Kirkham House, Kirkham Street, Paignton, Torbay
The house is near the centre of the town of Paignton not far from the palace of the bishops of Exeter. It was probably the house of a well-to-do landowning or merchant family. There are no documents to tell us exactly when or by whom it was built. The carving on the woodwork suggests a 14th century date, but the layout of the house is more typical of the 15th century. It has the traditional three-room plan found in rural farmhouses of this date. The parlour is elaborately finished and was probably intended for business use, though it may also have been used for private relaxation. There was once an ornate stone washbasin here, but it has been removed and taken to the parish church in Goodrington. The property is in the care of English heritage (2011). Read more.
