unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Devon, southwestern England, on the English Channel coast. It comprises three old towns—Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham—grouped around Tor Bay. A village existed at Torre before the foundation of a Premonstratensian abbey in 1196. Cockington Court (Elizabethan and later) and its estate are part of the municipal park system. Torbay's attractive setting and equable climate have made it an all-year resort and conference centre. Area 24 square miles (63 square km). Pop. (2005 est.) 132,800.