Paignton is an English coastal town on "the English Riviera" near Torquay, in the county of Devon. Over the years, Piagnton and Torquay have grown into each other, and together with Brixham to the south they form the unitary authority of Torbay. Paignton (originally spelt "Peynton") appears in records in the 11th century, and for most of its history has primarily been a fishing village. During its expansion in the 19th century, a new harbour was constructed according to the Paington Harbour Act of 1837 (yet another spelling). Since then the rise of tourism led to the appearance of Paignton Pier, and has fuelled an even greater expansion which led to Paignton effectively swallowing the adjacent coastal villages of Goodrington and Preston. Oldway Mansion, formerly the home of the Singer family (of sewing machine fame) lies between Preston and Paignton, and is now the meetingplace of Torbay Council. Nowadays Paignton depends heavily on tourism. A recent addition to Paignton's attractions is the Quaywest waterpark on Goodrington beach. However, the most famous attraction in the town still remains Paignton Zoo.