History
It is not known when Kirkham House was built, although the design suggests that it is of 14th or 15th century origin. It has been called "The Priest's House", suggesting a link with the church, but it may have been built as the residence of a prosperous local tradesman. The ground floor of the house consists of a parlour and a large vaulted hall that would have been used for entertaining guests, while the first floor has a gallery and three bedchambers. The kitchen was an outbuilding that exists today only as a few ruined walls, and there is a small garden adjacent to the house.
Mrs Ada Frances Jennings bequeathed the house to the nation in 1960, together with a sum of money for its repair. The stone and plasterwork have been extensively renovated, but many of the original oak beams and carvings can still be seen. The building contains reproduction furniture and tapestries in the medieval style.
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Exterior of Kirkham House, eastern aspect -
Exterior of Kirkham House, northern aspect -
First floor bedchamber, named the Best Chamber
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