Sevenoaks, market town and par., Kent, 7½ miles NW. of Tunbridge Junction and 22 miles SE. of London by rail - par., 6805 ac., pop. 8035; town, pop. 6296; P.O., T.O., 1 Bank, 2 newspapers. Market-day, Saturday. The town derives its name from seven oaks which once stood here, and is picturesquely situated on an eminence amidst beantiful scenery. It is a favourite centre for tourists, and enjoys amenities from the mansions and country residences in the neighbourhood. The grammar school was founded in 1432; there are also several almshouses. At a large open space in the town famous cricket matches are played. In addition to the weekly market monthly stock markets are held.

(John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887))