Penhale - Hartley-Kent: The Website for Hartley

As might be expected of someone with her name, Emma owned land in Cornwall as well as Kent (Fine Roll 26.5.1426).  She was the sister of John Urban of Southfleet who died in 1421.  On 15 July 1427 the Fine Rolls record an order that her son John Penhale should have full seizin (possession) of all her lands in Kent and Cornwall because he has done homage and fealty to the king as feudal overlord.

It is interesting to compare the description of Hartley Manor with that of 1392.  While the extent of land is similar it is clear that the demesne land had switched over to pasture in a big way.  All land was arable in 1392 but just 35 years later nearly half was now pasture.  A similar trend is perhaps discernable at Ash too, as in the 15th century the church had a chapel dedicated to St Blase, the patron saint of woolworkers.

TNA C139/29

Inquest held at Derteford (Dartford) in the county of Kent on Tuesday next before feast the Translation of St Thomas Martyr in the 5th year of the reign of Henry VI... Before Robert Cappes, escheator of the lord king in the said county... By the oaths of John Knolles, John Gerard, John Blythe, Henry atte Cherche, John Dalton, John Smyth, Thomas [.......], John [......], Thomas Trewbody, Thomas Godfrey and John Hancok junior, jurors, who say on their oath that Emma Penhale named in the said writ, deceased, on the day on which she died, held in her demesne as of fee the manor of Hertlegh (Hartley) with its appurtenances in the said county from the lord king in chief by knight service.  And they say the site of the said manor is worth nothing after expenses.  Likewise they say that the rents of assize of the same manor extend to 66s 8d pa, payable at the four usual terms of the year.  Likewise they say that the profits of the court there are worth nothing after the costs and expenses of the steward.  Likewise they say that in the said manor are 100 acres of arable land, and each acre is worth 4d pa after expenses.  Likewise they say there are 80 acres of pasture, which is worth 16s 8d pa after expenses.  And there is in the same manor 5 acres of meadow, and each acre is worth 12d pa.  Likewise they say that there is 10 acres of seasoned wood in the manor, of which an acre could be felled each year, and then each acre is worth 5s.  Likewise they say there is divers furze and woodground, which is worth nothing annually, except for fencing for the said manor.....

(they also list land at Southfleet, Swanscombe, Fawkham and Stone)

.... And they say that the said Emma died on 8th May last past.  And that the said John Penhale son of the said Emma is heir of the same Emma and is 40 years old and above.