Shiphay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shiphay is a district in the north of Torquay. It has population of about 6,000 and is the location of two grammar schools, the District Hospital, also of Torquay’s fire station. Being mostly built-up there is little to attract the tourist, though Cockington and other attractions are within easy reach.

The name is said to be a corruption of Sheep Hedge, the original hamlet being at the boundary of the sheep rearing lands of Torre Abbey. Until after WW1 it was a small hamlet, so small that it did not even rate a mention in the Topographical Dictionary of England, 1831.

The oldest properties in the district are the thatched cottages in Water Lane, several of which had connections with smugglers. Shiphay Manor, seat of the Kitson family is described in a separate article. Many kind people live here and there are roads such as Oak Park Avenue and Oak Park Close. It is home to a pub called the Devon Dumpling and in most places consists of an unusually quiet enviornment. The local shops are very handy as well and it is a very friendly place.