Romans in Orpington: Crofton Roman Villa Written by Pam Preedy. Just next to Orpington Railway Station is a hidden gem, Crofton Roman Villa. We know that Britain was conquered by the Romans. Julius Caesar came twice; in 55BC when he stayed for three weeks and again a year later when he stayed for 12 weeks. The Romans did not return for nearly 100 years, but Britain was a prize beckoning them; they anticipated rich rewards. According to Julius Caesar, “The Britons have a huge number of cattle, they use gold…
Tag: orpington
From Mammoths Teeth to the Tudor: A History of Orpington
From Mammoth’s Teeth to the Tudor: A Romp Through the History of Orpington Written by Pam Preedy. On 15th December, 1922, the Bromley and District Times announced that a Mammoth’s tooth, about five feet long, had been discovered in a gravel pit at Green-Street-Green. It seems quite amazing that mammoths were roaming over our local landscape until the end of the Ice Age over 12,000 years ago. Perhaps early people living in Orpington would go out to hunt one of these huge mammals, or an early species of rhinoceros and…
Nash Paper Mill Strike
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…
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,…
Training of Uncertificated Nurses
Orpington Institution and emergency Hospital, Orpington, Kent Training of Uncertificated Nurses The county Council invites applications from persons desirous of training as Assistant Nurses at the Orpington Institution. Previous nursing experience not essential, and successful candidates will undergo two years training in chronic nursing. Salary £50 a year first year, £55 second year, together with the usual residential emoluments. Candidates passing examination successfully at the end of the two years will be eligible for appointment in the county service as Assistant Nurses as salaries of £60 per year, rising by…
Flying Officer Peter E.A. Loat
The Battle of Cape Matapan was a Second War engagement between British Imperial and Axis forces, fought from 27–29 March 1941. The cape is on the south-west coast of the Peloponnesian peninsula of Greece. Following the interception of Italian signals by the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park ships of the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, under the command of the Royal Navy’s Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, intercepted and sank or severely damaged several ships of the Italian Regia Marina under Squadron-Vice-Admiral Angelo Iachino. The opening…
King Decorates A.P.R. Supervisor
Mr Leslie Harding, Green Street Green Just as the nation were reading the first official account of the rout of the German “invincible” air amada in the Battle of Britain – the greatest air fight in history – last August and September, the King, at Buckingham Palace, on Saturday decorated Mr Leslie Harding, of Bryrdale, Old Hill, Green Street Green, with the medal of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) in recognition of bravery and courage displayed during the battle in civil defence ground work. Mr Harding is…
Shelters Under Water – Orpington Urban Council
Protection of civilians in the event of an enemy attack was an important issue to the Government during World War Two. In 1938 the Anderson Shelter, named after Sir John Anderson, Home Secretary during the Battle of Britain was designed. It was designed for use in the garden, and when covered with earth the shelter would give some protection from shell fragments and bomber splinters, although dampness was an ever present problem. These shelters was designed to accommodate up to six people, and were supplied by the government for free…
Biggin Hill helps support Orpington’s War Weapons Week
War Weapons Week Biggin Hill is making a strenuous effort to support Orpington War Weapons Week, March 22 – 29. The local War Savings Committee, under the direction of Mr F. W. Buck, the secretary, have taken a shop on the Main Road, which will be open during the week for the sale of Saving Stamps and Certificates. It is hoped that all will – Help to foot the Nation’s Bill By putting something in the till. A special effort, under the direction of Mrs Osgood, is being made to…
Orpington Passes their £100,000 War Weapons Week aim
Great Enthusiasm in town and villages Crowds watch mile-long parade of military and civil bodies Orpington District War Weapons Week, which was inaugurated on Saturday, and will be closed tomorrow (Saturday) evening has exceeded all expectations. The total amount invested up to Wednesday evening in Savings certificates, bonds, stamps, and deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank was £104,000 The aim of the organisers was to raise £100,000. Residents in the villages and in Central Orpington have showed their patriotism by the magnificent response. Village post-offices received amounts ranging from…