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Paignton

Paignton photos (120 available)

Old photo of Paignton

Paignton maps (2 available)

Old map of Paignton

Paignton books (26 available)

Paignton memories

Marriage between Ivy Alice Gillard to Robert Alexander Bent

Paignton, Parish Church Norman Door 1890

This date Oct 6th, in 1945, while serving in the RCAF, I was married to Ivy Gillard in this olden church. It was a bright sunny day. Ivy came to Canada with our daughter Barbara in October of 1946. She loved Canada very much, and even though she returned to her homeland on a few occasions, she was truly a Canadian. Ivy was taken from us in 1979 at age 56. She was born with a defective heart. It will always ben the second most important date in my life. My birth was of course the first. I loved Paignton while there. God Bless you all.
Contributed by robert bent

Cream Tea Festival in Paignton

Paignton, the Sea Front 1912


Saturday, April 19th was "Morris Day" on Paignton Green and a celebration of all things Morris. More than 150 Morris dancers from all over the country demonstrated this traditional and colourful form of folk dancing in a marquee on the Esplanade.

Among the many dancers were Heather and Gorse Clog Morris from Combeinteignhead who performed half a dozen dances in the "North West" tradition for 20 minutes or so - accompanied by their band of melodeons, accordians and drums. Although it was very poor weather, a great many people crowded into the marquee to watch and listen to the performances - and also to enjoy the craft fair and beer tent!

Sadly it was just too ...read more here
Contributed by John Howard Norfolk

Devon memories

Cream Tea Festival in Paignton

Paignton, the Sea Front 1912


Saturday, April 19th was "Morris Day" on Paignton Green and a celebration of all things Morris. More than 150 Morris dancers from all over the country demonstrated this traditional and colourful form of folk dancing in a marquee on the Esplanade.

Among the many dancers were Heather and Gorse Clog Morris from Combeinteignhead who performed half a dozen dances in the "North West" tradition for 20 minutes or so - accompanied by their band of melodeons, accordians and drums. Although it was very poor weather, a great many people crowded into the marquee to watch and listen to the performances - and also to enjoy the craft fair and beer tent!

Sadly it was just too ...read more here
A memory of Paignton contributed by John Howard Norfolk

Marriage between Ivy Alice Gillard to Robert Alexander Bent

Paignton, Parish Church Norman Door 1890

This date Oct 6th, in 1945, while serving in the RCAF, I was married to Ivy Gillard in this olden church. It was a bright sunny day. Ivy came to Canada with our daughter Barbara in October of 1946. She loved Canada very much, and even though she returned to her homeland on a few occasions, she was truly a Canadian. Ivy was taken from us in 1979 at age 56. She was born with a defective heart. It will always ben the second most important date in my life. My birth was of course the first. I loved Paignton while there. God Bless you all.
A memory of Paignton contributed by robert bent

Extracts From Paignton & Devon books

Paignton, Church Screen 1889

This late 15th-century chantry screen is a monument to the Kirkham family, whose tombs lie underneath the two ornate arches. Although damaged by the less than caring attentions of human hands in past centuries, it remains one of the finest examples of its type in the country.
An extract from from"Devon Churches Photographic Memories".

Paignton, the Harbour from above 1890

A number of people, on the beach by the bathing machines in the distant back ground, enjoy the mirror-calm water. The deserted pier with its lifeboat station on the opposite side, and the unmanned boats in the foreground, each make their own contribution towards a scene of undisturbed tranquillity, whilst in the foreground a topmast schooner lies easily alongside the jetty.
An extract from from"Picturesque Harbours Photographic Memories".

Paignton, the Harbour 1890

Paignton’s harbour is an extension of a simple early shelter for shipping. Though not as protected from rough and stormy seas as the harbour at Brixham, it maintained a fishing fleet for several centuries. It is used today mostly for leisure boating.
An extract from from"South Devon Coast Pocket Album".

Paignton, the Promenade and Sands 1907

Paignton became fashionable with the arrival of the Singer family, who built Oldway Mansion in 1874. The sewing machine millionaires completed their home in 1907, inspired by the architectural wonders of Versailles. The cream of Victorian society visited the Singers at their imposing seaside home.
An extract from from"South Devon Coast Pocket Album".

Paignton, Church Street 1912

St John’s Church at Paignton originally dated from the 12th century, but was rebuilt three hundred years later. It is said to stand on the site of a Bronze Age burial mound. The Kirkham chapel within contains the tombs of Sir William Kirkham and his wife, who died in the 17th century.
An extract from from"South Devon Coast Pocket Album".