It was given to the town of Sevenoaks in Kent in 1773 by John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset (1745–1799) and owner of nearby Knole House.

[1][2][3] Seven oak trees were planted on the northern edge of the ground in 1902 to mark the coronation of King Edward VII.

The cricket pavilion, which is a Grade II listed building built in 1850,[1][7] is rented separately by the Sevenoaks Vine Club.

In keeping with tradition, the club pay Lord Sackville one cricket ball on 21 July each year.

[14][15] Minshull, a professional employed as a gardener by John Sackville, went on to be the first player known to be given out hit wicket, again at The Vine, in 1773.

[2][16] Then, in June 1777, came one of the most significant innings of cricket's early history when James Aylward scored a record 167 for a Hampshire side against an England XI.