David Polhill

David I died in 1578 and lies buried in the chancel beneath the oldest known tomb in Otford Church. There is a square slab by the vestry door bearing the device of a shield inscribed ' David Polhill Ales his wife 1585'

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II. OTFORD. (BROUGHTON MANOR)

David, the third son of Thomas and Joan, was the first of four bearers of that name. For clearer distinction they will be numbered one to four in this story and this David will be No.1. On the death of his father and mother he inherited all their lands in Knockholt, Brasted, Sundridge and Orpington, but he made his home in Otford. On 12th. December 1554 he purchased the ancient house of Broughtons in Otford (36) for 2231.16.0, 'tenure in capite, the lead, bells and other such mettall to be reserved'. (68). Broughtons was destined to become the home of the Kentish Polhills for nearly three hundred years.

The property had passed through many hands since it was first heard of in 1287, and its story has been told elsewhere by the present writer. Briefly, Broughtons became Royal property in 1542 for twelve years, during which time one who lived there was William Lambarde, father of the William who married Jane Multon, as already mentioned.

David I married Alice, third sister and heir of Francis Sandback of the Inner Temple and King's Bench, and impaled her arms with his own. (azure, a fess between three garbs or), (36). They had three daughters, Elizabeth, (who married Matthew Petley, of Downe, M. P.), Joan, (who married John Dawtrey of Moorhouse, Petworth, Sussex, Sergeant-at-arms), and Sarah, buried at Burwash 16.7.1610. Also two sons, George who died without issue, and John. (49)

Great things were planned for John. On 20 November 1571 his father executed a marriage settlement (A) with William Morse of Aylesford before trustees, Thomas Frane the Elder, of Tusely, and Thomas Fissherof Crayford to ether with William Morse, "in a consideration of a marriage to take place before next Christmas between John Polhill, son and heir of David Polhill, and Agnes Morse, daughter of William Morse: all

BROUGHTONS IN OTFORD.

Royal Patent of 10.7.1554 for sale to

Colwych, Clayton and Polhill

with other properties.

DAVID POLHILL bought BROUGHTONS only

from the others on 12.12.1554.

Photostat from a photo by R. Pearman

of a copy held by Mrs. D. M. Wright

former resident of Broughtons. 

Agnes' lands and inheritance in Newchurch, Kent, to be conveyed to John Polhill and Agnes and their heirs; David Polhill to vest in the said trustees for the young couple and their heirs the farm and tenement called Broughtons and lands therewith, (here to fore William Lambarde's on lease, once George Harper's.)

The wedding took place the same day at Otford, in the presence of uncle Thomas of Shoreham, uncle George Multon, Matthew and Elizabeth Petley (brother-in-law and sister), Joan Dawtrety, sister, and cousins William and Jane Lambarde. Alas, the marriage was terminated untimely by the premature death of Agnes.

David I died in 1578 and lies buried in the chancel beneath the oldest known tomb in Otford Church. There is a square slab by the vestry door bearing the device of a shield inscribed ' David Polhill Ales his wife 1585'. The date is not in accord with the church registers which put it as 1578.

source http://polhill.info/book.php?p=2