Knockholt is a village and civil parish in Kent, England lying approximately 5 miles south of Orpington and 3 miles northwest of Sevenoaks. It is part of the Sevenoaks district and according to the 2001 census it had a population of 1,166. The village is located at 51°18'36" north 0°6'18" East.
Knockholt was included in Orpington Urban District in 1934. [1]. When Greater London was created in 1965, as part of Orpington UD, Knockholt was included in the London Borough of Bromley. In 1969, it was removed from the Borough, and included in Sevenoaks Rural District. [2] The village is mostly a ribbon development surrounded by fields (Green Belt). There is mixed arable farming. There are views over London. Being in a hilly, rural location, on the top of the dip slope of the North Downs but being so close to London makes it a unique real estate location.
The Ivy Farm Communications Centre at Knockholt Pound was the Radio Intercept Station for the non-Morse radio traffic, known as Fish (cryptography), decoded by Bletchley Park during World War 2. The importance of the station is given in Paul Gannon's book.[1]
There are two parts to the village, Knockholt, near the Crown public house, church and school and The Pound, near the Three Horse Shoes pub, village shop and garage (Ox in Flames). There are two other pubs, the Harrow and Tally Ho, as well as a village club. All serve meals most days of the week. Food is also served at the two award-winning Coolings nurseries in the village.
The primary School - St Katharine's Church of England Primary School achieves above average ratings in Ofsted reports,[2] and has good staffing and resource levels. The Governors and PTA are very pro-active.
The local CE Church is St Katharine's, opposite the school. The Methodist Church is in Harrow Road.
Knockholt railway station sits 2 miles north of the village on the old A21 near Halstead and Badgers Mount.
Local Activities
Knockholt residents host a village carnival every two years (the most recent being in July 2010) and a fireworks night (late October early November near 5th) every year. Funds raised through these and other events go to national and local charities. On the first Monday evening in July (6 pm to 9.30 pm) all sorts of classic lorries and trade vehicles meet up at the Crown public house, Main Road (near the church) - fantastic.
The well-known Knockholt Amateur Theatrical Society produce one play and pantomime every year. This charitable society was formed in 1945. Kytens is the local youth amateur theatrical group linked to KATS above. There are many other groups including Bowls, Cricket, Tennis, Horse Riding, Horticulture, Christian Fellowship. This is a popular area for horse riders, walkers, ramblers and cyclists, due to its beauty.
Knockholt Cricket Club completed the 2009 season unbeaten in the Kent County Village League (KCVL)Division 3, which is believed to be a KCVL first. Knockholt's league record was: Played 18 Won 16 Lost 0 Drawn 0 Abandoned 2. Including friendlies Knockholt lost only two games all season.
References
- ^ Paul Gannon. Colossus: Bletchley Park's Greatest Secret. Atlantic Books, London. 2006
- ^ BBC NEWS | Education | League Tables | St Katharine's Knockholt Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School