Facts about Sevenoaks
General Info
Sevenoaks is a town in Kent with a population of 29,506 situated south-east of London, England. Also classified as a civil parish, Sevenoaks is served by a commuter mainline railway into London. A settlement was recorded in the 13th century when a market was established. Construction of Knole House in the 15th century helped develop the village. Located to the south-east of the town is Knole Park, within which lies Knole House.
History
There are few records earlier than the 13th century for the town when it was given market status. The weekly cattle market was held in Hitchen Hatch Lane until 1999. It was closed to make way for the “160 BT building” in London Road. A food market is held in the centre of town every Saturday. In the Middle Ages, two hospitals were provided by religious orders for the care of old or sick people, especially those going on pilgrimage.
In 1456 Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, purchased the Knole estate and built Knole House. The mansion dominates the town. The eponymous oak trees in Knole Park have been replaced several times over the centuries. In 1902 seven oaks were planted on the north side of The Vine cricket ground to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. During the Great Storm of 1987, six of those trees were blown down.
