The Nash Paper Mill Strike Written by Pam Preedy. The decade leading up to the First World War was a time of labour unrest, often referred to as ‘The Great Unrest.’ 1914 was a particular bad year with increasing industrial action and Orpington was not exempt from trouble. In 1914, the workers of the Nash Paper Mill at At Paul’s Cray went on strike over pay and union membership. Pay in the Nash works was low for everyone: the highest paid was Robert Marsden, Head Papermaker and actual Manager of…
Category: Local History
Exploring Canada Corner
Exploring Canada Corner Written by Pam Preedy. “If I should die, think only this of me That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is Forever England Rupert Brooke “The Soldier”, 1914 If you take a walk up Church Street to All Saints Church and its graveyard, you’ll find Canada Corner which adjoins the church and is also on the opposite side of the road. In 1912, the old graveyard was becoming too small and an extension was needed. A field, the last field suitable for such a purpose,…
A Look Back at Orpington Hospital
A Look Back at Orpington Hospital Written by Pam Preedy. The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 saw men from all over Britain and the Commonwealth rush to the fight; some ‘on reserve’ re-joined their old regiments and battalions, other joined queues to volunteer, anxious not to miss out as it would ‘be over by Christmas.’ They came from far and wide, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Many, having served their time in the regular army, had migrated to try their hand at farming – looking for…