About Lord De L’Isle

Kent has been my home for most of my life, except for some time serving in the Grenadier Guards: and like everyone living in the county I feel a very strong affinity for Kent.

As Vice Lord Lieutenant my duties take me across the varied landscapes of Kent - from Hop Garden and Orchard in the West to the rolling countryside in the East. Kent is full of historic places to visit, with a coastline that forms two-thirds of our county’s boundary and with many seaside resorts.   As Britain’s “Frontline” County we welcome many visitors from Europe.

My family home is the defended Manor House of Penshurst Place, which dates from 1341.  At its centre is the mediaeval Barons Hall, described by John Julius Norwich as one of the grandest rooms in the world. Sir William Sidney was given Penshurst in 1552 by King Edward VI and the family has lived here ever since.

The 11 acres of walled Garden date from14th century with the current levels laid our in 1560 and divided into a series of Garden Rooms by one mile of yew hedge that needs clipping every year.  Each room has its own season. We are lucky enough to share the Staterooms and Gardens with visitors for seven months a year:  though my own favourite time is on a fine June evening when all is at peace and the smell of roses fills the air.


To book a tour of Penshurt Place or to find out more information visit: www.penshurstplace.com