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Due to Mr Tessier’s health Mr and Mrs Herbert Tessier moved into ‘Carrigbawn’ Stanley Road, Babbacombe in 1903.

Carrigbawn later known as Elton Court and Coniston were demolished in 2002 (below left). Apartments (below right) were built on these sites with a private gate for access to Tessier Garden.)

They purchased the three acres of land between Stanley Road and Babbacombe Road in 1906 adjacent to their property to ensure any buildings would not overlook them. Mr Tessier’s mother Eliza also lived with them she died on 4th August 1921.

The garden then contained a well-maintained lawn, kitchen garden, arbours covered in roses and two glasshouses one of which they cultivated chrysanthemums and dahlias, which they exhibited at horticultural shows at St Marychurch Town Hall and Cary Castle.

They often opened their garden for charitable causes the abundant supply of strawberries ensured that friends also visitors to charity events held within the grounds could enjoy the strawberry and cream teas. The last garden party held there on was on behalf of the Primrose League. The Primrose Buds dressed up as flowers danced around the arbours; however, some prize apples were stolen, and the cucumber frames were damaged, so ended the garden parties.

Mrs Tessier donated the garden to Torbay Town Council. The deeds to the gardens were handed over to the then Mayor Mr W Denis Thomas ,Chairman of the Parks and Pleasure Ground Committee, an old friend of the Tessiers on Friday 27th October 1933 at St Marychurch Town Hall the ceremony was held at the town hall instead of Tessier gardens due to rain.

Mr Denis Thomas when he was articled (he later became a partner) to Mr P.H.W. Almy wrote the deed in 1906 conveying the garden to Mrs Tessier.

‘In the first place, only adults will be allowed to use the garden’

‘It is intended to be a place of rest and quiet for those who would escape the dust of the conflict’

‘Organised games of the kind that would either create noise or become a matter of commerce will not be allowed’

Children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the gardens.

           Sun Temple

    A favourite location
    for taking wedding
        photographs.

Built in 1933 in recognition
of Mrs Tessier's donation
of Tessier Gardens to the
             council.

        It's floor has an
   inscription recording
     the gift. (see below)

THE TESSIER GARDEN. THIS GARDEN OF REST PRESENTED TO BOROUGH OF TORBAY BY AMY AMELIA ELIZABETH TESSIER THE WIFE OF Mr HERBERT ALEXANDER TESSIER J.P. IN APPRECIATION OF THIS GIFT THIS SUN TEMPLE WAS ERECTED BY THE CORPORATION OF TORQUAY ON THE 13TH DAY OF OCTOBER 1933. MAYORALTY Mr WILLIAM DENIS THOMAS. HERBERT A. Hill D.M.A. TOWN CLERK. ALDERMAN R. A. JOHNS. CHAIRMAN PARKS COMMITTEE. F.G. COUSINS F.R.H.S. PARKS SUPERINTENDANT.

................

The Local Rotary Club provided the Braille plants signs for the sensory garden in May 1975.

Garden Rose Archway 1990 Storm About TGFG Back: Tessier Garden