Finch of Eastwell, Earl of Winchilsea and Nottingham 1628-1681.
"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.