Penshurst Place is a magnificent medieval manor house.
The original building was constructed between 1340 and 1345 for Sir John de Pulteney.
The Baron's Hall built in 1341 has an splendid, 60 foot high chestnut-beamed roof and is the oldest and finest example of a medieval hall in England.
The house is closely associated with royalty and it was owned at one time by Henry VI's third son and later by Henry VIII. In 1552 Penshurst was given to Sir William Sidney by Edward VI and today the house is still the home of the Sidney family.
Over the years alterations have been made to the building in several architectural styles.
However, the battlemented exterior gives the house a unified appearance.
The series of rooms provide an impressive backdrop to the collection of paintings from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, including a portrait of Sir Philip Sidney, the great Elizabethan poet, courtier and soldier. The helm carried in the state funeral procession to St. Paul's Cathedral for Sir Philip Sidney in 1587 is displayed in the house and now forms the family crest.
Penshurst also houses a splendid collection of furniture and tapestries. Since World War II a great deal of work has taken place to restore the damage caused by flying bombs.
The gardens were originally laid out in the 14th century.
These have been developed over the years by the Sidney family. The late Viscount De L'Isle carried out a twenty year restoration and replanting programme.
In 1991 the new Arboretum was planted in his memory. A mile of yew hedges divides the garden into rooms with plants giving a succession of colour through the seasons.
Penshurst Place also has a famous deer park and in the grounds there is a Nature Trail and Adventure Playground.
2008: 21 Mar-2 Nov: daily, Grounds & garden open 10:30-18:00; House 12:00-16:00
Tel: 01892 870307 Penshurst Place Website
