Penherst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Penherst

What does the name Penherst mean?

The name Penherst 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 Penherst family

The surname Penherst 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 Penherst family

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

Penherst Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Penherst family

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

Sources +

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