Historic Kent

The purpose of this project is to give a historic background to Kent, to provide information about those individuals of Historic importance linked to the county and to add links to any profiles of significant people linked to Kent who have profiles on GENi.

See also Kent Main Page

Battles

Castles

Historic Houses

History - over view

Timeline

Pre-history

12th Century

15th Century

References, Sources and further reading

• The Visitation of the County of Kent, Taken in the Year 1619

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Kent has been occupied since the Lower Palaeolithic as finds from the quarries at Swanscombe attest. During the Neolithic the Medway megaliths were built and there is a rich sequence of Bronze Age occupation indicated by finds and features such as the Ringlemere gold cup.

The name Kent probably means 'rim' or 'border' (compare the dictionary words cant in English, Kant in German, etc.), regarding the eastern part of the modern county as a 'border land' or 'coastal district.'

Following the invasion of Britain by William of Normandy the people of Kent adopted the motto Invicta meaning undefeated and claiming that they had frightened the Normans away, as they merely used Kent to reach London. Once London was reached, the Normans ignored most of East Kent, due to the peasants attacking them at every turn. As a result, Kent became a semi-autonomous County Palatine under William's half-brother Odo of Bayeux, with the special powers otherwise reserved for counties bordering Wales and Scotland.

A decade after the Norman conquest, Penenden Heath near Maidstone was the scene of a successful trial of Odo of Bayeux. The trial, ordered by William I at the behest of Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury challenged the Earl's purported landholdings in the county, an event which represented an important attempt by Saxon landowners to reassert their pre-Norman rights and privileges.

Gavelkind was one of the most interesting examples of customary law in England. After the Norman Conquest, gavelkind was superseded by the feudal law of primogeniture, except in South East England. In essence, the law meant that on death, a man's property was equally divided amongst his surviving sons, which led to land being divided into ever smaller parcels. Therefore, the wasteful strip system of farming in open fields was never established in Kent. Gavelkind was finally abolished by the Law of Property Act in 1925.

During the medieval period, Kent produced several rebellions including the Peasants' Revolt led by Wat Tyler and Jack Cade's rebellion of 1450. Thomas Wyatt led an army into London from Kent in 1553, against Mary I.

Canterbury became a great pilgrimage site following the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, who was canonised in 1246. Canterbury's religious role also gave rise to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, a key development in the rise of the written English language and ostensibly set in the countryside of Kent. Rochester had its own martyr, William of Perth, and in 1256 Lawrence, Bishop of Rochester travelled to Rome to obtain William's canonisation.

As well as numerous fortified manor houses, Kent has a number of traditional militarily significant castles, including those at -

• Allington,
• Chilham,
• Dover,
• Hever,
• Leeds,
• Rochester and
• Walmer,

built to protect the coast, the River Medway or routes into London.

Kent also played a significant role in the English Civil War around 1648.

• The Visitation of the County of Kent, Taken in the Year 1619 by John Philipot

Celtic Kings of Kent:

• Segovax
• Carvilius
• Cingetorix
• Taximagulus
• Dubnovellaunus
• Vosenius
• Eppillus
• Cunobelinus
• Adminius
• Gwrangon

Celtic Nobles of Kent

• Lugotorix

Anglo Saxon Kings of Kent:

• Hengest
• Oisc
• Eormenric
• Æðelberht I
• Eadbald
• Æðelwald
• Eorcenberht
• Eormenred
• Ecgberht I
• Hlothhere
• Eadric
• Mul
• Swæfheard
• Oswine
• Wihtred
• Ælfric
• Æðelberht II
• Eadberht I

Anglo Saxon Nobles of Kent

• Beorhtweald
• Sigehelm
• Æthelwald
• Elchere
• Ethelhelm

Earls of Kent

• Earls of Kent, first creation (1020)
  • Godwin, Earl of Wessex (1020–1053)
  • Leofwine Godwinson (1053–1066)
• Earls of Kent, second Creation (1067)
  • Odo, Earl of Kent, and Bishop of Bayeux (d. 1097) (forfeit 1088)
• Earls of Kent, third Creation (1141)
  • William de Ipres, 1st Earl of Kent (c. 1095–1165) (deprived 1155)
• Earls of Kent, fourth Creation (1227)
  • Hubert de Burgh, 1st Earl of Kent (d. 1243)
• Earls of Kent, fifth Creation (1321)
  • Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent (1301–1330) (attainted 1330)
  • Edmund, 2nd Earl of Kent (d. 1333) (restored 1331)
  • John, 3rd Earl of Kent (1330–1352)
  • Joan, Princess of Wales, 4th Countess of Kent (1331–1385)
• Earls of Kent, sixth creation (1360)
  • Thomas Holland, 1st Earl of Kent (d. 1360)
  • Thomas Holland, 2nd Earl of Kent (1350–1397)
  • Thomas Holland, 1st Duke of Surrey (1374–1400)
  • Edmund Holland, 4th Earl of Kent (1384–1408)
• Earls of Kent, seventh Creation
  • William Neville, 1st Earl of Kent (d. 1463)
• Earls of Kent, eighth Creation (1465)
  • Edmund Grey, 1st Earl of Kent (c. 1420–1498)
  • George Grey, 2nd Earl of Kent (c. 1460–1503)
  • Richard Grey, 3rd Earl of Kent (1481–1524)
  • Henry Grey, 4th Earl of Kent (c.1495–d. 1562)
  • Reginald Grey, 5th Earl of Kent (d. 1573)
  • Henry Grey, 6th Earl of Kent (1541–1615)
  • Charles Grey, 7th Earl of Kent (c. 1545–1623)
  • Henry Grey, 8th Earl of Kent (c. 1583–1639)
  • Anthony Grey, 9th Earl of Kent (1557–1643)
  • Henry Grey, 10th Earl of Kent (1594–1651)
  • Anthony Grey, 11th Earl of Kent (1645–1702)
  • Henry Grey, 12th Earl of Kent
• Earls of Kent, ninth Creation (1866)
  • Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (1844–1900)

Earls of Thanet (1628)

• Nicholas Tufton, 1st Earl of Thanet (1578–1631)
• John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet (1608–1664)
• Nicholas Tufton, 3rd Earl of Thanet (1631–1679)
• John Tufton, 4th Earl of Thanet (1638–1680)
• Richard Tufton, 5th Earl of Thanet (1640–1684)
• Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet (1644–1729)
• Sackville Tufton, 7th Earl of Thanet (1688–1753)
• Sackville Tufton, 8th Earl of Thanet (1733–1786)
• Sackville Tufton, 9th Earl of Thanet (1767–1825)
• Charles Tufton, 10th Earl of Thanet (1770–1832)
• Henry Tufton, 11th Earl of Thanet (1775–1849)

Knatchbull Baronets, of Mersham Hatch (1641)

• Sir Norton Knatchbull, 1st Baronet (c. 1602–1685)
• Sir John Knatchbull, 2nd Baronet (c. 1636–1696)
• Sir Thomas Knatchbull, 3rd Baronet (d. 1712)
• Sir Edward Knatchbull, 4th Baronet (d. 1730)
• Sir Wyndham Knatchbull-Wyndham, 5th Baronet (1699–1749)
• Sir Wyndham Knatchbull-Wyndham, 6th Baronet (1737–1763)
• Sir Edward Knatchbull, 7th Baronet (1704–1789)
• Sir Edward Knatchbull, 8th Baronet (c. 1760–1819)
• Sir Edward Knatchbull, 9th Baronet (1781–1849)
• Sir Norton Joseph Knatchbull, 10th Baronet (1808–1868)
• Sir Edward Knatchbull, 11th Baronet (1838–1871)
• Sir Wyndham Knatchbull, 12th Baronet (1844–1917)
• Cecil Marcus Knatchbull-Hugessen, 4th Baron Brabourne and 13th Baronet (1863–1933)

Barons Brabourne (1880)

• Edward Hugessen Knatchbull-Hugessen, 1st Baron Brabourne (1829–1893)
• Edward Knatchbull-Hugessen, 2nd Baron Brabourne (1857–1909)
• Wyndham Wentworth Knatchbull-Hugessen, 3rd Baron Brabourne (1885–1915)
• Cecil Marcus Knatchbull-Hugessen, 4th Baron Brabourne (1863–1933)
• Michael Herbert Rudolf Knatchbull, 5th Baron Brabourne (1895–1939)
• Norton Cecil Michael Knatchbull, 6th Baron Brabourne (1922–1943)
• John Ulick Knatchbull, 7th Baron Brabourne (1924–2005)
• Norton Louis Philip Knatchbull, 8th Baron Brabourne (b. 1947)

Twysden of Roydon, Kent (1611)

• Sir William Twysden, 1st Baronet (1566-1629)
• Sir Roger Twysden, 2nd Baronet (1597-1672)
• Sir William Twysden, 3rd Baronet (1635-1697)
• Sir Thomas Twysden, 4th Baronet (1676-1712)
• Sir William Twysden, 5th Baronet (d 1751)
• Sir William Twysden, 6th Baronet (1707-1767)
• Sir William Jervis Twysden, 7th Baronet (1760-1834)
• Sir William Twysden, 8th Baronet (1788-1879)
• Sir Louis John Francis Twysden, 9th Baronet (1831-1911)
• Sir Roger Twysden, 10th Baronet (1894-1934)
• Sir Anthony Roger Twysden, 11th Baronet (1918-1946)
• Sir William Adam Duncan Twysden, 12th Baronet (1897-1970)

Twisden of Bradbourne (1666)

• Sir Thomas Twisden, 1st Baronet (1602-1683)
• Sir Roger Twisden, 2nd Baronet (1640-1703)
• Sir Thomas Twisden, 3rd Baronet (1635-1697)
• Sir Thomas Twisden, 4th Baronet (1676-1712)
• Sir Roger Twisden, 5th Baronet (1705-1772)
• Sir Roger Twisden, 6th Baronet (1737-1779)
• Sir John Papillon Twisden, 7th Baronet (1743-1810)
• Sir John Twisden, 8th Baronet (1784-1841)
• Sir John Francis Twisden, 7th Baronet de jure (1767-1853)
• Sir John Kerr Twisden, 8th Baronet de jure (1819-1862)
• Sir William Twisden, 9th Baronet (1818-1883)
• Sir Roger John Twisden, 10th Baronet (1852-1907) In abeyance
• Sir Rev John Francis Twisden, 11th Baronet (1825-1914)
• Sir John Ramskill Twisden, 12th Baronet (1856-1937)

Barons Cobham (of Kent; 1313)

• Henry de Cobham, 1st Baron Cobham (1260–1339)
• John de Cobham, 2nd Baron Cobham (d. 1355)
• John de Cobham, 3rd Baron Cobham (d. 1408)
• Joan Oldcastell, 4th Baroness Cobham (d. 1434)
• Joan Brooke, 5th Baroness Cobham (d. 1442)
• Edward Brooke, 6th Baron Cobham (d. 1464)
• John Brooke, 7th Baron Cobham (d. 1512)
• Thomas Brooke, 8th Baron Cobham (d. 1529)
• George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham (1497–1558)
• William Brooke, 10th Baron Cobham (1527–1597)
• Henry Brooke, 11th Baron Cobham (1564–1619) (attainted 1603)

High Sheriff of Kent

11th century to 14th century

• c1040–c1044 Eadsige
• c1051– Robert of Jumièges
• ?-1066 Oswald
• 1067–1070 Alain de Buckland (1045–1108)
• 1077–1100 Haimo[2]
• 1145 Nicholas de Moels
• 1154 Rualon[3]
• 1155–1160 Ralph Picot[3]
• 1161–1168 Hugh of Dovor of Chilham[3]
• 1160–1174 Gervase de Cornhill[3]
• 1175 Gervase and Robert Fitz-Bernard[3]
• 1176–1183 Robert Fitz-Bernard[3]
• 1184 William son of Nigel of Munevile[3]
• 1185–1188 Allen of Valoynes of Fremomh[3]
• 1189–1193 Reginald de Cornhill[3]
• 1194 William of St Mardal[3]
• 1195 Walter son of Derman[3]
• 1196–1209 Reginald de Cornhill[3]
• 1210–1215 John son of Unam of Selling and Reginald de Cornhill[3]
• 1216–1222 Hubert de Burgh and Hugh of Windlesores of Warehorne[3]
• 1223–1225 Hubert de Burgh and Roger Grimston[3]
• 1226–1231 Hubert of Boroz and William Brito[3]
• 1232–1238 Bertram of Cryall[3]
• 1239–1240 Humphrey of Bohun Earl of Essex[3]
• 1241 Peter of Subaudie and Bertram of Cryall[3]
• 1242 Bertram of Cryall and John of Cobham[3]
• 1243–1247 Bertram of Cryall[3]
• 1248-1255 Reginald of Cobham[3]
• 1256 Walter of Bersted and Reginald of Cobham[3]
• 1257–1258 Fulke Playferer of Iseling.[3]
• 1259–1261 John of Cobham[3]
• 1262 Robert Walerand and Thomas Delaway.[3]
• 1263–1264 Roger de Leybourne[3]
• 1265–1267 Roger de Leybourne and Henry of Bourne[3]
• 1268-1270 Stephen of Penchester of Alington Castle neer Maidstone and Henry of Leese.[3]
• 1271–1272 Henry Malmains of Pluckley[3][4]
• 1273 William Haute of Petham[3]
• 1274–1277 William of Valoynes[3]
• 1278–1281 Robert of Scothon[3]
• 1282–1284 Peter of Huntingfield of Iseling.[3]
• 1285 Hamo of Gatton of Throwley[3]
• 1286–1288 William of Shellessend of Chelsfield[3]
• 1289–1290 William of Brimshet[3]
• 1291 John of Northwood in Milton near Sittingbourne[3]
• 1292 John of Northwood and John of Bourne[3]
• 1293–1295 John of Bourne[3]
• 1296–1297 William Trussell[3]
• 1298 Henry of Apuldorefield[3]
• 1299 John of Northwood in Milton near Sittingbourne[3]
• 1300–1301 Henry of Cobham[3]
• 1302–1303 Warreis of Walloynes[3]
• 1304–1305 John of Northwood in Milton near Sittingbourne[3]
• 1306 William of Cossenton in Aylesford[3]
• 1307 Henry of Cobham[3]
• 1308–1312 John of Blunde[3]
• 1313–1314 William of Basing & John the younger of Haudlo[3]
• 1315 Henry of Cobham[3]
• 1316 John Malemaines of Hoo[3]
• 1317 John Malemaines of Hoo and John Fremingham[3]
• 1318 John Fremingham and Henry Sarden[3]
• 1319 Henry Sarden and William Septvans[3]
• 1320
• 1321–1322 William Septvans of Milton and Ralph Savage[3]
• 1323 John Shelvige of Shelvige Barne[3]
• 1324–1325 John of Fremingham[3]
• 1326 Ralph of St. Laurence of Swaycliffe[3]
• 1327 William of Orlanston[3]
• 1328 William of Orlanston replaced by John of Shelvige[3]
• 1329–1330 Roger de Raynham replaced by John of Bourne[3]
• 1331–1332 Thomas of Brockhall and Laurence of St. Laurence[3]
• 1333–1335 Stephen of Cobham[3]
• 1336 Thomas of Brockhall of Saltwood[3]
• 1337–1338 William Morant of Morant's Court in Chevenning[3]
• 1339 Henry of Valoynes of Repton in Ashford[3]
• 1340 John de Mereworth of Mereworth[3]
• 1341 John de Mereworth of Mereworth and John Widleston[3]
• 1342–1345 John Widleston[3]
• 1346 William of Langley of Knowlton[3]
• 1347 John of Fremingham[3]
• 1348 William Langley and Arnold Savage of Bobbing[3]
• 1349 William Langley of Knowlton
• 1350 William Langley of Knowlton[3]
• 1351 James Le Pine of East Sutton[3]
• 1352 William Apuldorefeild of Linsted[3]
• 1353 James le Pine of East Sutton[3]
• 1354 Reginald de Dyke, of the Dykes family of Sussex.[3][5]
• 1355 Gilbert of Hels of Egerton[3]
• 1356 William of Apuldorefeild of Linsted[3]
• 1357 Ralph Fremingham of Fremingham[3]
• 1358 William Makenade of Preston[3]
• 1359–1361 William of Apuldorefeild of Linsted[3]
• 1362 William Pimpe of Nettlested[3]
• 1363 William of Apuldorefeild of Linsted[3]
• 1364–1366 Jeffrey Culpeper of Preston Hall, Aylesford.[3][6]
• 1367 Richard at Leese of Shelwich[3]
• 1368 John of Brockall of Saltwood[3]
• 1369 John Culpeper of Bayhill, Pembury.[3][6]
• 1370 William of Apuldorefeild of Linsted[3]
• 1371 William Pimpe of Nettlested[3]
• 1372 John Barry of Sevington[3]
• 1373 Jeffrey Culpeper of Preston Hall, Aylesford.[3][6]
• 1374 Robert Nottingham of Milsted[3]
• 1375 William Pimpe of Nettlested[3]
• 1376 Nicholas at Crouch of Great Chart[3]
• 1377 Henry of Apuldorefeild of Linsted[3]
• 1378 Thomas of Cobham[3]
• 1379 John of Fremingham[3]
• 1380 James of Peckham of Wrotham[3]
• 1381 William Septvans of Milton Septvans[3]
• 1382 Arnold Savage of Bobbing[3]
• 1383–1384 Thomas Brockhall of Saltwood[3]
• 1385 Robert Corbie of Boughton[3]
• 1386 Arnold Savage of Bobbing[3]
• 1387 Ralph St Leger of Ulcomb[3]
• 1388 William of Guldeford[3]
• 1389 James Peckham of Wrotham[3]
• 1390 William Burcester of Hunton[3]
• 1391 Richard Berham of Berham[3]
• 1392 Thomas Chich of the Dungeon near Canterbury[3]
• 1393 William Barry of Sevington[3]
• 1394 John Fremingham of Fremingham[3]
• 1395 Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhill, Pembury.[3][6]
• 1396 Nicholas Haute[3]
• 1397 Thomas St. Leger of Ulcomb[3]
• 1398 Nicholas Potyn of Sheppey[3]
• 1399 John Boteller of Graveney[3]
• 1400 Robert Clifford of Canterbury[3]
• 1401 Thomas Ludlow[3]
• 1402 John Diggs[3]
• 1403 Thomas Hiache[3]
• 1404–1405 Richard Clitherow, of Ash in Sandwich[3][4]
• 1406 Valentine Barret of Pery Court[3]
• 1407 Henry Horne of Kenardington[3]
• 1408 Edward or Edmund Haute[3]
• 1409 William Snayth of Addington[3] (died 1409)
• 1410 Reginald Pimpe of Nettlested[3]
• 1411 John Darell of Cadehill[3]
• 1412 William Notebenn of Ash near Sandwich[3]
• 1413 William Clifford of Bobbing[3]
• 1414 Robert Clifford of Canterbury[3]
• 1415 William Langley of Knowlton[3]
• 1416 William Darell of Cadehill[3]
• 1417 John Darell of Cadehill[3]
• 1418 Richard Clitherow of Ash[3]
• 1419 John Burge of Eatonbridge[3]
• 1420–1421 William Haute of Bourne Place, Hautsbourne, Bishopsbourne.[3][7]
• 1422 John Darell of Cadehill[3]
• 1423 William Cheyne of Shurland in Sheppey[3]
• 1424 John Rickhill of Frindsbury[3]
• 1425 William Clifford of Bobbing[3]
• 1426 Sir William Culpeper of Scotshall in Oxen Hoath.[3][6]
• 1427 Thomas Ellis of Kemington[3]
• 1428 William Scott of Brabourne[3][8]
• 1429 John Peche of Littington[3]
• 1430 John St. Leger of Ulcombe[3]
• 1431 Edward Guldeford of Halden in Rolvenden[3]
• 1432 William Buriston of Hunton[3]
• 1433 Richard Woodvile of Mote Castle in Maidstone[3]
• 1434 William Clifford of Bobbin[3]
• 1435 William Manston of Manston in Thanet[3]
• 1436 James Fiennes, 1st Baron Saye and Sele, of Kemsing and Seal[3][4]
• 1437 Richard Walder of Groombridge in Speldherst[3]
• 1438 Edward Guldeford of Halden in Rolvenden[3]
• 1439 Sir Gervase Clifton of Bradbourne
• 1440 John Yeard of Denton near Eleham[3]
• 1441 John Warner of Sheppey[3]
• 1442 William Maries of Preston[3]
• 1443 Sir Thomas Browne of Beechworth[3]
• 1444 William Cromer of Tunstall[3][9](killed by Jack Cade)
• 1445 John Thorneberry of Feversham[3]
• 1446 William Isley of Sundridge[3]
• 1447 William Kene of Ospring[3]
• 1448 Stephen St. Leger of Ulcomb[3]
• 1449 Henry Cromer of Tunstall.[3][9]
• 1450 Sir Gervase Clifton of Bradbourne
• 1451 Robert Horne of Kinardington[3]
• 1452 Thomas Ballard of Horton[3]
• 1453 John Fogge of Repton in Ashford[3]
• 1454 John Cheney of Shurland in Sheppey, Kt,[3]
• 1455 Philip Belknap of the Mote[3]
• 1456 Alexander Iden[3][4]
• 1457 John Guldeford of Halden in Rolvenden[3]
• 1458 Sir Gervase Clifton of Canterbury, Kt.
• 1459 Sir Thomas Browne of Beechworth[3]
• 1460 Sir John Scott of Scot's Hall[3][8]
• 1460 John Isaac of Patricksborne[3]
• 1461–1462 Sir William Peach of Lullingstone, Kt.[3]
• 1463 John Diggs of Berham[3]
• 1464 Alexander Clifford of Bobbing[3]
• 1465 Sir William Haut of Bourne Place, Bishopsbourne.[3][7]
• 1466 Sir John Culpeper, Kt.[3]
• 1467 Ralph St. Leger of Ulcomb[3]
• 1468 Henry Ferrers of Peckham[3]
• 1469 John Bramstone of Preston[3]
• 1470 Sir Richard Culpeper of Oxonhoath, West Peckham.[3][10]
• 1471 James Peckham of Yaldham in Wrotham[3]
• 1472 Sir John Fogge of Repton in Ashford., Kt[3]
• 1473 John Isley of Sundridge[3]
• 1474 Sir William Haut of Bourne Place, Bishopsbourne.[3][7]
• 1475 John Green of Chesilhurst[3]
• 1476 William Cheney of Shurland[3]
• 1477 Richard Haut of Ightham Mote[3]
• 1478 Richard Lee of Delce[3]
• 1479 Sir John Fogge of Repton in Ashford, Kt.[3]
• 1480 George Brown of Wickham[3]
• 1481–1482 Richard Haut of Ightham Mote[3]
• 1483 Sir William Haut of Bourne Place, Bishopsbourne[3][7]
• 1484 John Barrune of the Grange in Gillingham[3]
• 1485 Sir R. Brakenberry of the Mote[3] (killed Bosworth, 1485)
• 1485 William Cheney of Shurland in Sheppey[3]
• 1486 John Pimpe of Nettlested[3]
• 1487 Henry Ferrers of Great Peckham[3]
• 1488 Walter Roberts of Glastenbury in Cranbrook[3]
• 1489 Sir William Boleyn of Hever Castle[3]
• 1490 Sir William Scott of Brabourne[3][8]
• 1491 John Darell[3]
• 1492 Thomas Kempe of Ollantigh in Wye[3]
• 1493 Sir Richard Guldeford of Halden in Rolvenden, Kt.[3]
• 1494 John Pech of Lullingstone[3]
• 1495 John Diggs of Barham[3]
• 1496 Sir James Walsingham of Scadbury Manor, near Chislehurst[3][11]
• 1497 Lewes Clifford of Bobbing[3]
• 1498 Robert Wotton of Boughton Place, Boughton Malherbe.[3][12]
• 1499 Sir Alexander Colepepper of Bedgbury.[3]
• 1500 Thomas Iden of Westwell.[3]
• 1501 Sir William Scott of Brabourne[3][8]
• 1502 Ralph St Leger of Ulcombe.[3]
• 1503 William Cromer of Tunstall[3]
• 1504 John Langley of Knolton.[3]
• 1505 Sir Thomas Kempe KB of Ollantigh.[3]
• 1506 Sir Alexander Colepepper of Bedgbury[3]
• 1507 Henry Vane of Tunbridge.[3]
• 1508 Reginald Peckham of Yaldham[3]
• 1509 Sir William Cromer of Tunstall[3]
• 1510 James Digge of Digge's Court, Barham.[3]
• 1511 Sir Thomas Boleyn of Hever Castle (later Earl of Wiltshire in 1529).[3]
• 1512 Thomas Kempe of Ollantigh in Wye[3]
• 1513 Sir John Norton of Northwood in Milton, Kt.[3]
• 1514 Alexander Colepeper of Bedbury in Goudherst[3]
• 1515 Thomas Cheney of Shurland in Sheppey[3]
• 1516 Sir William Scott of Brabourne[3][8]
• 1517 Sir Thomas Boleyn of Hever Castle (later Earl of Wiltshire in 1529).[3]
• 1518 John Crispe of Quex in Birchington[3]
• 1519 Sir John Wilshire of Stone castle in Stone near Dartford[3]
• 1520 John Roper of St. Dunstans[3]
• 1521 Throwley replaced by Robert Sonds of Towne[3]
• 1522 Sir John Fogg of Repton in Ashford[3]
• 1523 Sir George Guldeford of Hemsted in Benenden[3]
• 1524 Sir William Haut of Bourne Place, Bishopsbourne[3][7]
• 1525 Henry Vane[3]
• 1526 William Whetenhall of Peckham[3]
• 1527 Sir John Scott[3][8]
• 1528 William Kempe of Ollantigh in Wye[3]
• 1529 Sir Edward Wotton of Boughton Place, Boughton Malherbe[3][12]
• 1530 William Waller of Groombridge in Speldherst[3]
• 1531 Sir Richard Clement of the Mote in Ightham, Kt.[3]
• 1532 Sir William Finch of the Mote near Canterbury, Kt.[3]
• 1533 Thomas Roberts of Glastenbury in Cranbrook[3]
• 1534 Sir Thomas Poinings of Osten Hanger, in Stanford[3]
• 1535 Sir Edward Wotton of Boughton Place, Boughton Malherbe[3][12]
• 1536 Sir Thomas Wyatt of Alington Castle, Kt[3]
• 1537 Sir William Haut of Bourne Place, Bishopsbourne[3][7]
• 1538 Sir William Sidney of Pensherst. Kt[3]
• 1539 Sir Anthony St. Leger of Ulcombe.[3]
• 1540 Anthony Sonds of Throwley[3]
• 1541 Sir Reginald Scott of Scot's Hall[1][3][8]
• 1542 Sir Henry Isley of Sundridge, Kt.[3]
• 1543 Sir Humphrey Stile of Langley Parke in Beckenham, Kt.[3]
• 1544 Sir John Fogg of Repton in Ashford, Kt.[3]
• 1545 Sir Percivall Hart of Lullingstone, Kt.[3]
• 1546 Henry Crispe of Quex in Birchington[3]
• 1546 William Sidley of Scadbury, Southfleet[1][3]
• 1547 Sir George Harper of Sutton Valence[1][3]
• 1548 Thomas Culpeper of Bedgbury[1][3]
• 1549 Sir Thomas Wyatt of Allington Castle[1][3]
• 1550 Sir Henry Isley of Sundridge.[1][3]
• 1551 Sir John Guildford of Hemsted[1][3]
• 1553 Sir Robert Southwell[3][4]
• 1554 William Roper of Welhall[3]
• 1555 Sir Thomas Kempe of Ollantigh in Wye[3]
• 1556 Sir Thomas Moyle[13]
• 1557 George Vane of Badsell in Capel[3]
• 1558 Thomas Wotton of Boughton Place, Boughton Malherbe[3][12]
• 1559 Nicholas Crispe[3]
• 1560 Warham St Leger of Ulcombe[3]
• 1561 John Tufton[3]
• 1562 Richard Baker of Sissinghurst Castle.[3]
• 1563 Sir Thomas Walsingham of Scadbury Manor, near Chislehurst[3][11]
• 1564 Sir Thomas Kempe, Kt. of Ollantigh in Wye[3]
• 1565 John Mainey (died May, 1566)[3]
• 1566 William Isley of Sundridge[3]
• 1566 John Sedley of Southfleet[3][14]
• 1567 Willam Cromer of Tunstall[3][9]
• 1568 John Browne of Horton[3]
• 1569 Edward Isaac[3]
• 1570 John Leonard of Chevening[3]
• 1571 Walter Mainey the elder, of Stapleherst[3]
• 1572 Thomas Fane[3][4]
• 1573 Thomas Willoughby of Boreplace in Chidingstone[3]
• 1574 Sir James Hales, Kt., of the Dungeon near Canterbury[3]
• 1575 John Tufton, of Hothfield[3]
• 1576 Sir Thomas Scott of Scot's Hall[3][8]
• 1577 Edward Boys of Fredvile in Nonington[3]
• 1578 Thomas Wotton of Boughton Place, Boughton Malherbe[3][12]
• 1579 Thomas Coppinger[3]
• 1580 Thomas Fane and Thomas Sonds of Throwley[3]
• 1581 Sir George Heart of Lullingstone[3]
• 1582 Sir Richard Baker of Sissinghurst Castle[3]
• 1583 Justinian Champneyes of Bexley[3]
• 1584 Michael Sonds of Throwley[3]
• 1585 Willam Cromer of Tunstall[3][9]
• 1586 James Hales of the Dungeon near Canterbury[3]
• 1587 John Fineux of Herne[3]
• 1588 Richard Hardres, of Great Hardres[3]
• 1589 William Sedley of Southfleet[3][14]
• 1590 Thomas Willoughby of Boreplace in Chidingstone[3]
• 1591 Sampson Lennard of Chepening[3]
• 1592 Robert Binge of Wrotham[3]
• 1593 Michael Sonds of Throwley[3]
• 1594 Sir Edward Wotton of Boughton Place, Boughton Malherbe, (Baron Wotton from 1603)[3][12]
• 1595 Thomas Palmer of Hougham[3]
• 1596 Sir Moyle Finch of Eastwell, Kt. (later Baronet Finch)[3]
• 1597 Thomas Kemp of Ollantigh in Wye[3]
• 1598 Martin Barnham, of Holingborne[3]
• 1599 Roger Twysden of Roydon Hall, East Peckham[3]
• 1600 John Smith of Stansted[3]
• 1601 Thomas Scot of Scots-hall in Smeeth[3]
• 1602 Peter Manwood of St. Stevens[3]
• 1603 James Cromer of Tunstall.[9][3]
• 1604 Sir Thomas Baker of Sissinghurst Castle.[3]
• 1605 Sir Moyle Finch of Eastwell, Kt. (later Baronet Finch)[3]
• 1606 Sir Norton Knatchbull of Mersham, Kt.[3]
• 1607 Robert Edolph of Hinxhill[3]
• 1608 Sir Edward Hales, of Woodchurch[3]
• 1608 Nicholas Miller of Oxonhoath, West Peckham.[10]
• 1609 Sir William Withens of Eltham, Kt[3]
• 1610 Sir Nicholas Gilborne of Charing, Kt.[3]
• 1611 Sir Maxmilian Dalison of Halling, Kt[3]
• 1612 Sir William Stede of Harietsham, Kt.[3]
• 1613 Sir Anthony Ancher of Bourne, Kt.[3]
• 1614 Sir Edward Filmer of East Sutton Place.[3]
• 1615 Sir Edwin Sandys of Norburne, Kt.[3]
• 1616 William Beswick, of Horsmanden[3]
• 1617 Gabriel Livesey of Hollingborne[3]
• 1618 Thomas Norton of Bobbing[3]
• 1619 Edward Scot of Scots-hall in Smeeth[3]
• 1620 Sir John Sedley Bt of The Friars, Aylesford[14][3]
• 1621 Thomas Roberts of Glastenbury in Cranbrook[3]
• 1622 Sir George Fane of Buston in Hunton, Kt.[3]
• 1623 Sir John Hayward of Hollingborne, Kt[3]
• 1624 Sir Thomas Hamond of Brasted, Kt[3]
• 1625 Sir Isaak Sedley Bt of Great Chart.[14][3]
• 1626 Sir Basil Dixwell Bt of Broome House near Canterbury.[3]
• 1627 Sir Edward Engeham of Canterbury, Kt[3]
• 1628 Sir William Campion of Combwell in Goudherst, Kt[3]
• 1629 Richard Brown[3]
• 1630 Sir Robert Lewknor Kt of Acris.[3]
• 1631 Nicholas Miller of Wrotham[3]
• 1632 Sir Thomas Style Bt of Wateringbury[3]
• 1633 Sir John Baker Bt of Sissinghurst Castle[3]
• 1634 Edward Chute, of Hinxhill[3]
• 1635 Sir William Culpeper Bt of Preston Hall, Aylesford.[6][3]
• 1636 Sir George Sonds of Throwley, KB[3]
• 1637 Sir Thomas Hendley of Courshorne in Cranbrook, Kt[3]
• 1638 Sir Edward Master of Canterbury. Kt[3]
• 1639 David Polhill of Otford[3]
• 1640 James Hugeson of Kinsted[3]
• 1641–1643 Sir William Brockman initially appointed but replaced by Sir John Honiwood of Elmsted, Kt.[3]
• 1644 Sir John Rayney Bt of Wrotham Place, Wrotham[3]
• 1645 Sir Edward Monins Bt of Waldershare, West Peckham[3]
• 1646 John Henden of Biddenden[3]
• 1647 Sir Stephen Scott[3][15]
• 1648 George Selby of Ightham Mote[3]
• 1649 Henry Crispe of Quex, Birchington,[4][3] deputised to son Sir Nicholas Crispe [1]
• 1650 George Curteis, of Chart next Sutton Valence[3]
• 1651 Thomas Fludd of Otham[3]
• 1652 Bernard Hide[3]
• 1653 John Earle of Thanet, of Hothfield[3]
• 1654 Sir Humphrey Tufton, Bt. of the Mote in Maidstone[3]
• 1655–1657 Sir Michael Livesey, Bt. of East-Church in the Isle of Sheppey[3]
• 1658 Charles Bowles of Chetham [3]
• 1659 Plumer [1]
• 1660 and 1661 Sir Robert Austen, 1st Baronet of Hall Place, Bexley
• 1662 David Polhill of Chipsted [1]
• 1663 Nicholas Toke of Goddington, in Great Char [1]
• 1664 Thomas Biggs [1]
• 1665 Sir John Beale Bt of Farningham Court, near Maidstone.
• 1666 Sir Humphrey Miller Bt of Oxenhoath.[10]
• 1667 Sir William Leach of Squirries, in Westram.
• 1668 Sir John Williams Bt of Elham Court, Elham.
• 1670 Sir John Dorrel[16]
• 1671 Sir William Hugessen of Provender, in Norton [1]
• 1672 John Twisleton of Horseman's-place, in Dartford [1]
• 1673 Sir Bernard Hyde of Sundridge [1]
• 1674 William Gomeldon of Somerfield-court, in Sellindge [1]
• 1675 Francis Branacker[17]
• 1676 Sir John Cutler Bt of Deptford.
• 1677 Thomas Cadwell [1]
• 1678 William Allen of Marden[18]
• 1678 and 1679 Sir Richard Betenson Bt of Scadbury Manor, near Chislehurst.[11]
• 1680 Ralph Petley of Hartley Wood Corner[19]
• 1681 George Etkins of Gravesend [1]
• 1682-1684 Archibald Clenkerd of Sutton Valence [1]
• 1685 William Rooke of Canterbury (later Sir William Rooke) [1]
• 1686 Not known
• 1687-1688 Sir Willim Rooke [1]
• 1689 Sir Robert Filmer Bt of East Sutton Place [1]
• 1690 Thomas Adrian of Bifrons, in Patriksbourn [1]
• 1691 Sir Henry Palmer, Bt of Wingham [1]
• 1692 Sir John Marsham of the Mote, Maidstone (died 1692) [1]
• 1693 Sir Nicholas Toke of Goddington, in Great Chart [1]
• 1694 Edmund Davenport of Greensted-green, in Darent [1]
• 1695 William Cage [1]
• 1696 Solomon Hougham of Sandwich[20]
• 1697 Richard Goodhugh of Tonbridge [1]
• 1698 George Children of Tunbridge [1]
• 1699 John Amherst, esq. of East Farleigh [1]
• 1700 William Woodgate [1]
• 1701 Isaac Loader of Deptford [1]
• 1702 Bowyer Hendley of Gore-court, in Otham [1]
• 1703 Thomas Golding of Leyborne [1]
• 1704 Sir Thomas Culpeper Bt of Preston Hall, Aylesford.[6]
• 1705 Sir Edward Betenson, Bt of Scadbury Manor, near Chislehurst.
• 1706 Snelling Thomas of Deptford [1]
• 1707 Percival Hart
• 1708 Stephen Stringer
• 1709 Sir Comport Fytche Bt of Mount Markfall, Eltham.
• 1710 Sir Thomas Style Bt of Wateringbury [1]
• 1711 Humphrey Style of Langley, in Beckenham [1]
• 1712 John Hooker of Little Peckham [1]
• 1713 Leonard Bartholomew of Oxonhoath, West Peckham [10]
• 1714 John Lynch, esq. of Grove, in Staple [1]
• 1715 David Polhill [1]
• 1716 Richard Gee of Orpington [1]
• 1717 Richard Sheldon of Aldington, in Thurnham [1]
• 1718 John Stevens [1]
• 1719 John Hamilton, Jnr[21][22]
• 1720 Sir Charles Farnaby of Kippington, in Sevenoke [1]
• 1721 Jonathan Smith of Ingres, in Swanscombe [1]
• 1722 Peter Burrell of Beckenham [1]
• 1723 William Glanville of St. Cleres, in Ightham [1]
• 1724 Sir Robert Austen Bt of Hall Place, Bexley.
• 1725 James Master of Yotes, in Mereworth [1]
• 1726 John Savage (died and replaced May 1726 by Richard Lewen)
• 1727 Samuel Pugh, of Beckenham[23]
• 1728 Robert Weller of Tunbridge [1]
• 1729 Thomas May[24]
• 1730 Mawdistly Best of Park House, Boxley
• 1731 James Brookes [1]
• 1732 William James,of Igtham[25]
• 1733 Sir Brook Bridges Bt of Goodneston Park near Sandwich, who died in office and was followed by Sir Wyndham Knatchbull Bt of Mersham Hatch.
• 1734 Henry Hicks of Deptford[26]
• 1735 Baldwin Duppa, junior of Hollingbourn [1]
• 1736 Abraham Spencer of Penhurst [1]
• 1737 Thomas Malyn of Chislehurst[27]
• 1738 Jones Raymond of Langley in Beckenham, replaced by Christopher Milles of Nackington[28]
• 1739 Robert Lacey of Elmes, in Hougham.[1]
• 1740 John Smith of Lee[29]
• 1741 John Lidgbird of Plumstead [1]
• 1742 John Mason of East Greenwich[30]
• 1743 Thomas Whitaker of Trottiscliffe[31]
• 1744 John Hodsdon of Lewisham[32]
• 1745 John Cooke of Cranbrook[33]
• 1746 Arthur Harris of Barming[34]
• 1747 William Quilter of Orpington[35]
• 1748 Samuel Collett of Greenwich [1]
• 1749 Richard Hornsby of Hcrton Kirby[36]
• 1750 Richard Merry of Eltham [1]
• 1751 James Best of Park House, Boxley [1]
• 1752 Sir John Honywood, Bt [1]
• 1753 Sir John Shaw Bt of Eltham Lodge, Eltham.[37]
• 1754 Sir Thomas Rider, Kt., of Boughton Moun Chelsea[38]
• 1755 George Sayer of Charing[39]
• 1756 John Cockaine Sole, of Bobbing,[40]
• 1757 William Glanville Evelyn, of St. Clere[41]
• 1758 Thomas Whittaker of Trottiscliff,[42]
• 1759 Pyke Burfar of Greenwich [1]
• 1760 Sir Thomas Wilson of West Wickham [1]
• 1761 William Jumper of Leeds Abbey, Leeds, Kent.
• 1762 Sir George Kelly of Speldhurst, who was knighted during his shrievalty.
• 1763 William Gordon of Rochester.
• 1764 Henry Goodwin of Deptford.
• 1765 Sir Richard Betenson, Bt. of Bradbourn, in Sevenoke.
• 1766 William Wilson
• 1767 James Whatman of Boxley.
• 1768 Richard Hulse, of Baldwin's, near Dartford, second son of sir Edward Hulse.
• 1769 William Wheatley, of Erith.
• 1770 John Toke, of Goddington, in Great Chart.
• 1771 William Daniel Master, of Yotes Court, in Mereworth.
• 1772 James Flint, of Judde-house, in Ospringe.
• 1773 Josiah Fuller Farrer, of Cleve-court, in Thanet.
• 1774 Willshire Emmett,. of Wiarton, in Boughton Monchelsea.
• 1775 Granville Wheeler, of Otterden-place.
• 1776 William Perrin, esq. of Smith's-hall, in West Farleigh.
• 1777 Benjamin Harenc, of Footscray-place.
• 1778 John Ward, of Westerham.
• 1779 William Slade, of Lewisham.
• 1780 Robert Burrow, of Holwood-hill.
• 1781 John Cator, of Beckenham-place.
• 1782 Samuel Boys, of Hawkhurst.
• 1783 Henry Hawley, of the Grange, in Leyborne. since created a baronet.
• 1784 Charles Booth, of Harrietsham-place, who was knighted during his shrievalty.
• 1785 Edward Knatchbull esq. of Provenders, in Norton, eldest son of Sir Edward Knatchbull, baronet.[43]
• 1786 Thomas Hallet Hodges, of Hemsted, in Benenden.
• 1787 John Cottin, of Hill-park, in Westerham.
• 1788 James Bond, of Hayes.
• 1789 John Cartier, of Bedgbury, in Goudhurst[44]
• 1790 Leonard Bartholemew, of Addington-place.
• 1791 William James Drake Brockman, of Beachborough, in Newington, near Hythe.
• 1792 Henry Streatfield, of Highstreet-house, in Chiddingstone.
• 1793 George Norman, of The Rookery, Bromley Common.
• 1794 Richard Carew, of Orpington.
• 1795 Gabriel Harpur, of Gore-court, in Tunstall; Samuel Chambers, esq. of that parish was appointed his deputy, and executed this office for him.
• 1796 John Mumford, of Sutton at Hone.
• 1798 John Plumtree
• 1799 Samuel Chambers

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