Paignton Heritage Society celebrates a record-breaking 2024

2024 has been an excellent year for Paignton Heritage Society (PHS). 

With the support of seven dedicated volunteers, Kirkham House opened on bank holidays and Sundays in July and August. Owned and maintained by English Heritage, the house offered guided tours led by PHS, followed by visits to Paignton’s first prison, the Clink, and the Coverdale Tower, both owned by Torbay Council and maintained by PHS.

This year saw record visitor numbers, many of whom were local residents discovering the mediaeval treasure of Kirkham House for the first time. PHS also received a grant from the Torbay Local Heritage Fund, enabling the publication of a children’s history book on Paignton and a World War II booklet aligned with the Key Stage 2 curriculum. These will be distributed to local schools, libraries, and the general public.

The annual Heritage Day in October, featuring archival content and old and new pictures of Paignton, was extremely well attended. In response to growing interest, next year’s event will move to a larger area with more seating.

One of their most anticipated plans for the new year is the opening of a heritage centre, where they hope to display their extensive archive for members of the public all year round.

Monthly meetings continue on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm at Gerston Chapel, Torquay Road. Everyone is welcome to engage in local history, with a fee of £4 for members and £5 for non-members. Joining the society costs £10 a year.