Local author Matthew Ball has launched his brand new book, ‘Sevenoaks, Riverhead and Seal in Old Photos and Postcards’

It’s full of fantastic images from Victorian times to the 1980s, and Matt, who runs Sevenoaks History Hub on Facebook, has brought the images to life by using memories from local people throughout.

There are lots of photos that you won’t have seen before, from the High Street and London Road, to Kippington, St John’s and Greatness, as well as Riverhead and Seal.

Having written two books on Sevenoaks already, one about the men named on the town war memorial, and a companion book about Sevenoaks during the First World War, Matt started the History Hub during lockdown, initially to remember the anniversary of the end of World War Two, which saw local events cancelled because of the pandemic.

Matt says “The Facebook page just took off, with lots of local people sharing memories and their own photos, so I renamed it as the Sevenoaks History Hub and have continued posting ever since.

It’s been a great way of sharing local history and I wanted to continue that by writing a book.”

Working with the Sevenoaks community has always been part of Matt’s work. In 2014 he traced approximately seventy descendants of the men from the First World War on the town war memorial, and bought them together for a special service on The Vine. Matt has continued to involve local people in his work.

“People have such great stories about different aspect of our history. Pubs are always popular, as is the old Bligh’s bus station, and shops that people remember.

Everyone is always annoyed about The Farmers, and that nothing has happened to that site since, so for me it’s important to include peoples’ memories, and images that shownwhat the town used to look like.”

I wanted ordinary people to be at the heart of the book, so it’s been lovely to do things like use previously unpublished photos of Knole, mostly of the staff, so we get to see that Downton Abbey style glimpse ‘below stairs.

Matt launched the book with Sevenoaks Mayor, Cllr Libby Ancrum and Paul Baker of Sevenoaks Chamber, and director of Wealden Properties, who helped sponsor the book.

You can get your copy of Matt’s fantastic new book from Sevenoaks Bookshop, Dovetails Vintage in Hollybush Lane, The Anchor pub, and Hollybush Cafe, as well as direct from Matt via 7oakspostcardbook@gmail.com

Matt will also be signing copies at Sevenoaks Bookshop on Sunday 13 October from 13.30-15.30.

The book is also dedicated to our own Steph Harrison, as well as Matt’s aunt, who passed away recently.

Matt presents Steph Harrison with a signed copy of the new book, which is dedicated to her.

Matt said “Steph has always been such a champion of my work, and does so much for the local community, as well as her extraordinary charity fundraising. It was a real pleasure to recognise that in this way and dedicate the book to her.”

We wish Matt all the best with his new book and are sure you’ll enjoy too!