insideKENT Magazine Issue 50 - May 2016 | Page 119

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

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Sevenoaks

There are many towns in Kent – and across the UK – that can claim to have it all, but Sevenoaks
is one that can not only claim it, but prove it too. Sevenoaks is the ideal commuter town; its
station is the fifth busiest in Kent and trains take around half an hour to reach London. But
Sevenoaks isn’t all about work – there are plenty of places to play as well, making it the perfect
place to bring up a family. Idyllic countryside, large parks, woodland full of wildlife… it’s all here.
Sevenoaks is located in a beautiful position on the North Downs in an area of outstanding
natural beauty which makes it all the more special. BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Knole House

The Stag Theatre

History in Brief
In AD800, 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 of the chapel and trees (apart
from it becoming a strategically placed market
town) until 1432 when William Sevenoke (or
Sennoke) – who had been found on the steps of
the chapel, and 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

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

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, an exhibition space
for talks, meetings, and indoor markets amongst
other things, this is a great example of how
community spirit can create something wonderful.
Knole House
Owned today by the Sackville family (who still live
in the house), the National Trust manages the

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building and grounds and it is open for everyone
to visit. With a long, varied history dating back to
1456, Knole has famously been the home of
Henry VIII (who took it from Thomas Cranmer,
archbishop of Canterbury). It passed to the
Sackville family in 1566, when Elizabeth I gave it
to her cousin, Thomas Sackville. It is what is
known as a ‘calendar house’ as it has 365 rooms
(as well as 52 staircases, 12 entrances, and seven
courtyards).
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Just outside of the town itself is the stunning
Sevenoaks Wildlife 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 pathway.
There are many events that take place here,
including listening to the dawn chorus and bat
walks. Entrance is free (although donations are
welcome), and there is a small shop, museum,
and snack hut.