Penshurst place aNd Gardens
Today’s visit: Penshurst place.
Set in the rural Weald of Kent surrounded by picturesque countryside and ancient parkland, Penshurst Place and Gardens has changed little over the centuries. This mediaeval masterpiece has been the seat of the Sidney family since 1552 and retains the warmth and character of a much-loved family home. Today, Philip Sidney, Viscount De L’Isle, continues the family guardianship of this wonderful old house and garden with his wife Isobel and their two children, Philip and Sophia. The first recorded owner of the original 13th century house and estate was Sir Stephen de Penchester, a distinguished royal servant whose tomb can be found in Penshurst church. He was followed a half century later by Sir John de Pulteney, a wealthy London merchant and financier and four times elected Lord Mayor of London, who wanted to build a country establishment within a days ride of the city, where he could hunt and entertain on a grand scale.
