The home of the Mid-Devon Advertiser series was thrown open to the public on Saturday to allow it to see its architectural treasures for Heritage Weekend.

The Old Manor House, parts of which are used by the paper, site has its roots in the early 13th century although the current building is a mere babe in comparison, dating back to just 1534.

Its attractions include a 17th-century decorative plaster ceiling and ground floor fireplace with tile decoration known as sgraffito. Historian Derek Seymour once described the house as 'the most important secular building in its day.' The open day was arranged by the Newton Abbot Civic Society to coincide with a nationwide programme of events to celebrate the country's heritage.

Elsewhere in Newton Abbot, Old Forde House and St Leonard's Chapel were also open, as was the traditional restoration of a 17th century house in Ashburton. Michael Martyn, for the society, said the opportunity to look around the Old Manor House had been taken up by 'enough people to keep us busy' and had helped spread the word about the town's heritage. 'It's a civic society's task,' he said. 'There was a lot to say and much of it was new to many people.' Among those present was Eddie Baker, the builder who had once dug up the remains of a former resident of the house, non-conformist 18th century preacher, Isaac Gilling. Denied burial at Wolborough Church, the Rev Gilling was instead interred in the garden of 68 Wolborough Street where, centuries later, Mr Baker helped build Bulpin's Garage and discovered the bones. Also visiting were John and Valerie Cooper, parents of BBC wildlife film-maker, Andrew Cooper. The couple once not only lived in the house but also ran their pottery business from it. They were even pictured in the front porch on their wedding day some half century ago.