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Penshurst (St. John the Baptist)

PENSHURST (St. John the Baptist), a parish, in the union of Seven-Oaks, hundred of Somerden, lathe of Sutton at-Hone, W. division of Kent, 6 miles (W. S. W.) from Tonbridge; containing 1470 inhabitants. The parish comprises 4526 acres, of which 342 are in wood: the river Eden here unites with the Medway, and the scenery is beautifully varied. Stone is quarried, of a quality suitable for building; and the manufacture of paper is carried on. A fair is held in June. At White Port, the South-Eastern railway is carried through a short tunnel 25 feet in diameter. Penshurst Place, adjoining the village, is a noble pile erected at various periods, on the site of a mansion which, in the time of William the Conqueror, belonged to the Penchester family, but, from that of Edward IV., to the Sidneys, of whom was Sir Philip Sidney. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £30. 6. 0½., and in the gift of Sir J. S. Sidney, Bart.: the tithes have been commuted for £1020; the glebe comprises 35 acres, with a house. The church, which was probably erected in the thirteenth or fourteenth century, is a handsome edifice with three chancels, and is rich in ancient monuments. There is a place of worship for Baptists. Two national schools have been established; and five almshouses have been erected, partly by Sir J. S. Sidney in exchange for land on which some ancient almshouses stood, and partly by subscription. In the neighbourhood are remains of a Roman fortification. Dr. Henry Hammond, a learned divine, was rector of the parish. Penshurst gives the inferior title of Baron to the family of Smythe, Viscounts Strangford.

Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.

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