Book launch of Bob Ogley’s ‘The Story of Knole Park’ raises funds for Mayor’s charities

Published: 03 December 2025

On Tuesday 2 December, Sevenoaks Town Council was delighted to host the launch of Bob Ogley’s book, The Story of Knole Park, with a special mayoral fundraising event at Knole.

Around 70 guests attended this magical evening in the historic Great Hall. The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, opened the event with a warm welcome and spoke about his chosen charities for the year – Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust and Citizens Advice.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks said, “To host an event like this in the Great Hall of Knole is something special. We can feel the eyes of history looking down on us. This is the first ever history written of Knole Park which has shaped Sevenoaks. It has been written by somebody who has lived most of it.”

Bob Ogley then delivered a talk from the heart, sharing personal insights into the little-known stories of Knole Park and its people. There are many more to read in the book! The talk was followed by a book signing and drinks in the elegant Orangery.
Sevenoaks Town Council extends sincere thanks to the team at Knole for their support in hosting this memorable event.

Bob Ogley has also generously arranged for a portion of the proceeds from The Story of Knole Park to be donated to the Mayor’s charities, helping to make a real difference in our community.

Speaking about his book, Bob said, “After five years of research, I have completed my book on The Story of Knole Park. The book traces the history from the earliest days of Bronze Age barrows and the ownership of Robert de Knole, Archbishop Bourchier and Henry VIII, to the first Sackville, and the 13 generations that followed.
This story is not about the large labyrinth house, but how Knole Park gradually grew to its present size of one thousand acres, unravelling the most extraordinary stories along the way – the great barn fire, the gunpowder plot and the ritual marks, Oliver Cromwell and the Civil War, the paintings created by pre-Raphaelite artists and how the Sackvilles fostered the game of cricket.

There are stories about the visits from Kings and Queens, the riot when Sackville closed the park, the devastating storm of 1987 and, of course, the full account of the visit from four young musicians called John, Paul, George and Ringo. And much, much more.

The forward has been written by Lord Sackville who has generously described it as a ‘definitive, comprehensive, and heartfelt history.’ I thank him very much.”

The Story of Knole Park is available to purchase for £20 from the Sevenoaks Town Council office on Bradbourne Vale Road. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves Knole Park!