A special interest to readers circle or a murder mystery club!
Torquay is a wonderful place, spring or early summer the gardens and stately homes of Devon and Cornwall provides a fascinating backdrop for a literary tour.
The associations with the Queen of Crime Writers can be found all over the town.
Featuring in two of Agatha's novels, "The Imperial Hotel" in Torquay boasts probably one of the best settings in the world. Drinking coffee in this elegant hotel, it's east to imagine Miss Marple detecting the latest crime whilst taking in the view that stretches across to Paignton and Brigham.
The Grand Hotel on Torquay's seafront is where Agatha and Archie spent Christmas in 1914 - their honeymoon. The hotel has dedicated one of their stunning 'suites" to the greatest crime writer of all time. Across the road from the Grand Hotel lis Torquay Train Station. The newly married couple boarded the train to London for a sad farewell as Archie set off for war in France. It was on this platform, 76 years later in 1990 that Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple came face to face for the very first time.
Agatha was baptized at All Saints Church in Torquay and regularly attended Sunday services. Her father made a financial donation to the church and ensured Agatha was entered in the records as a founder member. During World War 1, Torquay Town Hall was a Red Cross Hospital where Agatha worked as a nurse. Her in depth knowledge of poisons was gained when she transferred to the Dispensary in 1915.
Roller skating on Princess Pier was one of the young Agatha's favorite pastimes. In Torquay Museum, Agatha is pictured skating in an ankle length skirt and large feathered hat, as was the fashion then.
Skating on the pier cost 2d and was a noisy and bumpy affair but enjoyable outdoor fund.
Agatha had a great love of music and attended many concerts at Torquay Pavilion. This elegant building was opened and it was here in 1913 where Agatha enjoyed a Wagerian concert with her future husband, Archie Christie.
