Editing Orpington

{{Short description|Town in Greater London, England}}
{{About|the town}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{infobox UK place
| country                  = England
| region                   = London
| official_name            = Orpington
| london_borough           = Bromley
| constituency_westminster = [[Orpington (UK Parliament constituency)|Orpington]]
| post_town                = ORPINGTON
| postcode_area            = BR
| postcode_district        = BR5, BR6
| dial_code                = 01689
| os_grid_reference        = TQ460660
| coordinates              = {{coord|51.3741|0.0986|display=inline,title}}
| static_image_name        = White Hart pub, Orpington High Street.jpg
| static_image_caption     = Orpington High Street, with White Hart public house on the left
| population               = 90,315
| population_ref           = <small>(Orpington and its localities)</small> [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 Census]]<ref>Orpington is made up of 6 wards in the London Borough of Bromley: Chelsfield and Pratts Bottom, Cray Valley East, Cray Valley West, Farnborough and Crofton, Orpington, and Petts Wood and Knoll. {{cite web|url=http://data.london.gov.uk/2011-census-ward-pop |title=2011 Census Ward Population Estimates {{!}} London DataStore|access-date=9 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202755/http://data.london.gov.uk/2011-census-ward-pop |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>
| charingX_distance_mi     = 13.4
| charingX_direction       = NW
}}

'''Orpington''' is a town in [[Greater London]], [[England]], within the [[London Borough of Bromley]]. It is 13.4 miles (21.6&nbsp;km) south east of [[Charing Cross]].

On the south-eastern edge of the [[Greater London Built-up Area]], it is south of [[St Mary Cray]], southwest of [[Swanley]], west of [[Ramsden Estate (Orpington)|Ramsden]], north of [[Goddington]] and [[Green Street Green]], and east of [[Crofton, London|Crofton]] and [[Broom Hill, London|Broom Hill]]. Orpington is covered by the London [[BR postcode area]]. 

It is identified in the [[London Plan]] as one of 35 major centres in [[Greater London]].<ref name="london_plan_f08">{{cite web|url=http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/docs/londonplan08.pdf |author=Mayor of London |author-link=Mayor of London |publisher=[[Greater London Authority]] |title=London Plan (Consolidated with Alterations since 2004) |date=February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602000714/http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/docs/londonplan08.pdf |archive-date=2 June 2010 }}</ref>

==History==

[[File:Internal View of Crofton Roman Villa.jpg|left|thumb|The ruins of Crofton Roman Villa near Orpington Railway Station]]
[[File:View of the West Side of All Saints' Church, Orpington (II).jpg|left|thumb|The medieval Church of All Saints in Orpington]]
[[Stone Age]] tools have been found in several areas of Orpington, including [[Goddington]] Park, Priory Gardens, the [[Ramsden Estate (Orpington)|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 [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] times, as shown by [[Crofton Roman Villa]] and the Roman [[Public bathing|bath-house]] at Fordcroft.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Canute|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.<ref name="Willey">{{cite book |last1=Willey |first1=Russ |title=The London Gazetteer |date=2006 |publisher=Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd |pages=369}}</ref> The [[Church of All Saints, Orpington|Church of All Saints]] was also built in the Anglo-Saxon period.<ref name="Willey"/> On 22 July 1573, Queen [[Elizabeth I]] was entertained at Bark Hart (Orpington Priory)<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pateman|first=John|title=The Ramsden Estate|publisher=Pateran Press|year=2009|isbn=9780956081285|location=United Kingdom|pages=28|language=en}}</ref> {{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.<ref name="Willey"/> 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, [[hops|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 Party (UK)|Liberal]] MP for [[Orpington (UK Parliament constituency)|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.<ref>''Stopping Places: A Gypsy History of South London and Kent'' Simon Evans (Univ of Hertfordshire Press 2004) {{ISBN|1-902806-30-1}}</ref> In 1971, an international meeting of Romany people was held at Orpington; this [[World Romani Congress|Orpington Congress]] marked the founding of the [[International Romani Union]], a group seeking political representation for Romanis throughout Europe.<ref>[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.</ref>

[[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.<ref name="Willey"/> 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.<ref name="Willey"/> The Walnuts Shopping Centre was built in the early 1970s.<ref name="Willey"/>

==Government==
[[File:BromleyOrpington.GIF|thumb|left|The ward of Orpington (red) shown within the borough of Bromley (orange)]]
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 (UK)|Conservative Party]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 United Kingdom general election|1970]]. Gareth Bacon is also the [[London Assembly]] member for the [[Bexley and Bromley (London Assembly constituency)|Bexley and Bromley]] constituency in which Orpington is located.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===By-election of 1962===
After the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] member for the [[Orpington (UK Parliament constituency)|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 Party (UK)|Liberal]] candidate, won with a 22% swing away from the Conservatives. The result caused a sensation and was headline news across the nation.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>
It is from this win that the revival of the Liberal Party is usually dated.

==Demographics==
Data from the [[2011 United Kingdom census|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.<ref name="ons">{{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}}</ref> 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 language|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 [[Judaism|Jewish]] and five as [[Buddhism|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%.<ref name="localstats">{{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}}</ref>

==Retail and commerce==
[[File:20030614 08 Orpington High Street.jpg|thumb|Orpington High Street, looking south]]
[[File:Nugent Shopping Centre, Orpington - geograph.org.uk - 1700880.jpg|thumb|Nugent Shopping Park]]
[[File:Pizza Express, High Street, Orpington - geograph.org.uk - 1218759.jpg|thumb|A former bank branch on a corner site in the High Street]]
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]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="bromley2">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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}}

==Sport and leisure==
The Walnuts Leisure Centre,<ref>[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''</ref> just east of the High Street, has a six-lane, 33.3-metre indoor [[swimming pool]], [[squash (sport)|squash]] courts and a [[Exercise machine|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.<ref>[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''</ref>

[[File:Lakes in Priory Gardens, Orpington (II).jpg|thumb|The pond at Priory Gardens is the source of the [[River Cray]].]]There are also other leisure centres such as one situated at Harris Academy Orpington,<ref>[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''</ref> which has a floodlit, synthetic pitch for [[Field hockey|hockey]] and [[football (soccer)|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.<ref name="bromleytimes">{{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}}</ref> Other exercise facilities include bodybuilding gym Ripped Muscle And Fitness located on Orpington high street,<ref name="rippedmuscleandfitnessltd">{{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}}</ref> previously Keddles Gym (now based in Dartford),<ref name="keddles">{{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}}</ref> and Anytime fitness which can be found on Orpington high street.<ref name="anytimefitness">{{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}}</ref>

There are [[Rugby football|rugby]], football, tennis and cricket pitches in [[Goddington]] Park which are used by Westcombe Park RFC,<ref>[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''</ref> Orpington Cricket Club,<ref name="orpingtoncc">{{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}}</ref> [[Orpington F.C.|Orpington Football Club]] and Locksbottom Town FC.<ref name="orpingtonfc">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="newsshopper">{{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}}</ref> However, in July 2016 new London Mayor [[Sadiq Kahn|Sadiq Khan]] vetoed the plan as part of his pledge to protect green belt land.<ref name="newsshopper2">{{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}}</ref>

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

Since 1985, members of Orpington Road Runners<ref name="orprunners">{{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}}</ref> 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<ref>[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''</ref> 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<ref name="oebc">{{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}}</ref> in Poverest Recreation Ground. Knoll Lawn Tennis Club<ref>[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''</ref> 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;<ref name="millerdevelopments">{{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}}</ref> the seven screen [[Odeon Cinema]] opened on 26 February 2016.<ref name=cin>''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 }}</ref> Orpington was without a cinema since 1982, when the old Commodore cinema closed.<ref name="ideal-homes">{{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}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Orpington College - geograph.org.uk - 624550.jpg|thumb|left|Bromley College's Orpington campus]]
{{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 school|primary]] and [[secondary school]]s. 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

==Transport==

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

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

The [[M25 motorway|M25]] motorway around London passes Orpington to the south of the town and three [[A roads in Great Britain|A road]]s, the [[A208 road|A208]], [[A224 road|A224]] and [[A232 road|A232]], pass through the area. Additionally, the [[A21 road (England)|A21]] passes along the town's southern border.

==Landmarks==
===The Parish Church===
[[File:West Side of All Saints' Church, Orpington (I).jpg|thumb|250px|All Saints Church]]
The [[Parish Church]] is [[Church of All Saints, Orpington|All Saints Church]], which stands upon pre-[[Normans|Norman]] foundations.<ref name="All Saints">{{NHLE|num=1083559|desc=All Saints Church|access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref> Mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]], it is [[Early English Period|Early English]] in style, but some [[Anglo-Saxon architecture|Saxon]] work is still visible. It was endowed by the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] in 1173.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The tower and [[Steeple (architecture)|steeple]] were damaged by a storm in 1771.<ref name="All Saints"/> The rebuilt steeple was struck by lightning in 1809, and it was not replaced. The church was greatly enlarged in 1957.<ref name="Willey"/><ref>{{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 }}</ref> The present [[Vicar]] is the Reverend George Rogers.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===The Priory===
[[File:West Face of Orpington Priory (02).jpg|thumb|left|The west face of Orpington Priory]]
The Priory is a [[medieval]] [[hall house]]. In 1032, Eadsy, chaplain to [[Canute the Great|King Cnut]], gave his estate at Orpedingetune to Christ Church Priory, [[Canterbury]].{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The first [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|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]] [[Local government in the United Kingdom|Council]] in 1947, and used to house a museum which closed in September 2015 for cost reasons.<ref>{{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/}}</ref>

=== Priory Gardens ===
[[File:The Priory Garden, Orpington.JPG|thumb|right|The Priory Garden at Orpington]]

The Grade II listed<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

===Orpington Hospital ===
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.<ref name="Willey"/> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Physical therapy|rehabilitation]] and [[therapy]] services, [[outpatient]] and [[medical diagnosis|diagnostic]] services (including [[dermatology]] and [[diabetes]]), but it no longer has an [[Accident and Emergency]] Unit. The nearest [[Emergency department|A&E]] is [[Princess Royal University Hospital]] in [[Farnborough, London|Farnborough]].

===Orpington War Memorial===
[[File:Orpington War Memorial.jpg|thumb|right|Orpington War Memorial]]
Orpington War Memorial standing at the southern end of the High Street is a focal point for Remembrance Sunday.<ref name="newsshopper3">{{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}}</ref> It was designed by local architect Charles Heaton Comyn and unveiled on Sunday 28 August 1921.<ref name="google">{{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}}</ref>{{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.<ref name="google"/> Another new plaque has been added detailing the eight local men who have died on active duty since 1945.<ref name="google"/>

===Canadian Corner===
[[File:Canadian Corner.jpg|thumb|The Memorial Cross which stands in Canadian Corner]]
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.<ref name="wordpress">{{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}}</ref> 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, Whitehall|The Cenotaph]] a year earlier. The Memorial Cross in Canadian Corner was the first Canadian Memorial unveiled in the UK.<ref name="wordpress"/>

==Popular culture==
===Orpington chicken and duck===
{{Main|Orpington (chicken)|Buff Duck}}
Orpington is known for the "Buff", "Black" and "Speckled" [[Orpington (chicken)|chicken]]s bred locally by William Cook in the 1890s.<ref name="Willey"/> 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 Duck|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.

===Orpington car===
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 [[Rumble seat|dickey seat]], and a 10 [[horsepower]] (7.5&nbsp;kW) engine.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

===Orpington man===
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.<ref>David Childs,  ''Britain since 1945'' (3rd ed. 1992) pp 140, 146</ref><ref name="theguardian2">{{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}}</ref>

===TV appearances===
* Areas of Orpington were used as filming locations for the 1978 crime film ''[[Give Us Tomorrow]]''.<ref name="imdb2">{{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}}</ref>
* ''Who Believes In Orpington'' was a series about the role of the church in contemporary suburban life. Aired February 1988.<ref name="londonsscreenarchives">{{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}}</ref>
* The [[Save the Children]] shop in Orpington High Street was the subject of [[Mary Queen of Shops|''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.<ref name="bbc">{{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}}</ref>
* A British [[Sky UK|Sky TV]] promo live-action recreation of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' opening sequence was partly filmed in Lansdowne Avenue, Orpington.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
*Forest Way, Orpington was the filming location for the tree scene in the 2020 [[John Lewis & Partners|John Lewis]] Christmas advert.<ref>{{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/}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Gilderoy Scamp]] (1812-1893) - King of the Romani, born in Orpington.
* [[Neil Taylor (cricketer, born 1959)|Neil Taylor]] (b. 1959) - cricketer, born in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Dina Asher-Smith]] (b. 1995) - sprinter, born and grew up in Orpington.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="newsshopper4">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Allan Octavian Hume]] (1829-1912) - notable ornithologist and founder of the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>Moulton (2004); ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'' and some older sources give his birthplace as [[Montrose, Angus|Montrose]], [[Forfarshire]].</ref>
* [[Jeremy Barnes (cricketer)|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.<ref name="theguardian">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Steve Bennett (referee)|Steve Bennett]] (b. 1961) - football referee, lives in Orpington.<ref name="kentonline">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Kevin Bishop]] (b. 1980) - actor and comedian, grew up in the area.<ref name="bromleytimes2">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Tony Cascarino]] (b. 1962) - footballer, grew up in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Len Choules]] (b. 1932) - footballer, born in Orpington.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Joe Choong]] (b. 1995) - athlete, born in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref name="croydon">{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Lesley Collier]] (b. 1947) - ballet dancer, born in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Patience Darton]] (1911-1996) - nurse and political activist, notably during the [[Spanish Civil War]], who was born in Orpington.<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Frank Everist]] (1885-1945) - footballer, born in Orpington.<ref name="Profile">{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Nigel Farage]] (b. 1964) - politician.<ref name="express">{{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}}</ref>
* [[David Ford (politician)|David Ford]] (b. 1951) - politician and Northern Ireland Justice Minister, born and grew up in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Joan Glass]] (1915-2012) - textile designer and painter, born in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Andy Green (RAF officer)|Andy Green]] (b. 1962) - fighter pilot and world [[Land Speed Record]] holder, attended St Olave's Grammar School.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Ben Greenhalgh]] (b. 1992) - footballer and winner of ''[[Football's Next Star]]'', born in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Jonathan Haggerty]] (b. 1997) - Muay Thai fighter, grew up in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Pamela Harrison (composer)|Pamela Harrison]] (1915-1990) - pianist and composer, born in Orpington.<ref name="pamelaharrisoncomposer">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Billy Idol]] (b. 1955) - singer, spent part of his childhood in the town.<ref name="Willey"/>
* [[Emma Johnson (clarinettist)|Emma Johnson]] (b. 1966) - clarinettist and [[BBC Young Musician of the Year]] in 1984, attended school in Orpington.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Nic Jones]] (b. 1947)- folk singer, born in Orpington.<ref name="teamrock">{{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}}</ref><ref>[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).</ref>
* [[Barry Knight (referee)|Barry Knight]] (b. 1960) - football referee.<ref name="newsquest">{{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}}</ref><ref>[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|BBC.co.uk]] article.</ref>
* [[Nish Kumar]] (b. 1985) – comedian, attended [[St Olave's Grammar School]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>
* Trevor Lake (b. 1968) - footballer, born in Orpington.<ref name="coludata">{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Josie Long]] (b. 1982) - comedian, grew up in the town.<ref name="independent">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Eric Lubbock, 4th Baron Avebury|Eric Lubbock]] (1928-2016) - politician and civil rights campaigner, local MP for a period.<ref name="theguardian2"/>
* [[Scott Minto]] (b. 1971) - footballer, (including for [[Charlton Athletic]]) and TV presenter, President of Orpington Rovers FC.<ref name="orfc">{{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}}</ref>
* [[David Nobbs]], Writer , born Orpington, 1935
* [[Tim Page (photographer)|Tim Page]] (b. 1944) - photographer, grew up in Orpington.<ref name="theguardian3">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Stuart Pigott]] (b. 1960) - wine critic and author, born in the town.<ref>[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</ref>
* [[Claire Rafferty]] (b. 1989) - footballer, grew up in the town.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Vezey Raffety]] (1906-1901) - cricketer.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
* [[Gary Rhodes]] (1960-2019) - TV chef, lived in the area.<ref name="knowhere">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Hubert Shirley-Smith]] (1901-1981) - civil engineer, lived in Orpington in the latter part of his life.<ref name="smeatonian">{{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}}</ref>
* [[Splodgenessabounds|Max Splodge]] - singer in [[Splodgenessabounds]], grew up in the town.<ref name="punk77">{{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}}</ref>{{div col end}}

=== Notable Animals ===
* [[Flossie (cat)]]  (b. 1995) - The [[List of longest-living cats|oldest living cat currently alive]], as of 2024, living in Orpington.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{Geographic Location
|title     = '''Neighbouring areas of Orpington'''
|Northwest = [[Petts Wood]]
|North     = [[St Mary Cray]]
|Northeast = [[Crockenhill]]
|West      = [[Locksbottom]]
|Centre    = Orpington
|East      = [[Ramsden Estate (Orpington)|Ramsden Estate]]
|Southwest = [[Farnborough, London|Farnborough]]
|South     = [[Green Street Green]]
|Southeast = [[Chelsfield]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
*{{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}}

==External links==
* {{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:Orpington| ]]
[[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]]