[Illustration] "The name of the Finches," writes Leland, "hath bene
of ancient tyme in estimation in Southsex about Winchelesey, and by
all likelyhod rose by sum notable merchaunte of Winchelesey." The
name is said to be derived from the manor of Finches in the parish
of Kidd.
Vincent Herbert, alias Finch, married Joan, daughter and heir of
Robert de Pitlesden, of Tenderden. His son was of Netherfield,
in Sussex, in the reign of Richard II. and Henry IV.; and was the
ancestor of this family, who were of the Moat, near Canterbury, by
marriage with the heiress of Belknap before 1493. Eastwell came by
the coheiress of Moyle about the reign of Elizabeth.
The heiress of Heneage, who married Sir Moyle Finch, was created
Countess of Winchilsea in 1628. The Earldom of Nottingham is due to
the law, being granted in 1681 to Heneage, grandson of the first
Countess.
Younger Branch. Earl of Aylesford 1714.
From John, second son of the second Vincent Finch, of Netherfield,
were descended the Finches of Sewards, Norton, Kingsdown, Feversham,
Wye, and other places in this county.
See Leland's Itinerary, vi. fol. 59; Basted's Kent. iii. 198; and
Brydges's Collins, iii. 371.
ARMS.--_Argent, a chevron between three gryphons sable_.
Present Representative, George James Finch Hatton, 10th Earl of
Winchilsea, and 7th Earl of Nottingham.