Kirkham House
A late-medieval stone house near the centre of Paignton, whose hall helps explain the scale and organisation of a prosperous historic household.
A late-medieval stone house near the centre of Paignton, whose hall helps explain the scale and organisation of a prosperous historic household.
Register entry — KIRKHAM HOUSE. National Heritage List for England reference: 1207782. Recorded designation: Grade II* listed building.
First listed: 1951-03-13. This is the listing date, not a construction date.
Source: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1207782
The register identity was cross-checked against the official record name, coordinates and grade on 21 October 2026.
An English editorial overview and visiting guidance are available in this dossier. Check the linked official information for current opening times, access and booking arrangements.
Record
- Late-medieval urban house
- United Kingdom
- Torbay
- United Kingdom
- other
- 1951-03-13
Editorial reading
English Heritage identifies Kirkham House as a late-medieval building constructed in local stone. Its original occupants are uncertain: the published account suggests a prosperous landowning or merchant family rather than naming a securely established patron. The hall was large enough to accommodate a substantial dining group.
The house now contains modern furniture intended to illustrate traditional craftsmanship and the use of its rooms. This distinction matters: the display is interpretative, not proof that the furnishings belonged to the original medieval household.
Our editorial reading: concentrate on the surviving building and the relationship between its rooms, using the furniture as a guide to possible domestic functions rather than as original archaeological evidence. This is an urban historic house, not a country estate or fortified residence.
Source: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kirkham-house-paignton/ (checked 21 October 2026).
Recommendation
Consult the current official opening programme before travelling, as house access is limited. The operator notes stairs to the upper floor; confirm suitability directly if step-free access is essential.
Location and visiting
Confirm current opening times, access and reservations with the place itself. These details follow the source record.
Sources & credits
Source record: Wikidata
Source record: Eigen redactie
Source record: National Heritage List for England (Historic England)
Source record: Wikimedia Commons
Explore the region
Based on the recorded country and region. Europe’s regional grouping is an editorial choice. Open the English regional collection to explore places across the Mondes and linked publications.