Little Big Town

Close to Sevenoaks and with links to not one but two famous leaders, Westerham is a small country town with a big personality

- Caroline Read

Set in a valley, the town has a history reaching as far back as the Neolithic era. The remains of an Iron Age fort were found on the Squerryes Estate and the ‘Westerham Hoard’ of ancient coins, including one thought to be the earliest ever struck in Britain, was also found nearby.

The Romans first brought vines to the area and found the fertile soil perfect for growing grapes; today, the same fields are planted up as the vineyards of Squerryes Winery.

But it was the brewing industry that brought the town fame and provided the main source of local employment for centuries. One of the county’s biggest breweries, Black Eagle, was based in Westerham until the mid-sixties. In recent years brewing has returned to the town thanks to Westerham Brewery.

The heart of this historic town has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with a pretty green surrounded by friendly pubs, shops, restaurants, and cafés.

And there’s no missing the fact that Westerham was home to Winston Churchill for much of his life.

A bronze statue of the great politician takes centre stage on The Green, welcoming visitors who come from all over the world. Depicting him in a seated position, on a rough limestone plinth, the striking statue was a gift from the Yugoslav people in 1969.

Churchill is said to have fallen in love with the stunning views, peaceful countryside and easy commute that Westerham afforded, and he and his wife Clementine bought Chartwell in 1922.

Their family home until his death in 1965, the house and its estate are now cared for by the National Trust, and it is one of its most popular properties.

The second of the two impressive statues to stand proudly on Westerham’s Green is that of General James Wolfe.