218" KINGSBRIDGE 



further dilapidation. In one part of the building there are 

 steps (containing some unusually massive hewn stones) 

 which lead to an open balcony, the pillars of which remain, 

 but the rails and open work which probably at one time 

 existed, have disappeared. This balcony opens into two 

 large well-proportioned rooms. Some of the original oak 

 beams, supporting the roof, remain, but are grey with age 

 and incrusted with lichen. A narrow doorway in one corner 

 looks down into a deep well, or pit, which is considered to 

 have been a place of confinement. This, as well as other 

 parts of the rooms, is almost full of rubbish. 



Leigh, being at present a farm-house, agricultural imple- 

 ments and such matters are here stowed away ; and sundry 

 wooden partitions having been erected, the extent and 

 symmetry of these fine apartments has been sadly marred. 

 At different periods Leigh has been the property of the 

 the Hayes family, the Aldams, and the Bickfords. 



Norton farm lies a little off the road between Churchstow 

 and Kingsbridge ; it is a fine specimen of an old Devonshire 

 mansion, with its stone gate posts, surmounted by large 

 balls. It was formerly the seat of a branch of the Hawkins 

 family. Prom some high ground belonging to this estate, 

 and known by the name of Norton Ball, there is a good view 

 of the estuary, which, from thence, looks almost like a lake, 

 shut in, as it is apparently, by the Portsmouth Hills at the 

 lower end. It is considered that Norton and Norden (pro- 

 nounced Norn) are only two forms of one name, common to 

 the slopes which run from Norton quarries to Norden, on the 

 West Alvington road. The stream which runs down on the 

 west side of Kingsbridge divides that place from Norton. 

 The meadows about there are called Norton Meadows, and 

 were the property of Buckfast Abbey. 



