• David Suchet Unlocks the Abbey's Secrets
    16/09/2008

     

     Actor David Suchet happily took second billing when he officially opened the restored Torre Abbey. Mr Suchet declared the Abbey itself to be the true star at a special event in September when he turned the ceremonial key and welcomed guests into the former monastery, which dates back to 1196.
    It has taken four years to complete Torre Abbey's first phase of restoration, at a total cost of £6.5million, with the Heritage Lottery Fund paying £4.9million. Mr Suchet, who is well known for his portrayal of Agatha Christie's famous sleuth Hercule Poirot, was returning to Torquay after taking part in the Abbey's closing ceremony four years ago. He said: "It's amazing to see it now. It was just a ruin in 2004. The restoration is a magnificent achievement."

    "Torre Abbey is now not just a Torbay treasure, it's a national treasure. It will be visited by people from across the country and by people visiting England. The beauty of it is it's not behind glass — you can touch the medieval. I particularly like the modern with the old. It's been done very sensitively."

    He added, "I'm very proud and privileged to be a little part of this special day."

    The medieval and Georgian buildings of the abbey were restored by employees at Kier Western, along with a number of specialist contractors, who also added striking contemporary features. Peter Young, managing director of the company, said: "We were thrilled to be involved with this important project. It's a major credit to all concerned that a project of this scale came in on budget and on time."

    Adrian Tinniswood, of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said he was impressed to see the abbey in its new state, "It's amazing to think we're standing in more than 800 years of history — important history. If we don't know where we're from, then we can't know where we're going. The hope is that people from all over will now come here and enjoy it."

    The Friends of Torre Abbey's 900 members raised £130,000 towards the restoration work over four years. Linda Lear, chairman of the Friends, said: "It's been wonderful. David Suchet was a delight. We couldn't have wished for a better day. A lot of people have given a lot of money to this, but many more a little, and I think that emphasises the community feel to this project."

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