Kirkham House

About the museum

Kirkham House is a late medieval house built of local stone near the centre of Paignton. No documents record when it was built or by whom. Carving on the woodwork suggests the 14th century, but the layout is more typical of the 15th century, when separate rooms for different activities became common.

The house was once called the Priest’s House, but the high-quality detail inside suggests it was more likely the home of a wealthy landowning or merchant family. It has a traditional three-room plan like rural farmhouses of the period. A 16th-century arched oak doorway leads into a screens passage, with the hall on one side and the parlour on the other, and each room has a hooded fireplace. The hall could seat about twenty people for formal meals, with food brought from an outside kitchen that is now ruined. Upstairs there is a best chamber above the parlour, a second chamber partly jettied over the hall and a 16th-century gallery leading to a third chamber, which may have been used by servants.

Today the house is owned by English Heritage and opened to the public by the Paignton Heritage Society, which also runs guided tours. Modern furniture shows traditional English timber and joinery techniques and how the rooms were used.

Highlights

• Late medieval stone house with a hall, parlour and screens passage
• 16th-century arched oak doorway and hooded fireplaces
• Modern furniture showing traditional timber joinery
• Free entry, with guided tours by the Paignton Heritage Society

Permanent exhibition

• Kirkham House – A late medieval hall house with a screens passage, hall, parlour and upper chambers, furnished with modern pieces that show traditional woodworking.

Operated by

English Heritage

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free and donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The surfaces are uneven and the stairs are steep, and the second floor can be reached only by stairs. English Heritage asks visitors with access questions to contact its West volunteer engagement team. Dogs are not permitted.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The house is on Kirkham Street in Paignton, close to the town centre.

Amenities & dining

There are no facilities on site. Shops, cafes and restaurants are in Paignton town centre, a short distance away.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit