An Introduction and Sources

The breadth and importance of Penshurst is well demonstrated by the plethora of old and interesting houses, occupied by many old and interesting historical figures (and maybe some modern ones as well). This section draws strongly on the extraordinary work undertaken by John Flower, who left large amounts of researched material, sources and papers on this subject. The history of the various houses, large and small, is inevitably bound up strongly with those that lived there, and where these occupants have interesting stories, they have been added in brief. I have somewhat arbitrarily left out modern ownership details from about 1970 on. The following is a summary of John Flowers’ introduction to his work in this sector (dated 2005), giving more background on his sources. Further material has been gleaned from Wikipedia, and other internet based sources.

“This project was not planned, it arose naturally after the compilation of a Directory of Penshurst covering the period 1826-1957, with help from the Centre for Kentish Studies in Maidstone who copied Penshurst entries from County Directories  1826 – 1938, followed by public library Directory records to 1957.

The Directory gave narrative with descriptive and historical information and lists of occupants. Originally these were divided into “Nobility, gentry and clergy”, “Private residents” and “commercial”, before the first two were later merged. Apart from 1838 (Tithe Redemption Records) most references in this period (1826-1957) are from Directory entries.

Further sources include electoral rolls, some showing that houses (Harts, Ranmoor/the Nunnery, Smarts Hill House, Godfreys, Tubs Hole) are in fact in the 1870 created Parish of Fordcombe.)

Hasted History of Kent (1770-80) has also been used for detail on earlier periods and quotations (usually referenced when used)

Flowers also used references from a shadowy figure (“FNS”) who, whilst not a resident, is believed to be Commander Frank Noel Stagg RN. Information on this colourful character can be found [in the box below/ in penshurst people]

Census reports are uniquely valuable, giving detail of the whole family, ages places of birth  and servants.

A number of houses in the village are listed and their citations are included.

Pevsner “West Kent and the Weald” and the local history booklet “Penshurst church and Village are quoted where relevant.

Parish Registers or the report by the NADFAS on Penshurst Church have been used as sources.

Earlier references are from Bridgewardens Assessments (1791 and 1804), and John Dawson’s Lists (1724 and 1727). John Dawson was the Excise man for Penshurst, involved in tax on hops.

Sometimes information from recent sale brochures is also quoted.