Babbacombe (in older times sometimes
referred to as Babbicombe) is often tied into the Parish
of St. Marychurch about 1/2 mile away and the two can
easily be confused as they merge into each other where
the Model Village is situated and the Cliff Railway is
sited.
Babbacombe has a rich heritage and although
it may be not be as well known for its Victorian Heritage
it does have its own interesting history......
In 1896, J. Sydney Curtis wrote: " Babbacombe has
rapidly sprung into eminence as a place for invalids
and visitors on health and vigour intent. It seems yesterday
that is was sequestered and scarcely known hamlet; it
is now, unfortunately a happy hunting ground for the
speculative builder, with a population of 1,600 to 1,700
and shorn of its romantic seclusion. But that fiend,
the speculative builder, cannot rob Babbacombe of its
glorious climate, its lovely views or its pretty bay,
he can only introduce unlovely buildings called "Villas" which
contrast to their disadvantage, with the tiny cottages
that nestle here and there fancifully and picturesquely
amongst the woods. The bay is small here and is bounded
by cliffs if marble and red sandstone and its waters
are blue and its beach is of white crystalline shingle.
It seems things have not changed so much in 150 years!
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