Famous people who have lived in Sevenoaks – Kent

The recent Sevenoaks-Kent can be visited in the cricket grounds of the North Vine area. These are not the true originals. The seven most recent oaks were planted after a terrible hurricane destroyed all but one of the trees.

These destroyed trees were planted in 1902. They were in memory of the coronation of King Edward III. There was only one original tree left from this time and when the seven new ones were planted, they became a total of eight oaks now that can be visited.

Jane Austen’s great-uncle, Dr. Francis Austen, resided here for many years in what is now known as the Red House. Her great-grandmother worked at Sevenoaks School as a housekeeper and lived at the Kippington house with her husband. It is believed that Ms. Austen used her memories of staying in Chevening for the Rosing Park House of Pride and Prejudice.

The great writer H. G Well also resided in Seven Oaks during the 1890s. It is known that he completed his world famous novel The Time Machine while he was here and a little-known comic novel short called Miss Winchelsea’s Heart. The famous painter Samuel Palmer resided at Shoreham at Water House. It is known that the representation that he represented in his painting during the years that he lived here were some of his best works.

At the Montreal Park Estate, Lord Jeffrey Amherst resided in Sevenoaks. He became commander-in-chief of the British troops in Canada. It started out as a mere page for the upper-class folks of the day. He was responsible for Montreal being captured directly under French forces. He was later considered a hero and was awarded the title of Lord Holmesdale by King George himself in 1776.

So much history is still handed down throughout Sevenoaks that it is a must see destination to visit. The village and market houses are other popular places to see on your trip and the townspeople are friendly and helpful to all newcomers.