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P E N S H U R S T P L A C E
K E N T , E N G L A N D
T h e V i s c o u n t D e L ’ I s l e , M . B . E . , V . C . , K . G .
King Henry VIII’s son, King Edward VI, presented the already centuries-
old Penshurst to Lord De L’Isle’s direct forebear. A rambling private castle/
palace, with the acknowledged greatest original 14th-century baronial hall in
existence, it reflects in every paneled and tapestried chamber the full romance
of generations of collectors and courtiers, soldiers and poets. The late Lord of
Penshurst, William Sidney, Viscount De L’Isle, held the Victoria Cross, Britain’s
highest award for supreme gallantry in military action. He was also one of the
Knights of the Garter, the most coveted and most senior order, and a former
Governor General of Australia.
