IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
East Drive, ORPINGTON, BR5 2BY

1920s(?) housing in the Fordcroft area of Poverest.

Small industrial development behind Cray Avenue. Not to be confused with the Metro Centre in Gateshead!

Interwar development to the west of Cray Avenue.

Part of an area south of Poverest Road developed before or after the Second World War, although exact timing is unclear: the 1944 Kent XVI NE 6" map based on 1938 revisions shows much of the area with housing shown in outline, whereas the 1946 London Sheet T also based on 1938 revisions still shows open countryside. Most of the road names in the area have obvious connections with Robin Hood, inspired by the name of an area of woodland called Robin Hood Shaw which was on part of the site. However, this road would seem to be an exception.

This "tin tabernacle" was built in 1892. It was originally Fordcroft Mission Hall (Ford Croft is the name given on the 1920 OS map for a small community here dating from the late 19th century, presumably for local paper mill workers, predating the Orpington bypass built in the 1920s and the post war development of the Poverest estate). Until 1953, the building was owned by Orpington Baptist Church. In that year (hence the name) it was purchased from them for £700, raised locally with help from Allied Bakeries in nearby Cray Avenue (see Image). It is now a community hall, run by a non-profit trust.

This "tin tabernacle" in Bridge Road was built in 1892. It was originally Fordcroft Mission Hall (Ford Croft is the name given on the 1920 OS map for a small community here dating from the late 19th century, presumably for local paper mill workers, predating the Orpington bypass built in the 1920s and the post war development of the Poverest estate). Until 1953, the building was owned by Orpington Baptist Church. In that year (hence the name) it was purchased from them for £700, raised locally with help from Allied Bakeries in nearby Cray Avenue (see Image). It is now a community hall, run by a non-profit trust. In the background is new housing in Bellefield Road, backing onto Fordcroft Road.

Part of an area south of Poverest Road developed before or after the Second World War, although exact timing is unclear: the 1944 Kent XVI NE 6" map based on 1938 revisions shows much of the area with housing shown in outline, whereas the 1946 London Sheet T also based on 1938 revisions still shows open countryside. Most of the road names in the area have connections with Robin Hood, inspired by the name of an area of woodland called Robin Hood Shaw which was on part of the site.

Development of 8 houses completed in 2016 in a corner of the grounds of a Thames Water pumping station.

Development of 8 houses completed in 2016 in a corner of the grounds of a Thames Water pumping station.

New housing in Bellefield Road.