Show ContentsPenhurst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Penhurst traces its early origin to "a parish in Sussex, which belonged, in the XIV. century, to an armigerous family so called." [1]

Early Origins of the Penhurst family

The surname Penhurst was first found in Kent where the first record of the family was Stephen de Pencester, Penchester, Penshurst (died 1299), warden of the Cinque ports. He became a considerable landowner as he owned the adjacent manor of West Leigh and the manors of Overhill, Shepherd's Well, and Allington. [2]

The family take their name from Penshurst, a parish, in the union of Seven-Oaks, hundred of Somerden. "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." [3]

Early History of the Penhurst family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Penhurst research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1020 is included under the topic Early Penhurst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Penhurst Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Penhurst, Penherst, Penhart, Penshurst and many more.

Early Notables of the Penhurst family

More information is included under the topic Early Penhurst Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Penhurst migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Penhurst Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Wm Penhurst, aged 25, who arrived in New York in 1849 aboard the ship "Eldorado"
Penhurst Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • John Penhurst, aged 43, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Aquitania"


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook