Nostalgia: Iron Age relics unearthed in Paignton excavation

The excavation site in the corner of the churchyard belonging to the Church of St John the Baptist faces the entrance to the vicarage in Palace Place.

It forms part of the remains of the Bishop of Exeter’s summer palace. Further remains include the high crenelated walls surrounding the vicarage and the tower on the corner of Church Path and Tower Road, variously known as the Bishop’s Tower, the Bible Tower and the Coverdale Tower.

The remains are thought to be 14th century, although they may be earlier, and several archaeological digs in the area have unearthed relics from different eras, some dating back to the Iron Age. Paignton has long been known to have a history which goes back to at least Saxon times, and this area of Paignton is believed to be where the earliest settlements were situated.

The excavation site now looked after by Paignton Heritage Society was thought to have been a chapel, although this is by no means certain. Another theory is that it could have been a resting place for travellers. The church was expected to provide safe accommodation for travellers, and this would have been a likely position for that.

The ruins appear to indicate that there was one larger room and several smaller rooms. The remains of steps indicate that there was a second floor. In the corner the remains of an early garderobe are seen, possibly a further indication that travellers stayed there.

The area around the site was where the Paignton Market was held. The charter granted by Edward I in 1295 allowed traders to sell their wares, farmers to sell cattle and merchants to display handicrafts. The most popular item traded was believed to be cloth.

This was a busy and important part of early Paignton and probably the centre of local life. A modern tapestry displayed at Kirkham House is a depiction of the Bishop of Exeter visiting the market in the 13th/14th century. Early illustrations of the church show the stocks, which originally were just outside the church gate, possibly in use on market day. A feature of mediaeval life which has thankfully died out.

Paignton Heritage Society has written two books in the last year in collaboration with Oldway School. The first book, Paignton Our Home Town, is a history of Paignton written with the help of children from Oldway, designed for children eight to 11 years old. It has proved extremely popular with both adults and children. The second book due to be launched at the library on 10th May is entitled ‘Wartime Paignton’.

Also written with the help of the children of Oldway School, it is hoped that this book will be equally popular. The launch event runs from 10:30am to 12pm. The focus group will be present, and there will be activities for children. The author Jo Tucker will be reading extracts from the book at 11.00am and 11:30am. This is a drop-in event; everyone is welcome.

The PHS meeting this month is on 15 May at 7pm at Gerston Chapel, Torquay Road. The speaker will be John Tompkins, and his talk is entitled Bringing History to Life through Film. Entry £5 (£4 members) Everyone is welcome.