Francis Powe’s 100-year family legacy at Kents Cavern, Torquay

Significant people who lived with in Torbay in the 20th century, not always famous, by Ian Handford, president of Torbay Civic Society. This week, 15: William Francis Powe:

The last 100 years have seen five generations of the Powe family own and operate Kents Cavern, Torquay.

Situated under the northern end of Lincombe Hill with an original entrance facing the Ilsham Valley, it was rediscovered in the 18th century on land still owned by Lord Haldon until finally purchased by William F Powe.

William Francis Powe was born in St Marychurch in 1865 and after leaving school, became a carpenter working out of Teignmouth.

Later, the possibility of a large workshop at the cave nearer home became available and, in spite his wife’s opposition, William (now Francis) agreed an informal lease with Lord Haldon – over what was called Kents Hole.

The informal agreement lasted until 1889 when Francis signed a formal lease with his Lordship and became sole custodian for the next 14 years.

He was already creating most of his income by escorting visitors around the now extensive caves, being a far more comfortable lifestyle than walking to and from Teignmouth every day.

The Lincombes, although visible from Babbacombe in the east and Brixham in the west, had for millions of years suffered erosion of limestone as water seeped through creating a labyrinth of passages and terraces within.

The first real explorers entered in the 19th century when amateurs searching for anything merely looted the cave.

One of the first formal ‘digs’ was done by Mr Northmore, who then introduced Father John McEnery to Kents Cavern in 1822.

Chaplain to the Cary family, he spent most of his time when not ministering to the family’s religious needs, digging and excavating a large number objects and bones from what he believed was the floor of the main cave.

Later, when another lower level was exposed and more objects found, they would severely test the Father’s Catholic beliefs as they suggested humans had walked here long before the dates suggested by Holy Scripture – a heretical belief in that era.

Mr Powe, now making small huts and boats used at Anstey’s beach, was also a skilled guide and eventually turned developer.

It was in 1903 he learned his Lordship wished to sell off this part of his estate, which threatened the tenancy and once again. Against his family’s wish, Francis bought both the caverns and land from Lord Haldon.

A courageous decision yet one that set a tradition resulting in generations of Powes running Kents Cavern as a business.

By 1920, visitors were creating major income as the third generation Leslie was about to emerge. Son of Francis, having left school immediately in 1930, Leslie joined his father in partnership.

Now the cavern was updated from inadequate candlelight and acetylene lamps to electric lighting. When Francis retired at age 83 in 1987, the next generation – Leslie’s son John – took over when now the wooden duck boards were replaced with more solid paving.

Later, this would be replaced by permanent concrete paths laid throughout the caves.

John, produced three children including Nick – current owner of the Kents Cavern business. Nick had to change career, from Nestle based in Switzerland, when an unwanted devastating phone call was received from his father – he had contracted a life-threatening illness at age 68.

Leslie, having retired at 82 and having lost his son John, now witnessed Nick move to Torquay in 2000 and immediately laid plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kents Cavern in autumn 2003.

Leslie returned to help Nick in the business until he died at age 97 in 2001.

Francis had died aged 96 having had a varied business and social life which included becoming president of Torbay and District Billiards League for 25 years.

He even left the club a large silver bowl in 1947 – The Powe Perpertual Trophy. He was also, in 1956, first president of St Matthias’ Men’s Club and lived all of his life on Ilsham Road but died in a local nursing home in November 1962 four months after Nick was born.

A copy of an article entitled Cave Man Who Founded A Dynasty can be obtained by sending two first class stamps and a small stamped addressed envelope to Torbay Civic Society, Suite 1, The Business Centre, 4 Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3HA.

IAN’S COMMENT: An amazingly long life as owner of the historic Kents Cavern, today world renowned and part of our UNESCO Global Geopark

NEXT WEEK: Philip Henry Gosse