Sevenoaks: surprising nuggets

James the Sweep enjoys his role as Master Chimney Sweep for Sevenoaks, the flagship town which gives its name to the Sevenoaks District. There are many facets of Sevenoaks which are known to the wider public with its splendid shopping centre and busy community. And, of course, the famous oak trees that were sadly ravaged by the great storm of 1987.

But there are also aspects of Sevenoaks which may surprise you or historical nuggets, which have been largely forgotten. Residents who have lived in the town for many years will likely know these historical events. Yet they add to the overall charm of this wonderful town, known for its landscape of quaint houses with chimneys galore located in a beautiful backdrop of the Kentish countryside.

There are so many stories to choose from, of course, but here are just a few.

The Beatles [pictured] filmed scenes for their hits Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane in Knole Park. It happened in February 1967 when the famous stars took over part of the park to do some surreal things such as covering a piano in paint and leaping from dead trees. It wasn’t the only time that a location in the county of Kent featured in the Beatles’ videos. The pop group’s ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ involved filming at West Malling airfield over a five-day period with scenes such as a tug of war with local kids and a big dance scene. There were extra scenes shot at a newsagent in Maidstone’s High Street.

Knole Park was also connected to someone with a huge influence on the nation’s (arguably) most popular sport. Everyone knows the story about ‘Lumpy Stevens’, the first great bowler, bowling poor John Small an impressive thrice right through the stumps – which led to a middle stump being set up to stop this reoccurring, somewhat changing the game. It happened in 1777 although Sevenoaks has been playing host to cricket games since 1734.

Some people may not realise that Lumpy Stevens was, in fact, a gardener at Knole Park. Not only that, but other famous cricketers of the time were also employed by the estate: William Bowe, John Minshull and Joseph Miller.

And here’s another unusual fact related to cricket, while we’re on the subject. Sevenoaks Vine Cricket Club has a cricket bat dating back to 1745. Fair enough, you may think but why is that special? Because it was made by the Petts, a well-known family in Sevenoaks who are believed to be the first ever manufacturer of cricket bats.

Well, this is a short snapshot of interesting facts about Sevenoaks. If you know of any others, do let James the Sweep know and we can post them here in the blogs section of his website!