Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks is a town in Kent, in south-east England. It is the seat for the Sevenoaks local government district, and is today a commuter town, lying 25 miles from London. At Riverhead lies the source of the River Darent.

History

Medieval

• Sevenoaks was not mentioned in the Domesday Book, although neighbouring Otford was
• A market was first established in the town in the 13th century
• In 1456 Archbishop Bourchier of Canterbury purchased the Knole estate and built Knole House.

In the Middle Ages two hospitals were provided here by religious orders, for the care of old or sick people, especially those going on pilgrimage.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Early schools

Sevenoaks School, at the south end of the High Street and whose grounds penetrate into Knole, is the oldest secular school in England. It was founded by Sir William Sennocke, a wealthy London merchant, in 1432. In 1560 it was ordered by Queen Elizabeth I that it should be called The Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth. It was "for the education of boys and youths in grammar and learning".

Related Topics:
Sevenoaks School - Queen Elizabeth I

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By the early 19th century there were no fewer than seven grammar schools in the town.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~