Description
Paignton Harbour and Goodrington are rich in history (and folklore) and are an integral part of the historic heritage of Paignton.
The Harbour and the Roundham area started out as a fish market in the 19th Century. The Harbour was developed to accommodate large ships and later in that century large Villas began to appear on the headland. The only path to Goodrington in those days was from Roundham by the still existing steep Breakneck hill.
According to the Exchequer copy of the Domesday book people have lived in Goodrington since Saxon times. A lonely place in bygone days it was the haunt of smugglers who were able to evade the Customs Officers who had to travel from Paignton Harbour and over Roundham Head to catch them. Paignton started to develop as a seafront in the late 19th Century with Goodrington following after the First World War.
Paignton Council acquired the coastal areas in 1921 and in 1936 a new Seafront Promenade and sea defences were completed. In 1940 war defences were erected on the North Beach. The North and South Sands beaches, once used by smugglers to land contraband, along with its parks and leisure facilities are popular holiday destinations today.
The Heritage Steam Railway Line bought by a group of enthusiasts in 1961 to rescue it from the Beecham Axe is now operated by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and passes through Goodrington
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.