Front cover of pamphlet by Lt.-Col. Roberts

1888

"Battle of Torquay and One Month's Experince in the Devon County Prison"

A prominent member of the Salvation Army, "Brigadier" John Roberts was one of those prosecuted and imprisoned for marching with the Army on a Sunday in Torquay. During his spell in prison, he was only allowed an hour's exercise a day, spending the rest of the day picking oakum — a common and unpleasant task for prisoners. He also composed some hymns during his incarceration.

Image kindly provided by Ian Churchward of The Legendary Ten Seconds, who composed a his own song about this epsode in Torquay's history. Text by Jacqueline Banerjee. [Click on the image to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links.]