Our stone age ancestors
Ancestors of modern humans share the land with large mammals which they learn to hunt for food.
Britain is still attached to the continent.
Britain is still attached to the continent.
Modern humans
Homo sapiens have dispersed into Europe from Africa. They live in large groups, and make increasingly sophisticated tools and weapons from wood and stone.
New Stone Age
People begin farming and producing pottery, and take part in rituals that signify complex spiritual beliefs.
Britain has become an island after millennia of rising sea levels.
Britain has become an island after millennia of rising sea levels.
Bronze Age
Bronze and copper replace stone as the preferred material for making tools and weapons.
The adoption of agriculture becomes widespread.
The adoption of agriculture becomes widespread.
Iron Age
Oldbury camp is built by Celtic British tribes on a hill west of Ightham, in a strategic location overlooking routes through the Kentish Weald...
Roman settlements
Roman settlers occupy areas along the River Darent, north of Sevenoaks. These include Lullingstone villa, and, later, a larger villa in Otford.
Battle for Kent
Otford is the scene of a battle between Offa, King of Mercia and Alric, King of Kent. Offa is victorious.
Saint Edith
Saint Edith, daughter of King Edgar the Peaceful, is born in Kemsing.
The well in Kemsing is dedicated to her, as it was believed she gave the water healing properties.
The well in Kemsing is dedicated to her, as it was believed she gave the water healing properties.
King Canute
After a failed Danish siege on London, a battle takes place in Otford between King Canute and English King Edmund Ironside...
Battle of Hastings
Saxon King Harold marches through Sevenoaks on the way to the Hastings, where he is killed in battle.
William the Conqueror then camps at Seal en route to London, and becomes the first Norman King of England.
William the Conqueror then camps at Seal en route to London, and becomes the first Norman King of England.
Domesday book
The Domesday book is produced. It shows that Otford is the largest manor in the area, covering 20 square miles, encompassing modern Sevenoaks. With 159 households, it is in the largest 20% of settlements in the country.
Parish of Sevenoaks
The earliest record of St Nicholas Church is made in the Textus Roffensis, a list made for the Diocese of Rochester.
Hospital for travellers
The earliest record of a hospital in Sevenoaks.
St John the Baptist hospital was run by clergymen and located in what was then dense forest, home to wild boar and wolves.
St John the Baptist hospital was run by clergymen and located in what was then dense forest, home to wild boar and wolves.
Black Death
The plague reaches England, transmitted to people by fleas on rats.
This deadly outbreak reduces the population by around 40%, with major social and economic consequences. In Sevenoaks, rents from shops and stalls in the market falls by two-thirds, and local trade declines.
This deadly outbreak reduces the population by around 40%, with major social and economic consequences. In Sevenoaks, rents from shops and stalls in the market falls by two-thirds, and local trade declines.
William Sevenoke
According to legend, an abandoned baby is found in Sevenoaks by local tradesman and landowner William Rumstead. He adopts the child and names him William Sevenoke.
Brewing
Court records show that 63 houses in Sevenoaks are brewing ale at this time.
From rags to riches
Former foundling child William Sevenoke becomes Mayor of London.
Romance writer Richard Johnson pays tribute to William Sevenoke in the book Nine Worthies of London.
Romance writer Richard Johnson pays tribute to William Sevenoke in the book Nine Worthies of London.
Sevenoaks School
William Sevenoke dies, leaving an endowment for a grammar school for poor boys, and almshouses for the two men and women 'in greatest want'...
Cade's rebels battle at Sevenoaks
Jack Cade's rebellion takes place in Kent, fuelled by anger against high taxes and prices...
Knole House
Archbishop Bourchier buys 100 acres of land for £266 to build Knole House, replacing an older manor house on the site.
Introduction of the printing press
William Caxton, born in the Weald of Kent, introduces the printing press to England.
Lullingstone Castle is built
Otford Palace
Otford Palace is built by Archbishop Warham. The grand Tudor brick building replaces an older manor on the site, to rival Cardinal Wolsey's Hampton Court.
Henry VIII
Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon camp at Otford with their army of 5,000 men on their way to the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a grand event held in northern France (at this time part of England) to strengthen the bond between King Henry and King Francis I of France.
Hops introduced to Kent
Around this time, hop plants start being grown for use in making beer.
It is believed that the first hop garden was set up near Canterbury.
It is believed that the first hop garden was set up near Canterbury.
John Frith becomes a martyr
John Frith of Westerham becomes the first English martyr to be executed for publishing Reformation doctrines ...
Knole handed over to Henry VIII
Henry VIII takes Knole from Archbishop Cranmer.
Wyatt's rebels executed in Sevenoaks
Sir Thomas Wyatt leads a rebellion against Queen Mary I to prevent her marriage to Philip II of Spain, worried it will result in Spanish domination.
There is also concern at this time that England might revert to Catholicism...
There is also concern at this time that England might revert to Catholicism...
Lambarde's history of Kent
William Lambarde publishes A Perambulation of the County of Kent, which includes the first historical writing about Sevenoaks.
The River Darent in literature
Edmund Spenser writes about the River Darent in his epic poem Faerie Queene, '… And the still Darent, in whose Waters clean, Ten thousand Fishes play, and deck his pleasant Stream.'
Poor Law
Relief for the poor, sick, orphaned and widowed becomes the responsibility of Sevenoaks parish.
Knole and the Sackvilles
Queen Elizabeth I dies and Knole House is left to her cousin, Thomas Sackville...
Curative wells discovered
Mineral water springs containing iron salts are discovered in the parish of Tonbridge...
John Morocco and Grace Robinson
The earliest record of Black people living in Sevenoaks. John Morocco and Grace Robinson are listed on the Knole inventory of house servants. John was a page and Grace was a laundress.
John Donne
John Donne is appointed as the Rector of St Nicholas Church, though he is only recorded as preaching there on one occasion...
Chevening House
The first Chevening House is built to a design by Inigo Jones, the founder of English classical architecture.
Postal service
The first public letter carrying service is established and Sevenoaks is one of the towns to benefit, with a staging post at the Bull Inn, Chipstead.
Knole House raided by Cromwell's troops
Sevenoaks stands out as a Royalist stronghold during the Civil Wars, being a town dominated by a few wealthy aristocrats.
In August, Knole House is raided by Oliver Cromwell's troops. Weapons and armour in the house are seized.
By winter, the Parliamentarian London military impose an armed block between Kentish Royalists and their comrades in the Midlands and the West.
In August, Knole House is raided by Oliver Cromwell's troops. Weapons and armour in the house are seized.
By winter, the Parliamentarian London military impose an armed block between Kentish Royalists and their comrades in the Midlands and the West.
Royalists and Parliamentarians battle in Sevenoaks
Royal supporters led by William Lone of Sevenoaks Park and Thomas Farnaby of Kippington fight Colonel Browne's soldiers at Hildenbrook. Browne is victorious.
After this event, Parliament sets up a local committee of men to look after the county of Kent.
After this event, Parliament sets up a local committee of men to look after the county of Kent.
Trade tokens
Merchants of Sevenoaks issue their own low value trade tokens because the government has failed to mint enough new coins. Unofficial currency like this is produced across the country.
Lady Margaret Boswell
Lady Margaret Boswell leaves money in her will for the education of the poorest 15 children of the parish, and to provide two scholarships of £12 per year to Jesus College, Cambridge.
Population
The population of Sevenoaks parish at this time is 1,572, as estimated by Gregory King.
Shoreham paper mill
The first reference is made to a paper mill in Shoreham. The clean, hard water of the Darent chalk stream was...
A storm hits Kent
A great storm hits the south of England on 26th November. Brenchley Church near Tonbridge loses its steeple and Penshurst Park loses over 500 trees.
Turnpike road
Turnpike built from Tonbridge to Sevenoaks. The introduction of turnpike roads indicates Parliament's increasing responsibility...
Cricket ball manufacture
The craft of cricket ball making is established by the Duke Family in Penshurst. They become the first...
Jeffrey Amherst
Sir Jeffrey Amherst is recalled from war and rebuilds his family home in Sevenoaks, naming it Montreal House...
Silk production
The Nouaille silk mills at Greatness are at peak production. 100 people are employed at the busy factory, including children.
Cricket bat production
John Frederick Sackville purchases 11 cricket bats from William Pett of Sevenoaks, one of the earliest known makers of cricket bats. Each costs two shillings and sixpence.
First ever cricket century scored
John Minshull, playing for Duke of Dorset's XI against Wrotham on 31 August at Sevenoaks Vine, scores the first known century in any form of cricket. A partial scorecard from the match records that Minshull made a score of 107. This is the first scorecard to record an innings on a stroke-by-stroke basis.
Kippington House
Sir Charles Farnaby, a descendant of Thomas Farnaby, builds Kippington House.
It will later become home to Jane Austen's uncle Francis Motley Austen.
Early abolitionists
A group of Evangelical activists known as the Teston circle begin campaigning to end the slave trade...
Jane Austen
A 12 year old Jane Austen visits her great uncle Francis Austen who lives at the Red House on Sevenoaks high street...
Mail robbery
A letter from the Sevenoaks Postmaster dated 2nd July describes a 'dramatic event', when the mail coach is robbed on its way from London...
The first census
The first official census records the population of Sevenoaks as 2640.
Stanhope's printing press invented at Chevening
Charles Mahon, 3rd Earl Stanhope, makes a significant breakthrough in printing...
Greatness silk mill closes down
The Shoreham Ancients
Samuel Palmer invites fellow artists to stay at his cottage in Shoreham, including John Linnell and Edward Calvert. Inspired by the work of William Blake, also a guest at the cottage, they formed a group called The Ancients.
The first fire engine
Sevenoaks Fire Engine Association is formed, paid for by local residents and operated by volunteers using a horse drawn fire engine.
Sevenoaks Gas Works established
Reform Act
Sevenoaks town is lit up when news arrives of the passing of the Reform Act.
This parliamentary reform was a step toward democracy.
This parliamentary reform was a step toward democracy.
The fight against Slavery continues
Sevenoaks Anti-Slavery Society is formed, which pressures Parliament to end slavery in the Empire. The 1807 Act had prohibited slave trading, but not slave ownership...
Workhouses and the new Poor Law
Central government takes over management of poor relief from the parish...
Street lighting introduced
Sevenoaks gets its first street lighting when gas lanterns on metal standards are installed along the High Street.
Hartsland
Local builder Daniel Grover buys and begins to transform the Hartsland area into a working-class village.
It becomes the most densely inhabited area of Sevenoaks.
It becomes the most densely inhabited area of Sevenoaks.
First local newspaper printed
The Sevenoaks Advertiser is the first newspaper published in the district, sold for a penny.
New workhouse
A new workhouse is built in Sundridge, which will provide local poor relief for the next century.
Darwin's Origin of Species
Charles Darwin publishes his breakthrough work on his theory of evolution, which he wrote at Down House, his home near Orpington.
Neolithic site discovered
Benjamin Harrison and Flinders Petrie conduct analysis of the Coldrum Stones, a Neolithic site in Wrotham...
The railway comes to Sevenoaks
Responsible for the new, steam powered, Swanley to Bat and Ball line is the distinguished engineer Thomas Crampton.
Brick making
Local brick making develops into a major industry, with demand for millions of bricks for railway construction and later for house building.
Telegraph communications introduced
The electric telegraph system comes to Sevenoaks, the first electrical telecommunications system.
Water supply
Excavation of Sevenoaks railway tunnel hits an underground stream, flooding the works. This event financially ruins the contractor, John Jay.
Eventually a shaft is sunk and pumps installed, taking the water from Oak Lane to a reservoir south of the town which becomes the water supply for the people of Sevenoaks.
Eventually a shaft is sunk and pumps installed, taking the water from Oak Lane to a reservoir south of the town which becomes the water supply for the people of Sevenoaks.
Sevenoaks railway tunnel
Sevenoaks railway tunnel is completed and becomes the fifth longest railway tunnel in the country...
A faster rail service
A new railway line is built, providing an alternative service into London from Sevenoaks Tubs Hill station.
Francis Crawshay's druid monuments
The eccentric iron baron from South Wales moves to Bradbourne...
Swimming pool
The main mill pond at Greatness is turned into an open air swimming pool.
The Railway Children
A teenage Edith Nesbit, author of 'The Railway Children', lives at Halstead Hall near Sevenoaks...
Emily Jackson's hospital
Emily Jackson starts a hospital for the care of children with tubercular hip disease, working from her cottage on the Vine...
Sevenoaks Fair
Traditionally held annually for three days in October, the Sevenoaks Fair ends under the Fairs Act 1871. Working class people oppose the closure which had been pushed through by shopkeepers who saw it as unwelcome competition.
Verney Lovett Cameron returns from Africa
Verney Lovett Cameron returns home to Shoreham with his servant John Stanboul, known as 'Jacko', from central Africa...
School for the working classes
Cobden Road School is built for the children living in the Hartsland area, one of several Board Schools built in the area after the 1870 Education Act. These were the first state run schools.
Lime Tree Walk
Architect Thomas Jackson and his father buy land in the town centre to build Lime Tree Walk, a small working class community of 24 cottages.
J. Salmon Printers
Salmon printers is established at 85 High Street in Sevenoaks by London bookseller Joseph Salmon...
Charles Essenhigh Corke
Sevenoaks painter and photographer Charles Essenhigh Corke establishes his photography studio...
Progress for public health
A main drainage system for waste removal is introduced in Sevenoaks.
This was thanks to the tireless efforts of James German. He successfully argued the benefits of a modern sanitation system, despite the difficulty in getting support from rate paying landowners who already had their own private drainage systems...
This was thanks to the tireless efforts of James German. He successfully argued the benefits of a modern sanitation system, despite the difficulty in getting support from rate paying landowners who already had their own private drainage systems...
Temperance and the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is established in Sevenoaks. A mob greets the officers at Tub's Hill Station...
Walthamstow Hall
The largest single structure in Sevenoaks is built, a red brick building to house a school for the daughters of missionaries...
The Sevenoaks Readies
The Fire Engine Association buys a new horse drawn engine called 'The Ready' ...
The townspeople vs Lord Sackville
Lord Mortimer Sackville imposes new regulations on public access...
Kent County Council is created
Forts constructed
Fort Halstead and Fort Westerham are built as part of a defence plan against a possible French invasion.
Telephone lines installed
The telephone is introduced to Sevenoaks. The first subscriber to the service is Alfred Laurie of Rockdale.
Brass band
Sevenoaks Town Band is formed and a bandstand is built on The Vine, gifted to the town by Henry Swaffield.
Sevenoaks vs Arsenal
Sevenoaks Football Club plays against Royal Arsenal, the only professional team in South England at the time.
A crowd of 1,000 people attend the match, which was organised to raise money for local hospitals.
Sevenoaks lose 11-0.
A crowd of 1,000 people attend the match, which was organised to raise money for local hospitals.
Sevenoaks lose 11-0.
Sevenoaks District Councils
Sevenoaks Urban and Rural District Councils are formed. Amongst other responsibilities, the SUDC takes over the fire service and begins...
The Time Machine
H.G. Wells finishes writing his science fiction novel 'The Time Machine' whilst staying at 23 Eardley Road in Sevenoaks.
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank opens in Market Place in Sevenoaks, in the former house of the Salmon family.
South African War
Meeting and demonstrations are held in Sevenoaks to oppose the South African War ...
Breweries and pubs
At this time there are around 60 pubs and 3 breweries in Sevenoaks, and more in the surrounding villages.
Commuters
The population of Sevenoaks has doubled since the coming of the railways, with a wave of middle class commuters attracted to the area.
Sevenoaks Art Club
Sevenoaks Art Club is founded by Elsie Druce. Its meetings are held in Lime Tree Studio.
Seven oaks planted
Seven oak trees are planted at The Vine cricket ground to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII.
Hever Castle restoration
William Waldorf Astor, the richest man in America, purchases Hever Castle...
Sevenoaks Artisans' Dwellings Company
The company builds a terrace of 20 houses in Cramptons Road (named after railway engineer Thomas Crampton), the start of a scheme to provide more working-class housing.
First public library opens
The first free public library opens in Sevenoaks on The Drive, thanks to Henry Swaffield and Andrew Carnegie. It was designed by Edwyn Evans Cronk.
Cricket champions
A great celebration ball is held at the Royal Crown Hotel in Sevenoaks as Kent becomes champion cricket county...
Plane crash at Kemsing
American aviator John Moisant crash lands in Kemsing. This is only a year after the very first cross channel flight was made...
Coldrum Stones burial site discovered
A new investigation of the Neolithic site reveals human remains and grave markers, indicating use as a burial site.
Motor bus service begins
The first motor bus service runs in Sevenoaks, run by Mr George Humphreys, the owner of Humphrey Forge...
Women's suffrage
Though the campaign for women's votes had been largely peaceful, this year sees a rise in violence and arson attacks carried out by militant suffragettes...
Electricity comes to Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks Electricity Company builds a power station to provide the first public supply of electricity for the area. Several large private homes had their own generators before this.
First council houses
Sevenoaks Urban District Council buys land on the Greatness estate for the building of the first council houses in Sevenoaks town.
Eardley Road Swimming Baths
Money for an indoor swimming pool in Sevenoaks is gifted by Edward Kraftmeier, resident at Ashgrove House...
Voluntary Aid Detachment
Several VAD hospitals are managed by prominent women in the area. Vita Sackville-West directs a team of nurses at Hollybush Lane Hall VAD hospital ...
Women in the workplace
Many women taken on jobs previously done by men to keep the country going during the war...
The WI
Sevenoaks Women's Institute begins with 15 members. The WI was established to give women a voice and...
Siegfried Sassoon
The decorated war hero, famous poet and former Sevenoaks school boy makes a public protest against the continuation of the war...
Representation of the People Act
Women who are over 30 and meet property qualifications gain the right to vote for the first time, as do millions of working class men who were previously denied the vote.
Greatness House blown up
Greatness house is purchased by a film company and blown up in a dramatic explosion for a scene in a movie about the First World War.
Lucy Deane Streatfeild
Lucy Deane Streatfeild is one of the first women appointed as a Justice of the Peace...
Dredging begins at Riverhead
Gravel and sand for building materials is extracted from what will become Chipstead Lake.
Housing development
Large estates in the Sevenoaks area are sold off for housing developments, indicating a growing middle class and an upper class in need of income. Wildernesse land is bought by Percy Harvey and the Bradbourne estate is sold.
Politics
Ronald Williams of the Liberal party becomes the first and only non Conservative Member of Parliament to represent Sevenoaks, just for one year.
Knole Park Golf Club opens
A 14 year old named Sam King works as a caddie on the day of the first tee at Knole...
Speed limit
Protestors in Riverhead demand the enforcement of a speed limit. At this time an uncomfortable mix of motor vehicles and horse drawn carriages are using the A21 road.
Seal Herb Farm
Dorothy Hewer establishes a herb farm in Seal, with the assistance of herbalist and writer Maud Grieve...
Rail crash
A serious railway accident occurs when an express passenger train is derailed just south of the bridge across Shoreham Road at Riverhead. 13 people are killed...
Passenger plane crash
A Dutch aircraft crashes at Underriver near Sevenoaks on its way from Croydon to Rotterdam. The mechanic is killed. The pilot and seven passengers are injured.
Woodlands Holiday Camp opens
Greves and Winifred Mellor start a holiday campsite on the outskirts of Sevenoaks.
Equal Franchise Act
Women gain equal voting rights to men.
Paper production ends
Shoreham mill closes down.
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf publishes 'Orlando', a novel inspired by the family history of her friend and lover Vita Sackville-West...
Sevenoaks Museum
Librarian George Bennett and local historian Doctor Gordon Ward establish a museum in Sevenoaks Library.
Vita Sackville-West
Vita Sackville-West publishes her novel 'The Edwardians', a critique of aristocratic society inspired by...
Harrison Zoological Museum
Dr James Harrison sets up a zoological museum on St Botolph's Road, specialising in mammals and birds.
It is now the Harrison Institute, a biodiversity research centre.
It is now the Harrison Institute, a biodiversity research centre.
Vincent New
Prolific local artist and printmaker, Vincent New, is commissioned to produce a series of drawings for the Sevenoaks Chronicle, showing locations across the district...
Montreal House demolished
Young's department store
The Rose and Crown Inn is demolished and replaced with Young's department store ...
RAF Biggin Hill
A decoy airfield is constructed at Lullingstone to protect the Royal Air Force fighter station at Biggin Hill...
Gas works bombed
In August, the gasworks is hit by several high explosive bombs.
Sevenoaks under attack
Sevenoaks suffers its first serious bomb attacks on 17th October. Shops on the High Street are hit, as well as houses in Buckhurst Lane and Lime Tree Walk.
The Man in White
Famous singing conductor, T.P. Ratcliff, becomes the temporary singing master at Sevenoaks School. Known as 'the man in white', he led mass singing occasions such as Wembley Cup Finals.
Beechmont House destroyed
Beechmont House is destroyed by flying bombs.
War ends
St Nicholas Church bells ring out to celebrate the end of the war on the 2nd September...
Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott
Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott is buried in Edenbridge cemetery. The gravestone reads, 'Nature he loved and next to nature art'...
Seven oaks planted
Seven trees, the 'American Oaks' are planted near Vine Tavern to commemorate the town's gratitude to American forces during the war.
Crockham Hill Youth Hostel opens
Youth Hostels offer affordable accommodation to young working people on a scale never seen before, providing access to leisure pursuits and the countryside.
Knole given to the National Trust
Charles Sackville gives Knole House to the National Trust, though the family is granted a 200 year lease on private apartments to continue living in their ancestral home.
Beatrice Wilson
Beatrice Wilson sets up the Sevenoaks and District Old People's Housing Association.
In her life she set up the first physiotherapy centre in Sevenoaks, and was dedicated to improving the lives of older people. A block of flats on Rockdale Road is named after her.
In her life she set up the first physiotherapy centre in Sevenoaks, and was dedicated to improving the lives of older people. A block of flats on Rockdale Road is named after her.
Sevenoaks Bookshop
The Sevenoaks Bookshop is established at 147 High Street when Basil and Frances Krish buy what was John Richardson’s secondhand bookshop...
Chiddingstone Causeway Brickyard
The brickyard established by Owen Wilks in 1924 is now run by two women, his daughters Hilda and Nina.
Secondary Modern education for all
Wildernesse Boys' School and Hatton Girls' School open, following the Education Act 1944 which made education for all to the age of 15 a legal requirement.
Sevenoaks Society
The Sevenoaks Society is founded, under its original name of the Sevenoaks Preservation Society.
Seven oaks re-planted
The oak trees on Tonbridge Road dating from the 18th century are felled, due to suspected disease...
Last woman hanged
Ruth Ellis, who lived in Westerham, is the last woman in the United Kingdom to receive capital punishment, after being convicted of murder.
There was much controversy about the highly publicised case. The film 'Dance with a Stranger' was made about her story.
There was much controversy about the highly publicised case. The film 'Dance with a Stranger' was made about her story.
Wildlife reserve created
A wildlife reserve is created at Bradbourne, the first example in Britain of a former commercial gravel pit being developed for the benefit of conservation...
Feldberg's harpsichord workshop
John and Ann Feldberg rent premises on London Road in Sevenoaks and convert it into a harpsichord workshop...
Hip hospital closes
The children's hospital on Eardley Road closes and becomes a geriatric wing for Sevenoaks Hospital.
Chevening House given to the Prime Minister
Ownership of Chevening House is passed to a Trust and it becomes a country residence for a nominee of the Prime Minister. Only cabinet members and royals can be nominated.
Electric street lights introduced in Sevenoaks town
Gas production ends in Sevenoaks
Churchill's final years
Due to ill health, Winston Churchill moves out of Chartwell to his flat in London...
The Beatles in Sevenoaks
Renowned portrait photographer Jane Bown is walking her dog in Knole Park when she comes across the biggest band in the world...
Beechmont House is rebuilt
Floods
Heavy autumn rain causes flooding. The ragstone wall of Knole Park acts as a dam until it breaks and sends water down Seal Hollow Road in Sevenoaks. In Edenbridge, Hever Castle and Tudor Village are flooded.
Princess Diana
Diana Spencer attends West Heath School in Sevenoaks for her teenage years.
Kathleen Blow retires
Blow's grocery shop in Sevenoaks reaches the end of 93 years as a family business.
The shop was established by Joseph Blow in 1881, later taken over by his daughter Kathleen.
Sevenoaks District Council created
Sevenoaks Urban and Rural District Councils are replaced by Sevenoaks District and Town Councils.
Youngs department store closes
Gordon Anckorn
Gordon Anckorn, photographer and journalist for the Sevenoaks Chronicle, retires after 50 years...
Harpsichord workshop closes
After 20 years, during which they had upgraded to premises in Bradbourne Road, shop manager Ann Feldberg and master craftsman Peter Whale start to wind down business...
The Stag
The Stag Theatre opens in the building previously used as a cinema, located where the Royal Crown Hotel once stood.
Dredging Chipstead Lake finishes
New library
A new library is built at Buckhurst Lane, including tourist information, citizens advice, a museum and art gallery.
The great storm
In October, six of the seven oak trees on the vine cricket ground are blown down in the great storm. Around half of the trees on Sevenoaks Common are also lost due to the extreme weather.
Orbital
The pioneering electronic music duo from Sevenoaks release their first record.
Paul and Phil Hartnoll named their act after the M25 motorway, which was central to the early rave scene.
Paul and Phil Hartnoll named their act after the M25 motorway, which was central to the early rave scene.
Cattle market closes
Sevenoaks livestock market closes down. The general market continues and moves to the town centre.
John Downton Awards
The John Downton Awards for young artists in Kent is established, in memory of the artist from Erith who passed away in 1991...
New leisure centre
A new leisure centre with indoor swimming pool is built in the centre of Sevenoaks.
Dame Kelly Holmes
Kelly Holmes from Hildenborough becomes the first athlete to win two gold medals...
Woolworths closes down
Woolworths, one of Britain's oldest chain stores, closes down in the midst of a global financial crisis...
Population
The official census records the population of Sevenoaks as 24,987.
Same sex couples gain the right to marry
Same sex marriage becomes legal in the United Kingdom after 396 MPs vote to pass the bill...
Brexit
The government holds a referendum to let the public to decide whether the country should leave the European Union. Roughly 55% of voters in the Sevenoaks and Swanley constituency vote to leave, a slightly larger majority than the 51% overall result.
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1976
1978
1982
1982
1984
1986
1986
1987
1989
1999
2000
2000
2004
2009
2011
2011
2012
2013
2016
