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Sevenoaks, England

Sevenoaks
Town
Knole, Sevenoaks in Kent - March 2009.jpg
Knole House

Coat of Arms of Sevenoaks Town Council

Motto: Floreant Septem Quercus
May the seven oaks flourish.
Sevenoaks is located in Kent
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks shown within Kent
Population 29,506 
20,409 (2011 Census)
Demonym Sennockian

Old Sennockian (Exclusive to Sevenoaks School alumni)
OS grid reference TQ525555
Civil parish
  • Sevenoaks
District
Shire county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town Sevenoaks
Postcode district TN13, TN14, TN15
Dialling code 01732
Police Kent
Fire Kent
Ambulance South East Coast
EU Parliament South East England
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
KentCoordinates: 51°16′41″N 0°11′15″E / 51.2781°N 0.1874°E / 51.2781; 0.1874

Sevenoaks is a town and civil parish with a population of 29,506 situated in western Kent, England, south-east of London. The population of the civil parish had reduced to 20,409 at the 2011 Census. It is served by a commuter main line railway and is 21 miles (34 km) south-east of London Charing Cross. The town gives its name to the Sevenoaks district, of which it is the principal town, followed by Swanley and Edenbridge.

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. Sevenoaks became part of the modern communications network when one of the early turnpikes was opened in the 18th century; the railway was relatively late in reaching it. In the 21st century, it has a large commuting population, although the nearby Fort Halstead defence installation is a major local employer. Located to the south-east of the town is Knole Park, within which lies Knole House.

Educational establishments in the town include the independent Sevenoaks School and Knole Academy.

The town's name is derived from the Old English word "Seouenaca", the name given to a small chapel near seven oak trees on The Vine around AD 800.

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.


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