Torpoint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Torpoint
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 The Ellis Memorial in memory of James B. Ellis a Torpoint man who drowned in July 1897 trying to save two boys from the river Tamar. |
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| Population | 8,364 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | SX438552 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TORPOINT |
| Postcode district | PL11 |
| Dialling code | 01752 |
| Police | Devon and Cornwall |
| Fire | Cornwall |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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| Website | http://www.torpointtowncouncil.gov.uk |
Torpoint (called Penntorr in Cornish) is a town in southeast Cornwall, England. It is located on the Rame Peninsula. The town sits across the Hamoaze, which is part of the River Tamar, from the city of Plymouth.
In 2011, Torpoint had a population of 8,364 people. It is connected to Plymouth by the Torpoint Ferry. This ferry uses chains to pull itself across the river. The trip usually takes about seven minutes.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Torpoint is believed to come from "rocky headland." Some people used to call it "Tar Point" because of the tar industry that was once there. But "Torpoint" is the original and official name.
A Look at Torpoint's Past
Torpoint was planned and built in the 1700s. Reginald Pole Carew designed the town with a grid pattern in 1774. His family, now known as the Carew Poles, still live nearby at Antony House.
In 1796, there was a battle in Torpoint. A government ship called the Viper fought against armed smugglers. One person died and five were hurt in this fight.
The town grew a lot because of the Devonport Dockyard nearby. Many workers from the dockyard came to live in Torpoint. The Royal Navy also has a big training base here, HMS Raleigh, which helped the town's population grow.
Places of Worship
Torpoint has four main churches:
- Maryfield Church
- Torpoint Cornerstone Church
- Catholic Church of Saint Joan of Arc
- St James Church
Famous People from Torpoint
Some well-known people have connections to Torpoint:
- John Langdon Down: Born in Torpoint in 1828. He was a doctor who first described the medical condition now called Down syndrome.
- Jack Stephens: A professional footballer who plays for Southampton F.C..
Learning in Torpoint
Torpoint has several schools for young people:
- Torpoint Infant School: For younger children.
- Carbeile Junior School: A larger school for primary-aged students.
- Torpoint Community College: A secondary school for older students.
Sports and Fun
Torpoint has a local football team called Torpoint Athletic F.C.. They play their games at a place called The Mill.
Cornish Wrestling History
Long ago, in the 1700s, Cornish wrestling matches were held in Torpoint. People would compete for prizes.
Torpoint's Twin Town
Torpoint is twinned with a town in France called Benodet (Benoded). This means they have a special friendship and often exchange visits.
How Torpoint is Governed
The Torpoint Town Council was created in 1894. Joseph Shepheard was its first chairman.
Ron Widdecombe was the first person to hold the title of Mayor of Torpoint.
Today, the Town Council has Gary Davis as the town mayor and Julie Martin as the deputy mayor. The council is made up of 16 councillors who represent different parts of the town.
Town Events and Celebrations
Torpoint celebrates several special days and events throughout the year:
- Freedom of Torpoint march
- St Piran's Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Commonwealth Day
- Day of Accession Council and Principal Proclamation
- Merchant Navy Day
- St George's Day
- Christmas Lights Switch On
- Civic Service
Images for kids
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The Ellis Memorial, remembering James B. Ellis who drowned trying to save two boys in 1897.
See also
In Spanish: Torpoint para niños
