Orpington Priory & Gardens - <>

Friends of Arts+Crafts GII #Orpington #PrioryGardens and Medieval GII* #OrpingtonPriory with Modernist Seely+Paget Library extension.

FRIENDS OF ORPINGTON PRIORY & GARDENS

"Orpington's best kept secret", "absolutely stunning", "a nice tranquil place", "an oasis in the centre of Orpington" - just a few of the comments from visitors to Orpington's Priory Gardens.

The Friends of Orpington Priory & Gardens (FOPG) - a member of the Friends Forum of Bromley Parks and Green Spaces - encourages the enjoyment and appreciation of the medieval Priory, C20th former Library, and Gardens which reflect the influences of the Arts & Crafts Movement and the last private owners' interest in Italian Gardens.

The core of the house dates back to the C13th when it was owned by the Church. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries it became the property of the Crown, and was leased to private tenants for many years. In 1865, the site was sold to Dr Herbert Broom who was very enthusiastic about the history of The Priory. It is thought that he was responsible for laying out the garden in the antique style. In 1919 The Priory became the home of Cecil Hughes and his wife, who counted amongst their friends Gertrude Jekyll, Geoffrey Jellicoe and Jock Shepherd. Orpington District Council purchased the building in 1947 and the grounds in 1959. After an extensive programme of improvements the grounds were opened as a public park in 1962.

The Friends of Orpington Priory & Gardens welcomes new members. Please email friends@OrpingtonPriory.uk for details.

Tags: Park,Community Organization,Public Garden