Hever (St. Peter)

HEVER (St. Peter), a parish, in the union of Seven-Oaks, hundred of Somerdon, lathe of Suttonat-Hone, W. division of Kent, 8 miles (S. S. W.) from Seven-Oaks; containing 582 inhabitants. It consists of 2608 acres, of which 50 are in wood. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £15. 7. 3½., and in the gift of the Rev. T. Streatfield: the tithes have been commuted for £600, and the glebe comprises 14 acres. The church contains a monument to the memory of Sir Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire, who is represented in the robes of the garter. Hever Castle, a very ancient building, defended by a moat, drawbridge, portcullis, and tower, was the residence of the Boleyn family: Ann Boleyn, queen of Henry VIII., is stated to have been born here, and here Anne of Cleves died.