Teignmouth has a long tradition of shipbuilding, from at least the 17th century. By the turn of the 19th century there were three shipyards in Teignmouth itself, and three in Shaldon and Ringmore on the other side of the estuary. The industry declined in the early 20th century, but in 1921 Francis Charles Morgan-Giles bought the last derelict shipbuilding yard and gave the industry a new stimulus. His shipyard became a major employer in the town, building pleasure craft in peacetime and small craft such as torpedo boats during World War II. However, the business eventually failed in 1968. The tall residential building visible on the right of the photo above was constructed on the site of the old shipyard and is called Morgan’s Quay. Since it was completed in 1990 public access has been restored to this section of Back Beach.
Riverside bird feeders.
There are a number of these posts along the beach – according to Viv Wilson’s book, Teignmouth Then and Now, they were used for mooring sailing ships under repair. This particular one has been adapted to multiple uses.
