History

Where we are standing

Here there are no villages or unsightly buildings to distract your eye from the beauty that embodies Gara Rock. Instead you walk east or west, where no other roads or modern creations will obstruct your view, taking in just the sounds and smells of the sea and the history of Gara Rock…

The beginning

The angular yet enchanting coastline, the intricate patterns of Deckler’s Cliff and the Lockmoor field are all prehistoric sites. This historic ground has been home to generations of farmers who have struggled to work the land. People have moved through this landscape for several millennia, including the Celts (to whom the church is dedicated) and the Vikings, who plundered the coastline burning nearby manors. However, man is not the only visitor to this coastline. On such a south facing coast, the breeze seems to be warmer and since the end of the last Ice Age, it has carried many migratory visitors across the Channel.

The foundation of Gara Rock as we know it

Eventually, from necessity, Rickham Coastguard Station and Lookout was established by the Admiralty. At first it was a temporary station but it proved inadequate and on 1st March 1847, contractors started work. Within ten months, at a cost of £1733 – 13s – 0d it was completed. Construction of the Great Wall of Gara was completed by Lt. John Walker, R.N. – Coastguard Chief, and seven assistants, who together with their families became Gara Rock’s first community. They were responsible for developing the coastal path in order to increase their mobility. It was a hard life; there were rescues and tragedies and many dangerous storms during those sixty years, but Gara’s existence had been established.

The first hotel

Richard Jordan, sensing the potential of the coastguard cottages, purchased them in 1909. He transformed these isolated cottages into a family hotel and during the period of 1909-1940 a lot of extensions and refurbishments took place. The hotel grew in popularity and received celebrity guests such as Margaret Rutherford, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Sir John Betjeman. By the 1930’s, it was in its heyday and flourishing as a highly successful and prestigious hotel. The journey that had to be made by guests to get to this secluded spot involved travelling by steam train, paddle steamers and horse and carriage; while the journey itself may be easier now, the exhilarating feeling of winding ones way deeper and deeper into the countryside still remains. In 1940, the RAF requisitioned the hotel as a headquarter and mess for the officers and WRAF’s involved with West Prawle Radar Station; they remained at Gara Rock for approximately three years.

Filling in the gaps

Gara Rock reopened in 1946 after the war as a family hotel under its new owner, Commander Lloyd Owen, allowing the coastal walkers to return to their treasured destination. Commander Owen retired in the 1950s and the hotel was subsequently bought by the Richards family and re-opened after refurbishment in June 1962.

‘The new Gara Rock…’

Coast Group purchased the Gara Rock Hotel in 2004 believing it was a world class location and a gleaming jewel of The South Hams. After running it for two years we have been developing our aspirations for the new Gara Rock that will appeal to future generations for years to come. The new Gara Rock will strive to re-establish the important tradition of providing a welcoming refreshment and relaxation stop for the numerous coastal walkers endlessly passing by during the Summer months.