Originally in Kent, Orpington today is a town in the southeast corner of Greater London. The town grew rapidly in the 19th century following the arrival of the railways in the 1860s, with industrialisation following, and its development was boosted further by a new arterial road built in the 1920s. Over the decades the face of the town has changed significantly. Although retaining its historic landmarks such as the mediaeval church and Priory, with its landscaped gardens, new housing has been built alongside new educational facilities, the hospital renovated, the shopping centre redeveloped, and much more.
Lost Orpington presents a portrait of a town and a way of life that has radically changed or disappeared today, showing not just the buildings and industries that have gone, people and street scenes, but also many popular places of leisure and entertainment. This fascinating photographic history of lost Orpington will appeal to all those who live in the town or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.