Palmer House was built in 1752 by John Palmer, who was an attorney and three times Mayor of Great Torrington. His wife Mary was the sister of the artist Sir Joshua Reynolds. Reynolds stayed at the house on many occasions, where he painted the Palmers' daughters. He stayed at Palmer House in 1762 accompanied by Dr. Samuel Johnson, who reputedly had a weakness for pancakes, and is said to have eaten thirteen at one sitting whilst staying there

Homes of the Famous