insideKENT Magazine Issue 40 - July 2015 | Page 103

TOWNSPOTLIGHT Sevenoaks High Street Riverhill Himalayan Gardens © Visit Kent The Stag Theatre S P O T L I G H T Emmetts Garden O N Sevenoaks BY LISAMARIE LAMB Sevenoaks is the perfect commuter town; the trains run directly to London, taking around half an hour from the fifth busiest station in Kent, and the M25, M20 and A2/M2 are all mere minutes from the centre. Yet the area around Sevenoaks itself is idyllic countryside, comprising of a number of parks and green spaces, historic buildings, and plenty of wildlife. Sevenoaks has always been a favourite for families, offering something for all ages and all interests, and being located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Downs makes it all the more special. History in Brief In 800 AD, Sevenoaks was known as Seouenaca, meaning just what it does today – seven oaks. These oaks were to be found on the area now known as The Vine, and these trees and the town’s small chapel were practically all there was to see. The chapel became synonymous with the town, and was also named Seouenaca. This chapel was a place of sanctuary for many pilgrims, and the town became a resting place not only for the weary but for the sick too – two hospices grew up in the town to take in ill and dying travellers. Not much else is known about the town between this first mention (apart from it becoming a market town) until 1432, when William Sevenoke (or Sennoke) – who had been found on the steps of the chapel, and was raised by the town, taking its name for his own – founded the now worldrenowned Sevenoaks School, along with the adjacent alms houses. Sevenoke became mayor of London (interestingly, he was Dick Whittington’s predecessor), but never forgot where his life began, and the school was to thank the people and the town for his start in life. Not long after this, the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier, built Knole House in the large estate he had bought in 1456, and the house – as well as the beautiful park – is still enjoyed by Sevenoaks’ residents today. Things to Do The Stag Theatre – This community arts centre, proudly looked after by Sevenoaks’ locals, is a combined cinema and theatre, and boasts a long history of enticing the most famous and interesting of performers to grace its stage. With two screens showing the latest blockbusters, a café, and exhibition space for talks, meetings, and indoor markets amongst other things, this is a great example of how community spirit can create something wonderful. Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve – Just outside of the town itself is the stunning Sevenoaks Wildlife 103 Reserve. This tranquil, lovely spot is perfect for taking a stroll on a sunny day (or not so sunny day if the mood strikes), meandering along the flat stretches of pathwa 丁Q