Pictures of Sevenoaks

About Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks is a popular and prosperous residential town whose origins are rooted in the 12th-century when the village first established a market which was to thrive and ensure growth and stability for the village and it's inhabitants. The town originally took it's name from a group of Oaks in Knole Park, and over the centuries many groups of these lovely trees have been planted and replaced. The last plantation is believed to have taken place in 1955.

Knole House, one of the greatest treasure houses in England can be found at Knole. Once one of the largest private houses in England, Knole was built in 1454 by Thomas Bourchier when he was Archbishop of Canterbury. For many years Knole provided a retreat for Bishops until it was released by Cranmer to King Henry VIII. Eventually, the house passed from Queen Elizabeth Ist to Thomas Sackville, Ist Earl of Dorset, who was one of Elizabeth's favourites.

Amongst the treasures to be seen at Knole is the fabulous Venetian Ambassador's Room. Here there is a magnificent state bed (one of three) decorated with cupids and the letter JR, indicating that it may have belonged to James II. The furniture here is an absolute joy, so too, are the tapestries, paintings and fine collection of silver. Mostly, the treasures on display date prior to the 17th-century. There is a wonderful fireplace in the great chamber and the main ornamental staircase was to introduce a fashion in richly ornate stairways. Here too, was the first prototype of what we now call the 'knole settee' widely popular in all country houses throughout the land.

Sevenoaks is a fine town which is pleasant to explore. It is surrounded by wooded hills and clusters of small villages. It offers excellent shopping facilities and high quality inns and restaurants. Other fine properties nearby include; Ightham Mote and Old Soar Manor, both belong to the National Trust.