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