July at 13:59 2020
16-07-20 at 17:45 precisely
Taken on 18th July at 13:29 2020
Taken on 19th July 2020 at 13:37
Taken on 23rd July 2020
Taken on 25th July 2020
