What links Henry VIII, Beano comics and the Harry Potter films?
The answer is Penshurst Place which can be reached from stations on the Tonbridge-Reigate line.
It has been owned by the Sidney family since 1552. It passed through the hands of two of Henry IV’s sons, followed by Henry VIII who used it as a hunting lodge.
Given to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII, it was then briefly in the hands of Sir Ralph Fane and was finally gifted by Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI, to his loyal steward and tutor, Sir William Sidney.
According to Penshurst Place, Henry Sidney, Earl of Romney and Master of Ordinances in late 17th century from 1693-1702, used the Pheon symbol (appearing in the Sidney family arms) to mark prison uniforms, military boxes, bayonets, rifles and other ordinance items. This symbol appears on burglars’ swag bags in Beano comics and originates from the Penshurst Place family.
Location managers for the Harry Potter films visited Penshurst Place with a view to transforming the Baron’s Hall into the Great Hall in Hogwart’s Castle. Unfortunately it was too small, but they didn’t go away empty handed! The Long Gallery was used to record floorboard creaking sound effects for all the Harry Potter films.
In line with King Charles III’s commitment to the environment, we are focusing on the green credentials of train travel. A journey from central London to Edenbridge station emits 63% less in greenhouse gases than driving a petrol car on the same journey.
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