Sevenoaks

Estimated Population

114,300 based on ONS survey to mid 2007

Overview

The importance of Sevenoaks grew from the merging of the two main roads from London and Dartford into one main route heading south through the Weald to the coast. It was therefore a suitable venue for a market and this was probably established some time in the mid 13th century. Sevenoaks has remained a market town to this day.

In October 2005 Sevenoaks was awarded Fairtrade Town status, joining over 120 other towns, cities and boroughs within the U.K. The Fairtrade movement is growing fast in Great Britain, which is now the world leader in fairly traded goods. There are a large number of outlets in Sevenoaks and the surrounding area which sell products bearing the FAIRTRADE mark and numerous organisations support the initiative, which guarantees third world farmers a fair price for their goods.

Leisure and Retail

There are three supermarkets in the town centre and an array of small shops in the centre, in St John's Hill and Tubs Hill. The Blighs Development provides a mix of quality specialist shops as well as national retailers, with pubs and restaurants. A popular weekly market takes place every Wednesday in the town centre. Sevenoaks has a lively local community with clubs and organisations to cater for almost every interest. Sports enthusiasts are provided with a sports centre, indoor and outdoor bowls, several football and rugby pitches, tennis courts (including covered courts) and Raleys Gym offering a wide range of activities for ladies and children, and of course cricket.