Jubilee walk at Penshurst Place summer 2011c Maryann Webster

Jubilee walk at Penshurst Place summer 2011c Maryann Webster

Penshurst Place and Gardens today launches a newly published guide book. Written in part by Lord and Lady De L’Isle, whose family home is Penshurst Place, the guide gives visitors a unique and personal insight into the magnificent house dating back to 1341, and contains details of the architecture, contents, toy museum and glorious historic gardens.

With a new publisher, the compact guide book contains previously unseen photographs of Penshurst Place, advice on how best to tour the property and offers a personal insight into the historic house and gardens from the perspective of those who know it best. The new guide leads with a personal welcome and introduction from the current owner, Philip Sidney, 2nd Viscount De L’Isle MBE.

Penshurst Place gardens South Lawn and house c Peter Smith

Penshurst Place gardens South Lawn and house c Peter Smith

There is a new garden tour written by Viscountess De L’Isle who introduces the 11-acre walled gardens that are among the oldest in private ownership. Designed to help visitors to get the best from their visit and experience every element of this wonderful garden, the book contains a garden map of each ‘outdoor room’, for reference. In the tour Lady De L’Isle explains the history and significance of the key garden areas that date back to 1346, moving from room to room and pointing out where best to enjoy the seasonal displays within the grounds.

Exploring the lavish historical secrets and literary heritage of Penshurst Place, the guide takes visitors through the centuries and follows the Sidney family who have been in continuous occupation of the house since 1552.

The Honourable Philip Sidney, who edited the new guide book, says ‘My parents, Lord and Lady De L’Isle, are keen to share our family knowledge of Penshurst Place so that everyone who visits may appreciate and enjoy our beautiful defended manor house, gardens and park. We commissioned a new guide so visitors may benefit from our knowledge and personal insight as they tour Penshurst Place and Gardens.’

The guide is designed to be purchased on arrival to allow guests to obtain most enjoyment from their visit. Yet the stunning photography, wealth of detailed information contained within it, mean the guide will also provide a perfect memento.

The full-colour guide contains 72 pages and more than 200 photographs, many of which show previously unpublished images. It describes the state rooms within the house including the medieval Baron’s Hall built in 1341 and 14th-century State Dining Room, and includes a map of the grounds, an explanation of the heraldic symbols found at Penshurst Place as well as sections on the Toy Museum and the Sidney family history.

The guide book is priced at £4.50 and available in print form from the gift shop and visitor entrance before your visit or the Barons Hall (as you enter the house) and the Nether Gallery (as you leave the house).

For further information visit http://www.penshurstplace.com

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