Orpington#Priory Gardens

File:Internal View of Crofton Roman Villa.jpg

File:View of the West Side of All Saints' Church, Orpington (II).jpg

Stone Age tools have been found in several areas of Orpington, including Goddington Park, Priory Gardens, the Ramsden estate, and Poverest.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} Early Bronze Age pottery fragments have been found in the Park Avenue area.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} During the building of Ramsden Boys School in 1956, the remains of an Iron Age farmstead were excavated.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The area was occupied in Roman times, as shown by Crofton Roman Villa and the Roman bath-house at Fordcroft.{{Cite web|date=16 June 2006|title=London Borough of Bromley {{!}} Poverest Road Bath House and Anglo-Saxon Cemetery|url=http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/museums/Poverest+Road+Bath+House+and+Anglo-Saxon+Cemetery.htm|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616215600/http://www.bromley.gov.uk/leisure/museums/Poverest+Road+Bath+House+and+Anglo-Saxon+Cemetery.htm|archive-date=16 June 2006}} During the Anglo-Saxon period, Fordcroft Anglo-Saxon cemetery was used in the area.

The first record of the name Orpington occurs in 1038, when King Cnut's treasurer Eadsy gave land at "Orpedingetune" to the Monastery of Christ Church at Canterbury.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The name means 'Orped's farmstead', Orped being an Anglo-Saxon first-name.{{cite book |last1=Willey |first1=Russ |title=The London Gazetteer |date=2006 |publisher=Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd |pages=369}} The Church of All Saints was also built in the Anglo-Saxon period. On 22 July 1573, Queen Elizabeth I was entertained at Bark Hart (Orpington Priory){{Cite book|last=Pateman|first=John|title=The Ramsden Estate|publisher=Pateran Press|year=2009|isbn=9780956081285|location=United Kingdom|pages=28|language=en}} {{Citation needed span|and her horses stabled at the Anchor and Hope Inn on the High Street|date=November 2021}}.

Historically, the major local commercial centre was nearby St Mary Cray rather than Orpington. St Mary Cray had a regular market, and industry (paper mills and bell foundry). In contrast, Orpington was a small country village surrounded by soft fruit farms, hop fields and orchards. These crops attracted Romani people, working as itinerant pickers, to annual camps in local meadows and worked-out chalk pits. Although this work has largely ended, the Borough still provides a permanent site for travellers at Star Lane, and historic gatherings are commemorated in local street names, such as Romany Rise. In 1967, Eric Lubbock, then Liberal MP for Orpington, promoted a Private Member's Bill to provide permanent Romani sites; this resulted in the Caravan Sites Act 1968 that placed an obligation upon local authorities to provide sites for locally residing travellers.Stopping Places: A Gypsy History of South London and Kent Simon Evans (Univ of Hertfordshire Press 2004) {{ISBN|1-902806-30-1}} In 1971, an international meeting of Romany people was held at Orpington; this Orpington Congress marked the founding of the International Romani Union, a group seeking political representation for Romanis throughout Europe.[http://www.forcedmigration.org/guides/fmo005/ The Roma (Czech Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, October 2002)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724140140/http://www.forcedmigration.org/guides/fmo005/ |date=24 July 2011 }} accessed 3 December 2007.

Orpington railway station opened in 1868 to the southwest of the town centre, prompting housing development in the Crofton and Broom Hill areas, with the Derry Downs areas to the east also developed at about the same time. The station was expanded in 1904, prompting a wave of house building that peaked in the 1920-30s, transforming the area into a suburb of London. The Walnuts Shopping Centre was built in the early 1970s.

File:BromleyOrpington.GIF

Orpington has been part of the London Borough of Bromley since 1 April 1965. Prior to this Orpington's local government was the Orpington Urban District within the county of Kent. Orpington forms part of the Orpington (UK Parliament constituency) and the current MP is Gareth Bacon, who has held the seat since 2019 for the Conservative Party.{{Cite web|url=https://www.garethbacon.com/post/watch-orpington-s-new-mp-gareth-bacon-deliver-his-maiden-speech-in-parliament|title=WATCH Orpington's new MP Gareth Bacon deliver his maiden speech in Parliament|last=Bacon|first=Gareth|date=5 February 2020|website=Gareth Bacon|language=en|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922131744/https://www.garethbacon.com/post/watch-orpington-s-new-mp-gareth-bacon-deliver-his-maiden-speech-in-parliament|url-status=live}} Orpington constituency, which covers a large swathe of southern Bromley borough, is regarded as a Conservative safe seat, with the party winning the seat in every general election held since 1970. Gareth Bacon is also the London Assembly member for the Bexley and Bromley constituency in which Orpington is located.{{Cite web|url=http://www.londonelects.org.uk/download/file/fid/477|title=Bexley & Bromley 2016 election results|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503084740/https://londonelects.org.uk/download/file/fid/477|archive-date=3 May 2016|url-status=dead}}

Orpington is a town located in Greater London, specifically within the London Borough of Bromley. It has farms, roads, and homes divided by the border with Kent. This characteristic means that some areas of Orpington fall within the administrative boundaries of Bromley, while others extend into Kent.{{Cite web |url=https://boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/2023-review/2023-review-volume-one-report/the-2023-review-of-parliamentary-constituency-boundaries-in-england-volume-one-report-london/page/8/ |title=The 2023 Review of Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries in England – Volume one: Report – London |website=independent.gov.uk |access-date=2024-11-20}}

After the Conservative member for the Orpington constituency, Donald Sumner, had resigned to become a county court judge, a by-election was held on 15 March 1962. Orpington was considered a safe Conservative seat, but Eric Lubbock, the Liberal candidate, won with a 22% swing away from the Conservatives. The result caused a sensation and was headline news across the nation.{{cite news|last=BBC News "On This Day"|first=Entry for 15 March|title=1962 Liberals Seize Orpington|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/15/newsid_2543000/2543507.stm|publisher=BBC: 2008|access-date=17 February 2013|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023151125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/15/newsid_2543000/2543507.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite book |last1=Yates |first1=Nigel |title=Kent in the Twentieth Century |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6sQjOlwvyNcC |publisher=Boydell & Brewer |access-date=14 April 2019 |pages=166–168 |date=2001 |isbn=9780851155876 |archive-date=20 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220020441/https://books.google.com/books?id=6sQjOlwvyNcC |url-status=live }}

It is from this win that the revival of the Liberal Party is usually dated.

Data from the 2011 census reported that the population of Orpington was 15,311 with 52% being female and 48% male. The average age is 42, slightly above the national average age of 40.{{cite web|url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/latest|publisher=ons.gov.uk|title=Population Estimates for UK, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - Office for National Statistics|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=12 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412102237/https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/latest|url-status=live}} 86% of Orpington's population was born in England, with the second highest group being those born in Scotland at 1.1%. 95.1% of Orpington's population speak English, with 'Others' at 0.4%. Christianity is the most prominent religion in Orpington, with 63.1% of the population identifying as Christian; 'no religion' was second with 24.4% and Islam third at 2.1%. 45 people identify as Jewish and five as Buddhist. 51.1% of the local population is married, 23.8% are single, 8.2% cohabit with a partner of the opposite sex and 0.5% cohabit with a partner of the same sex. The leading occupation is 'professionals' who make up 19.2% of the population followed by administrative and secretarial at 16.2%.{{cite web|url=http://orpington.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/london/bromley/orpington|publisher=orpington.localstats.co.uk|title=Orpington Demographics (Bromley, England)|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230514/http://orpington.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/london/bromley/orpington|url-status=live}}

File:20030614 08 Orpington High Street.jpg

File:Nugent Shopping Centre, Orpington - geograph.org.uk - 1700880.jpg

File:Pizza Express, High Street, Orpington - geograph.org.uk - 1218759.jpg

The High Street and adjacent Walnuts Shopping Centre contain a variety of high-street shops, pubs and restaurants. A large Tesco supermarket opened in 2009 on the site of a former multi-storey car park.{{cite web |last1=Fisk |first1=Robert |title=ORPINGTON: Tesco opening 'exceeds expectations' |url=https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/4377665.orpington-tesco-opening-exceeds-expectations/ |work=News Shopper |date=18 May 2009 |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190154/https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/4377665.orpington-tesco-opening-exceeds-expectations/ |url-status=live }} There is also a general market three days a week in front of Orpington College. In 2017 a restricted parking zone was introduced on Orpington High Street, which enabled the council to wipe away road markings indicating parking restrictions.{{cite web|url=http://www.bromley.gov.uk/press/article/93/new_style_restricted_parking_zone_in_orpington_high_street|author=London Borough of Bromley|publisher=bromley.gov.uk|title=New style restricted parking zone in Orpington High Street - London Borough of Bromley|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002195737/http://www.bromley.gov.uk/press/article/93/new_style_restricted_parking_zone_in_orpington_high_street|archive-date=2 October 2016|url-status=dead}} By combining the lack of markings with CCTV monitoring, the council has been able to reduce the amount of street clutter and improve the quality of the High Street environment.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/204775/Surveillance_Camera_Code_of_Practice_WEB.pdf |title=Surveillance Camera Code of Practice|access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-date=4 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604203453/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/204775/Surveillance_Camera_Code_of_Practice_WEB.pdf |url-status=live }}

Much of the town's retailers reside at the Nugent Shopping Park. This retail park is located to the north of the high street, in the St Mary Cray area.{{Cite web|url = https://londonist.com/london/features/the-crays-st-mary-cray-st-pauls-cray-foots-cray|title = In Search of the Crays - St Mary, St Paul's and Foots|date = 11 March 2020|access-date = 29 April 2020|archive-date = 12 March 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200312173859/https://londonist.com/london/features/the-crays-st-mary-cray-st-pauls-cray-foots-cray|url-status = live}} The vicinity of the park also hosts several 'big box' retail outlets. Following the relocation of Marks & Spencer from their town-centre store to the Nugent Shopping Park, their previous site was taken over by Sainsbury's, who moved from their site nearby in the Walnuts.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The Walnuts Leisure Centre,[http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/walnuts-leisure-centre.html http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/walnuts-leisure-centre.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206062223/http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/walnuts-leisure-centre.html |date=6 February 2006 }} bromleymytime.org.uk just east of the High Street, has a six-lane, 33.3-metre indoor swimming pool, squash courts and a gym with sauna and steam room, as well as a sports hall used for activities such as badminton, basketball, trampolining and fitness classes. The sports hall is also used for Women's Artistic Gymnastics, and the leisure centre has been the main training venue for Orpington Gymnastic Club since the opening of the centre.[http://www.orpington-gymnastic-club.org.uk http://www.orpington-gymnastic-club.org.uk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121234002/http://orpington-gymnastic-club.org.uk/ |date=21 January 2021 }} orpington-gymnastic-club.org.uk

File:Lakes in Priory Gardens, Orpington (II).jpg.]]There are also other leisure centres such as one situated at Harris Academy Orpington,[http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/priory-sports-centre.html http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/priory-sports-centre.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206062153/http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/priory-sports-centre.html |date=6 February 2006 }} bromleymytime.org.uk which has a floodlit, synthetic pitch for hockey and football, three outdoor tennis courts, two netball courts, four outdoor cricket nets and a sports hall with gymnasium/fitness suite and dance studio. Another is Banaatyne Health Club, a members-only health club on Sandy Lane which was previously LA Fitness but changed causing controversy in late 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/news/orpington_gym_closure_sparks_outrage_among_members_1_4306226|author=Tom Pyman|publisher=bromleytimes.co.uk|title=Orpington gym closure sparks outrage among members - News - Bromley Times|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230603/http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/news/orpington_gym_closure_sparks_outrage_among_members_1_4306226|url-status=live}} Other exercise facilities include bodybuilding gym Ripped Muscle And Fitness located on Orpington high street,{{cite web|url=http://www.rippedmuscleandfitnessltd.co.uk|publisher=rippedmuscleandfitnessltd.co.uk|title=Ripped – Ripped Muscle and Fitness|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709203434/http://www.rippedmuscleandfitnessltd.co.uk/|url-status=dead}} previously Keddles Gym (now based in Dartford),{{cite web|url=http://keddles.co.uk/|publisher=keddles.co.uk|title=Home - Keddles Gym|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=25 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125060624/http://keddles.co.uk/|url-status=live}} and Anytime fitness which can be found on Orpington high street.{{cite web|url=http://www.anytimefitness.co.uk/gyms/uk-0035/gym-Orpington-England-fitness-center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505092638/http://www.anytimefitness.co.uk/gyms/uk-0035/gym-Orpington-England-fitness-center|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2016|title=Anytime Pure gym in Orpington High Street Muscle works on Cray Avenue Gyms Orpington, England Fitness Centers Orpington|access-date=13 January 2017}}

There are rugby, football, tennis and cricket pitches in Goddington Park which are used by Westcombe Park RFC,[http://www.westcombeparkrugby.co.uk http://www.westcombeparkrugby.co.uk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011542/http://www.westcombeparkrugby.co.uk/ |date=20 September 2018 }} westcombeparkrugby.co.uk Orpington Cricket Club,{{cite web|url=http://www.orpingtoncc.co.uk|publisher=orpingtoncc.co.uk|title=Orpington Cricket Club {{pipe}} Home|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118055023/http://www.orpingtoncc.co.uk/|url-status=live}} Orpington Football Club and Locksbottom Town FC.{{cite web|url=http://www.orpingtonfc.com|publisher=orpingtonfc.com|title=車のメーター|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104084139/http://www.orpingtonfc.com/|url-status=live}} Westcombe Park RFC competes in National League 3 London & SE (four leagues below premiership rugby). 'Combe' moved from the Blackheath area to Orpington in 1936. Cray Wanderers F.C., established in 1860 no longer plays in Orpington, but now shares a ground with Bromley F.C. On 3 October 2014 Cray Wanderers signed a conditional contract to purchase Flamingo Park Sports Centre on the A20 Sidcup bypass. The club subsequently obtained planning permission from Bromley Council for a new sporting community hub, featuring a new multi-sport stadium with a spectator capacity of 2,200.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14446686.Football___s_coming_home__Cray_Wanderers_are_finally_getting_a_home_after_44_years/?ref=mrb&lp=11|publisher=newsshopper.co.uk|title=Football's coming home: Cray Wanderers Football Club is finally getting a home in Chislehurst after 44 years (From News Shopper)|date=22 April 2016 |access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230333/http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14446686.Football___s_coming_home__Cray_Wanderers_are_finally_getting_a_home_after_44_years/?ref=mrb&lp=11|url-status=live}} However, in July 2016 new London Mayor Sadiq Khan vetoed the plan as part of his pledge to protect green belt land.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14593836.Cray_Wanderers_stadium_plans_vetoed_by_Sadiq_Khan___but_refusal_could_be_reversed_as_decision_is_called_in/|publisher=newsshopper.co.uk|title=Cray Wanderers stadium plans vetoed by Sadiq Khan - but refusal could be reversed as decision is called in (From News Shopper)|date=July 2016 |access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230327/http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14593836.Cray_Wanderers_stadium_plans_vetoed_by_Sadiq_Khan___but_refusal_could_be_reversed_as_decision_is_called_in/|url-status=live}}

Orpington Boxing Club has produced numerous amateur champions. It moved to Westerham in 1986."Orpington ABC", Sevenoaks Gazette, June 1986 The club closed in 2013 due to lack of funding, but reopened in Pettswood in 2024 with a 15 year lease."Orpington ABC", News Shopper, March 2024

Since 1985, members of Orpington Road Runners{{cite web|url=http://www.orprunners.com/|publisher=orprunners.com|title=Orpington Road Runners|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235418/http://orprunners.com/|url-status=live}} have met every Tuesday near The Buff Pub and on Sundays at High Elms Country Park. For over 10 years, the club has organised a 10k race and series of 2k fun runs[http://www.orprunners.com/orpington10k http://www.orprunners.com/orpington10k] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214045045/http://www.orprunners.com/orpington10k/ |date=14 February 2009 }} orprunners.com during the summer in conjunction with Darrick Wood School. Bromley Indoor Bowls Club is situated off Gillmans Road. Lawn bowls is played at the Excelsior Club{{cite web|url=http://www.oebc.org.uk/|publisher=oebc.org.uk|title=Orpington Excelsior Bowling Club|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019060112/http://www.oebc.org.uk/|url-status=usurped}} in Poverest Recreation Ground. Knoll Lawn Tennis Club[http://knoll.totaltennis.net/home/aboutUs.asp http://knoll.totaltennis.net/home/aboutUs.asp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826203901/http://knoll.totaltennis.net/home/aboutUs.asp |date=26 August 2007 }} knoll.totaltennis.net has (despite its name) five tarmac courts tucked away among the houses of Mayfield Avenue and Lynwood Grove. Bromley Tennis Centre (six indoor courts and four floodlit outdoor courts) is in the grounds of Newstead Wood School.

Construction work on a new cinema complex at The Walnuts Centre commenced in 2014;{{cite web|url=http://www.millerdevelopments.co.uk/the%20walnuts%20and%20crown%20buildings%20orpington.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129093009/http://www.millerdevelopments.co.uk/the%20walnuts%20and%20crown%20buildings%20orpington.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 January 2012|title=Miller Developments -|access-date=13 January 2017}} the seven screen Odeon Cinema opened on 26 February 2016.News Shopper article New 7-screen Odeon cinema in Orpington High Street announces its official opening date accessed from [http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14231041.Orpington_Odeon_cinema_announces_official_launch_date/ http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821200221/http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14231041.Orpington_Odeon_cinema_announces_official_launch_date/ |date=21 August 2016 }} Orpington was without a cinema since 1982, when the old Commodore cinema closed.{{cite web|url=http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/bromley/assets/galleries/orpington/commodore-cinema|publisher=ideal-homes.org.uk|title=Commodore Cinema, High Street, Orpington, Bromley, 1982 {{pipe}} {{pipe}} Ideal Homes|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810072127/http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/bromley/assets/galleries/orpington/commodore-cinema|url-status=live}}

File:Orpington College - geograph.org.uk - 624550.jpg

{{Main|Education in Orpington}}

Education in Orpington is managed by the London Borough of Bromley which is the local education authority. The town contains a range of primary and secondary schools. The state secondary schools include St. Olave's Grammar School and Newstead Wood School, which both select students on the basis of their performance in a highly competitive entrance examination.

The Orpington campus of Bromley College, Bromley is a further education college, affiliated with the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University. It was originally built as Orpington College in 1972, and remains the tallest building in the area, being refurbished in 2008 and then merging with Bromley College in 2011.{{cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.lsec.ac.uk/our-history2 |website=London South East Colleges |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=14 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114164655/http://www.lsec.ac.uk/our-history2 |url-status=live }}

Orpington railway station is a transport hub served by Southeastern with trains to the Central London stations of Charing Cross and Cannon Street via Grove Park, as well as Victoria via Bromley South and Herne Hill. In the other direction services call at Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.

Orpington is served by London Buses routes 51, 61, 208, 353, 358, B14, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, school routes 654, 684, night route N199, Go-Coach route 3 and Arriva Kent Thameside route 477.

The M25 motorway around London passes Orpington to the south of the town and three A roads, the A208, A224 and A232, pass through the area. Additionally, the A21 passes along the town's southern border.

File:West Side of All Saints' Church, Orpington (I).jpg

The Parish Church is All Saints Church, which stands upon pre-Norman foundations.{{NHLE|num=1083559|desc=All Saints Church|access-date=29 September 2020}} Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it is Early English in style, but some Saxon work is still visible. It was endowed by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1173.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The tower and steeple were damaged by a storm in 1771. The rebuilt steeple was struck by lightning in 1809, and it was not replaced. The church was greatly enlarged in 1957.{{cite web |title=History |url=https://allsaintsorpington.wordpress.com/welcome/about/history/ |website=All Saints Orpington |date=19 February 2013 |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928124602/https://allsaintsorpington.wordpress.com/welcome/about/history/ |url-status=live }} The present Vicar is the Reverend George Rogers.{{Cite web|date=17 June 2020|title=Vicar: The Rev'd George Rogers|url=https://allsaintsorpington.wordpress.com/welcome-2/whos-who/profiles/vicar-the-revd-george-rogers/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=All Saints', The Parish Church of Orpington|language=en}}

File:West Face of Orpington Priory (02).jpg

The Priory is a medieval hall house. In 1032, Eadsy, chaplain to King Cnut, gave his estate at Orpedingetune to Christ Church Priory, Canterbury.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The first Rector of Orpington, Hugh de Mortimer, held court here in 1270.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The house was rebuilt in 1290, this time in stone, and extended in 1393 and 1471.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} In the 17th century the house ceased to be a rectory and passed into private ownership; a timber-framed extension was added, which no longer exists. The house was acquired by Orpington Urban District Council in 1947, and used to house a museum which closed in September 2015 for cost reasons.{{Cite web|date=15 June 2015|title=Bromley Council bosses vote to relocate borough's museum from Orpington Priory|url=https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/13330631.bromley-council-bosses-vote-to-relocate-boroughs-museum-from-orpington-priory/|url-status=live|access-date=29 March 2021|website=News Shopper|language=en|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190207/https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/13330631.bromley-council-bosses-vote-to-relocate-boroughs-museum-from-orpington-priory/}}

File:The Priory Garden, Orpington.JPG

The Grade II listed{{Cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001444|title=Priory Gardens, Orpington, Bromley - 1001444 Historic England|website=historicengland.org.uk|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822093750/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001444|url-status=live}} Priory Gardens designed by the last private owners of The Priory, Cecil and Lilian Hughes, consists of Italianate and Arts & Crafts style formal gardens reflecting the Hughes respective interests, a landscaped park with children's play area, and a trio of natural ponds where the River Cray rises. Each year the Orpington May Queen is crowned in the gardens.{{cite web |title=History |url=http://orpingtonmayqueen.org.uk/history/ |website=Orpington May Queen |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901120316/http://orpingtonmayqueen.org.uk/history/ |url-status=live }}

During the First World War a large military hospital, the "16th Canadian General", was built south-east of the station, funded by the government of Ontario, Canada. It originally accommodated 1,050 patients; an extra wing was added in 1917.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} By January 1919 more than 25,000 wounded soldiers had been treated here.{{Cite web|title=Lost Hospitals of London|url=https://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/orpington.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 March 2021|website=ezitis.myzen.co.uk|archive-date=28 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228132500/https://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/orpington.html}} Most of the original pre-fabricated buildings remained in use for more than 80 years before a major renovation around the turn of the century.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} Today Orpington Hospital provides rehabilitation and therapy services, outpatient and diagnostic services (including dermatology and diabetes), but it no longer has an Accident and Emergency Unit. The nearest A&E is Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.

File:Orpington War Memorial.jpg

Orpington War Memorial standing at the southern end of the High Street is a focal point for Remembrance Sunday.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/13952166.Remembrance_Sunday_services_in_Bromley_borough_2015__Where_to_find_them/|publisher=newsshopper.co.uk|title=Remembrance Sunday services in Bromley borough 2015: Where to find them (From News Shopper)|date=7 November 2015 |access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230255/http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/13952166.Remembrance_Sunday_services_in_Bromley_borough_2015__Where_to_find_them/|url-status=live}} It was designed by local architect Charles Heaton Comyn and unveiled on Sunday 28 August 1921.{{cite book|title=Orpington War Memorial|author=Pateman, J.|date=2012|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=9781471082832|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XPSSAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|page=3|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190159/https://books.google.com/books?id=XPSSAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|url-status=live}}{{self-published source|date=September 2020}}{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}} It originally contained the names of 111 local men who died in the Great War, however further names were added later, bringing the total for the Great War up to 117.

A campaign in 1997–98 for the remembrance of 432 armed forces personnel who fell in the Second World War resulted in the unveiling of eight more plaques on Sunday 2 August 1999. Another new plaque has been added detailing the eight local men who have died on active duty since 1945.

File:Canadian Corner.jpg

In the corner of All Saints' Church sits Canadian Corner. This is a First World War memorial that marks where 182 soldiers who died being treated at Orpington Hospital are buried. The name derives from the fact 88 of those buried are Canadians. Canadian Corner is unique in that its design resembles that of First World War Cemeteries found in France & Belgium, with the text on the memorial suggesting that the Memorial Cross was the first outside of the Western Front, as the English public were interested in how the war cemeteries looked.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The Memorial Cross in Canadian Corner was unveiled in 1921 in the presence of the High Commissioner for Canada.{{cite web|url=https://allsaintsorpington.wordpress.com/about/churchyard/canadian-corner/|publisher=allsaintsorpington.wordpress.com|title=Canadian Corner {{pipe}} All Saints' Church Orpington|date=15 July 2013|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123154040/https://allsaintsorpington.wordpress.com/about/churchyard/canadian-corner/|url-status=live}} The automatic plunger used to release the Union flag which hid the Cross was the same used by George V during the unveiling of The Cenotaph a year earlier. The Memorial Cross in Canadian Corner was the first Canadian Memorial unveiled in the UK.

{{Main|Orpington (chicken)|Buff Duck}}

Orpington is known for the "Buff", "Black" and "Speckled" chickens bred locally by William Cook in the 1890s. One could see the Buff Orpington at Tripes Farm, Chelsfield Lane until the late 1990s when the chicken coop was removed from the farm. Buff Orpington Ducks were also developed by Cook. The town still has a pub called The Buff, originally named in honour of the Buff Orpington.

The Orpington Car, designed by Frank Smith and built by Smith & Milroy Ltd at their works in Wellington Road, was shown at the 1920 Motor Show. It was a two-seater convertible, with a dickey seat, and a 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) engine.{{cite book |author1=Tim Harding |author2=Bryan Goodman |title=Motoring Around Kent: The First Fifty Years |date=15 July 2009 |publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited, 2009 |isbn=9781445623740 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JTyIAwAAQBAJ&q=%22Orpington+Car%22&pg=PT94 |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190200/https://books.google.com/books?id=JTyIAwAAQBAJ&q=%22Orpington+Car%22&pg=PT94 |url-status=live }} Although briefly successful, Smith and Milroy could not compete with mass production, and the last car was commonly believed{{who|date=September 2020}} to have been built in 1925.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The only known survivor at the time reportedly once appeared in the 1970s television series Crossroads, but this has not been substantiated. There are now no known surviving examples.{{cite book |last1=Mulligan |first1=Trevor |title=Rediscovering... the Orpington Car: The Definitive Guide |year=2012 |publisher=Timeline Books, 2012 |isbn=9780957312906 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GIT3MwEACAAJ&q=%22Orpington+Car%22 |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190211/https://books.google.com/books?id=GIT3MwEACAAJ&q=%22Orpington+Car%22 |url-status=live }}

Journalists in the 1960s used "Orpington man" to designate a typical member of the lower middle class, for example as the target audience of an electoral or advertising appeal.David Childs, Britain since 1945 (3rd ed. 1992) pp 140, 146{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/feb/14/lord-avebury-eric-lubbock-obituary|work=The Guardian|title=Lord Avebury obituary {{pipe}} Politics {{pipe}} The Guardian|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110091836/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/feb/14/lord-avebury-eric-lubbock-obituary|url-status=live}}

• Areas of Orpington were used as filming locations for the 1978 crime film Give Us Tomorrow.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245920/|publisher=imdb.com|title=Give Us Tomorrow (1978) - IMDb|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211014148/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245920/|url-status=live}}
• Who Believes In Orpington was a series about the role of the church in contemporary suburban life. Aired February 1988.{{cite web|url=https://www.londonsscreenarchives.org.uk/public/details.php?id=1695|publisher=londonsscreenarchives.org.uk|title=London's Screen Archives: Who Believes in Orpington|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190209/https://www.londonsscreenarchives.org.uk/title/1695/|url-status=live}}
• The Save the Children shop in Orpington High Street was the subject of Mary Queen of Charity Shops, where Mary Portas set out to improve the takings and image of the charity shop. Aired June 2009 on BBC2.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00l1tft|publisher=bbc.co.uk|title=BBC Two - Mary Queen of Charity Shops, Episode 1|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414190925/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00l1tft|url-status=live}}
• A British Sky TV promo live-action recreation of The Simpsons opening sequence was partly filmed in Lansdowne Avenue, Orpington.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-22 |title=The Simpsons Couch Gag That Was Filmed In London |url=https://londonist.com/london/film/the-simpsons-couch-gag-that-was-filmed-in-london |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=Londonist |language=en}}
• Forest Way, Orpington was the filming location for the tree scene in the 2020 John Lewis Christmas advert.{{Cite news|title=Orpington plays central role in John Lewis Christmas ad|work=News Shopper|url=https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/18869166.orpington-plays-central-role-john-lewis-christmas-ad/}}

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• Gilderoy Scamp (1812-1893) - King of the Romani, born in Orpington.
• Neil Taylor (b. 1959) - cricketer, born in Orpington.{{cite web |title=Neil Taylor |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/21490.html |website=Cric Info |access-date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312102409/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/21490.html |url-status=live }}
• Dina Asher-Smith (b. 1995) - sprinter, born and grew up in Orpington.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/49909946|title=Dina Asher-Smith: The making of a world champion|work=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2019|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922103258/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/49909946|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/othersport/14607895.Orpington_sprinter_star____over_the_moon____with_historical_European_gold/|publisher=newsshopper.co.uk|title=Orpington sprinter star Dina Asher-Smith 'over the moon' with gold medal at European Championships (From News Shopper)|date=8 July 2016 |access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230336/http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/othersport/14607895.Orpington_sprinter_star____over_the_moon____with_historical_European_gold/|url-status=live}}
• Allan Octavian Hume (1829-1912) - notable ornithologist and founder of the Indian National Congress.Moulton (2004); Encyclopædia Britannica and some older sources give his birthplace as Montrose, Forfarshire.
• Jeremy Barnes (b. 1970) - cricketer and clergyman.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
• Jeremy Beadle (1948-2008) - TV presenter, writer and producer, attended Orpington County Secondary Boys' School.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jan/30/television.itv|work=The Guardian|title=Obituary: Jeremy Beadle {{pipe}} Media {{pipe}} The Guardian|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230354/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jan/30/television.itv|url-status=live}}
• Steve Bennett (b. 1961) - football referee, lives in Orpington.{{cite web|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/referee-steve-bennett-switches-s-a96129/|publisher=kentonline.co.uk|title=Referee Steve Bennett switches sports from football to cricket|date=6 July 2009|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230844/http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/referee-steve-bennett-switches-s-a96129/|url-status=live}}
• Kevin Bishop (b. 1980) - actor and comedian, grew up in the area.{{cite web|url=http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/news/actor_kevin_bishop_on_his_rise_to_fame_from_orpington_drama_school_1_1515494|author=Joshua Fowler|publisher=bromleytimes.co.uk|title=Actor Kevin Bishop on his rise to fame from Orpington drama school - News - Bromley Times|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230251/http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/news/actor_kevin_bishop_on_his_rise_to_fame_from_orpington_drama_school_1_1515494|url-status=live}}
• Tony Cascarino (b. 1962) - footballer, grew up in Orpington.{{cite web |title=Tony Cascarino |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1342037/bio |website=IMDB |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=10 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110093347/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1342037/bio |url-status=live }}
• Len Choules (b. 1932) - footballer, born in Orpington.{{cite book|last1 =Purkiss|first1 =Mike|last2 =Sands|first2 =Nigel|title=Crystal Palace: A Complete Record 1905–1989|year =1990|publisher =The Breedon Books Publishing Company|page=68|isbn=0907969542}}
• Joe Choong (b. 1995) - athlete, born in Orpington.{{cite web |title=Double Olympian Nick Woodbridge returns for European Championships |url=http://www.pentathlon.org/double-olympian-nick-woodbridge-returns-for-european-championships/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127013433/http://www.pentathlon.org/double-olympian-nick-woodbridge-returns-for-european-championships/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2015 |publisher=Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne |access-date=1 May 2016 }}{{cite news |title=Joseph Choong becomes first Brit to win the European U16 Modern Pentathlon |url=http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Choong-pens-history-books/story-11368019-detail/story.html |access-date=1 May 2016 |work=Croydon Advertiser |date=24 September 2010 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Lesley Collier (b. 1947) - ballet dancer, born in Orpington.{{cite web |title=Lesley Collier - Oxford Reference |url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095624378 |website=www.oxfordreference.com |access-date=12 February 2020 |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212194606/https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095624378 |url-status=live }}
• Patience Darton (1911-1996) - nurse and political activist, notably during the Spanish Civil War, who was born in Orpington.{{Cite web|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/darton-patience-1911-1996|title=Darton, Patience (1911–1996)|last=Haag|first=John|date=10 December 2019|website=Women in World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia|publisher=Cengage|via=Encyclopedia.Com|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113035641/https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/darton-patience-1911-1996|url-status=live}}
• Frank Everist (1885-1945) - footballer, born in Orpington.{{Cite web |url=http://www.croydoncommon.com/EVERIST_Frank_James.pdf |title=Everist, Frank James |website=Croydon Common player profiles |access-date=30 November 2012 |archive-date=17 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617135118/http://www.croydoncommon.com/EVERIST_Frank_James.pdf |url-status=live }}
• Nigel Farage (b. 1964) - politician.{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/477923/Who-is-the-real-Nigel-Farage-How-personal-success-and-brushes-with-death-have-shaped-him|publisher=express.co.uk|title=Who is the real Nigel Farage? How personal success and brushes with death have shaped him {{pipe}} UK {{pipe}} News {{pipe}} Daily Express|date=24 May 2014|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230819/http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/477923/Who-is-the-real-Nigel-Farage-How-personal-success-and-brushes-with-death-have-shaped-him|url-status=live}}
• David Ford (b. 1951) - politician and Northern Ireland Justice Minister, born and grew up in Orpington.{{cite web |title=David Ford |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Ford |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017073135/https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Ford |url-status=live }}
• Joan Glass (1915-2012) - textile designer and painter, born in Orpington.{{cite web |title=Joan Glass |url=https://www.fryartgallery.org/the-collection/search-results/artist/45/Joan-Glass--#biography |website=Fry Gallery |access-date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116133607/http://www.fryartgallery.org/the-collection/search-results/artist/45/Joan-Glass--#biography |url-status=live }}
• Andy Green (b. 1962) - fighter pilot and world Land Speed Record holder, attended St Olave's Grammar School.{{cite web |last1=Whitworth |first1=Damian |title=Andy Green: the fastest man on Earth |url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/advice/andy-green-the-fastest-man-on-earth-62jpr9flhkg |website=The Times |date=17 November 2012 |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190205/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/andy-green-the-fastest-man-on-earth-62jpr9flhkg |url-status=live }}
• Ben Greenhalgh (b. 1992) - footballer and winner of Football's Next Star, born in Orpington.{{cite web |title=From Inter Milan To Maidstone: The Incredible Story Of Ben Greenhalgh |url=https://www.sportbible.com/pub-talk/exclusives-take-a-bow-from-inter-milan-to-maidstone-the-incredible-story-of-ben-greenhalgh-20170118 |website=Sport Bible |date=18 January 2019 |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821130930/http://www.sportbible.com/pub-talk/exclusives-take-a-bow-from-inter-milan-to-maidstone-the-incredible-story-of-ben-greenhalgh-20170118 |url-status=live }}
• Jonathan Haggerty (b. 1997) - Muay Thai fighter, grew up in Orpington.{{cite web |title=How Jonathan Haggerty Became A Teenage World Champion |url=https://www.onefc.com/features/how-jonathan-haggerty-became-a-teenage-world-champion/ |website=ONE Championship |date=23 April 2019 |access-date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029023522/https://www.onefc.com/features/how-jonathan-haggerty-became-a-teenage-world-champion/ |url-status=live }}
• Pamela Harrison (1915-1990) - pianist and composer, born in Orpington.{{cite web|url=http://www.pamelaharrisoncomposer.co.uk/biography.html|publisher=pamelaharrisoncomposer.co.uk|title=Pamela Harrison - composer (1915-1990)|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316221948/http://www.pamelaharrisoncomposer.co.uk/biography.html|url-status=live}}
• Billy Idol (b. 1955) - singer, spent part of his childhood in the town.
• Emma Johnson (b. 1966) - clarinettist and BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1984, attended school in Orpington.{{cite news |title=Classical Music 12/2/10 |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/reviews/classical-music-12210-28517574.html |newspaper=Belfasttelegraph |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190214/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/reviews/classical-music-12210-28517574.html |url-status=live }}
• Nic Jones (b. 1947)- folk singer, born in Orpington.{{cite web|url=http://teamrock.com/artist-directory/n/nic-jones?id=5TABL8E2QU96gOZSS82bU3|publisher=teamrock.com|title=Nic Jones - Artist Directory {{pipe}} TeamRock|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209231059/http://teamrock.com/artist-directory/n/nic-jones?id=5TABL8E2QU96gOZSS82bU3|url-status=live}}[http://www.penguineggs.ab.ca/peggs.php?page=nicjones The making of a masterpiece] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116064442/http://www.penguineggs.ab.ca/peggs.php?page=nicjones |date=16 November 2009 }} ("Penguin Eggs" – Folk magazine).
• Barry Knight (b. 1960) - football referee.{{cite web|url=http://www2.newsquest.co.uk/lancashire/bolton/wanderers/WANDERERSAK1.html|publisher=www2.newsquest.co.uk|title=A Knight to remember: The Bolton view|access-date=13 January 2017}}[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1275104.stm#ref Home town] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306100658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1275104.stm#ref |date=6 March 2016 }} reference: BBC.co.uk article.
• Nish Kumar (b. 1985) – comedian, attended St Olave's Grammar School.{{cite web |url=https://tv.bt.com/tv/tv-news/who-is-nish-kumar-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-host-of-bbc-twos-the-mash-report-11364194777965|title=Who is Nish Kumar? Everything you need to know about the host of BBC Two's The Mash Report|work=BT Group |last=Laker|first=Chris|date=28 July 2017}}
• Trevor Lake (b. 1968) - footballer, born in Orpington.{{cite web |title=Colchester United – Player profile |url=http://coludata.co.uk/player.asp?pid=445 |publisher=Coludata.co.uk |access-date=7 May 2013 |archive-date=7 July 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130707020907/http://coludata.co.uk/player.asp?pid=445 |url-status=dead }}
• Josie Long (b. 1982) - comedian, grew up in the town.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/my-secret-life-josie-long-comedian-28-2037464.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/my-secret-life-josie-long-comedian-28-2037464.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=independent.co.uk|title=My Secret Life: Josie Long, comedian, 28 {{pipe}} The Independent|access-date=13 January 2017}}
• Eric Lubbock (1928-2016) - politician and civil rights campaigner, local MP for a period.
• Scott Minto (b. 1971) - footballer, (including for Charlton Athletic) and TV presenter, President of Orpington Rovers FC.{{cite web|url=http://orfc.info/aboutus/history.shtml|publisher=orfc.info|title=Orpington Rovers Football Club|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209231806/http://orfc.info/aboutus/history.shtml|url-status=live}}
• David Nobbs, Writer , born Orpington, 1935
• Tim Page (b. 1944) - photographer, grew up in Orpington.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2001/sep/23/features.magazine27|work=The Guardian|title=Mourning Vietnam {{pipe}} From the Observer {{pipe}} The Guardian|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230454/https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2001/sep/23/features.magazine27|url-status=live}}
• Stuart Pigott (b. 1960) - wine critic and author, born in the town.[http://www.stuartpigott.de/stuartpigott/uebermich Stuart Pigott.de: Über mich] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317043658/http://www.stuartpigott.de/stuartpigott/uebermich |date=17 March 2008 }}, accessed on 16 March 2008
• Claire Rafferty (b. 1989) - footballer, grew up in the town.{{cite web |last1=Linney |first1=Sarah |title=Orpington footballer to play in World Cup semi-finals tonight |url=https://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/news/orpington-footballer-to-play-in-world-cup-semi-finals-tonight-1-4133936 |website=Bromley Times |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329190221/https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}
• Vezey Raffety (1906-1901) - cricketer.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/32/32228/all_teams.html|title=Teams Vezey Raffety played for|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=3 June 2011|archive-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107230255/http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/32/32228/all_teams.html|url-status=live}}
• Gary Rhodes (1960-2019) - TV chef, lived in the area.{{cite web|url=http://www.knowhere.co.uk/Orpington/Greater-London/London-and-inside-M25/info/celebs|publisher=knowhere.co.uk|title=Orpington, Greater London, Cringing Cult of Celebrity|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209230316/http://www.knowhere.co.uk/Orpington/Greater-London/London-and-inside-M25/info/celebs|url-status=live}}
• Hubert Shirley-Smith (1901-1981) - civil engineer, lived in Orpington in the latter part of his life.{{cite book| last = Watson | first = Garth | title = The Smeatonians: The Society of Civil Engineers | publisher = Thomas Telford Ltd| year = 1989| pages = 140 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ybXHDw8u_VcC| isbn = 0-7277-1526-7}}
• Max Splodge - singer in Splodgenessabounds, grew up in the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.punk77.co.uk/groups/mistakes.htm|publisher=punk77.co.uk|title=The Mistakes - A Punk History with Pictures.|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=13 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313061548/http://punk77.co.uk/groups/mistakes.htm|url-status=live}}{{div col end}}

• Flossie (cat) (b. 1995) - The oldest living cat currently alive, as of 2024, living in Orpington.{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Vicki |last2=Shadijanova |first2=Diyora |date=2024-01-05 |title=Experience: I own the world’s oldest living cat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/05/experience-i-own-the-worlds-oldest-living-cat |access-date=2024-07-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

{{Geographic Location

|title = Neighbouring areas of Orpington

|Northwest = Petts Wood

|North = St Mary Cray

|Northeast = Crockenhill

|West = Locksbottom

|Centre = Orpington

|East = Ramsden Estate

|Southwest = Farnborough

|South = Green Street Green

|Southeast = Chelsfield

}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book| author=Trevor Mulligan | title=Rediscovering... The Orpington Car | publisher=Timeline Books | year=2012 | isbn=978-0-9573129-0-6}}
• {{Cite book| author=Dorothy Cox | title=The Book of Orpington | publisher=Barracuda Books | year=1983 | isbn=0-86023-164-X}}
• {{Cite book| author=John Edwards | title=A Look Back at Orpington | publisher=Bromley Leisure Services | year=1991 | isbn=0-901002-13-5}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Orpington, London}}
• [http://www.bromley.org/ciswebpl/ward/warddetail.asp?id=17 2001 Census information for the Orpington ward at Bromley.org] {{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060710211240/http://www.bromley.gov.uk/business/towncentres/orpingtontowncentre.htm Bromley London Borough Council - Orpington town centre] Accessed on 1 February 2006
• [http://www.orpington-history.org Website set up by volunteers using historic evidence and copyright free images and pictures]
• [http://www.orpingtonojays.com Orpington Ojays Swimming Club]
• "[https://web.archive.org/web/20180810201016/http://theorpingtoncar.co.uk/ Rediscovering... The Orpington Car]" by Trevor Mulligan. A 100+ page A5 definitive guide, published 2012.

{{LB Bromley}}

{{London Districts}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Areas of London

Category:Districts of the London Borough of Bromley

Category:Major centres of London

Category:Former civil parishes in the London Borough of Bromley