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The Regatta, Plymouth, 1832

A steel line engraving of the Regatta at Plymouth, by W. Le Petit after T. Allom, originally published in Devonshire Illustrated in a series of views, from original drawings by Thos. Allom & W. H. Bartlett etc, ... with historical and descriptive accounts by J. Britton & E.W. Brayley (London: Fisher, Son & Co., 1832).

In the original volume the engraving is labelled "The Hoe, and Citadel, Plymouth," and the accompanying text reads:

"The Hoe, or Hawe, as it was called in former ages, is a commanding eminence which bounds the inward, or northern, line of Plymouth Sound, and extends from Mill Bay to Sutton Pool and Catwater. Its eastern extremity is occupied by the Citadel, or chief fortress of Plymouth; but the other parts are used as a public Promenade, an appropriation which, from the salubrity and pleasantness of this fine elevation, has been generally beneficial to the inhabitants. Considerable improvements have been made on the Hoe, of late years, by the formation of carriage-drives, and commodious walks, with seats at due intervals; and the facilities of access from the town have also been increased by new avenues. At the times of the Regatta, (which usually takes place in August,) when sailing-boats, and yachts of various sizes, contend for prizes,- the Hoe, and its contiguous shores, are crowded by multitudinous assemblages of spectators; and the very Sound itself, as expressed by a native writer, (Carrington), appears to be "instinct with life and motion," from the immense number of pleasure-boats, and other vessels, which then float upon its bosom. The marine and land scenery which this spot commands, present such a splendid combination of interesting objects, that it has few parallels in Europe.- THE CITADEL, of which a description has been given in a former article, is, from its situation, exceedingly well calculated to defend both the town and the shipping."


Image Details

Date 19th century
Year 1832
Place Plymouth
County Devon
Medium Steel line engraving
Format Illustration
Subject General views
Size 155 x 98mm
Creator Petit, W. Le, [after T. Allom]
Publisher Fisher, Son & Co.
Prints and Drawing Number 04681