Brixham Brixham in 1791. The village is clustered tightly round the harbour and has not yet spread up the surrounding hills. A pipe leads “sweet water” from the reservoir on the left to Deer Rock.
Tor Bay, facing east, has always provided ships and sailors with protection from the prevailing westerly winds, and Brixham’s position at the southern end of the bay meant it was the most sheltered spot of all. It was the natural site for the development of the local fishing and shipbuilding industries.
During the 18th century the sheltered bay became increasingly important
The availablity of “sweet water” at Brixham led to the construction of a Navy reservoir
to the Admiralty and the availability of "sweet water" at
Brixham led to the construction of a Navy reservoir fed by a spring. Wooden conduits carried water to Kings Quay, built in 1690 for the purpose of watering the Kings ships.
The New Quay and fishmarket were completed by
1804.
Plans for a breakwater to protect the harbour from
easterly winds can be traced back 1781 but it was not until 1843 that
construction started. Only 1400 feet had been built when work was halted due to lack of funds.
Severe gales in 1859 and 1866 caused damage to the incomplete structure
and emphasised the need for protection. It was not until 1909 that with 32
SAILING TRAWLERS