The Priory

The Priory, originally Orpington Rectory, is an irregular-shaped building with an L-shaped main or west front. It dates from the 15th century and was enlarged in the 17th century. The building has two storeys and eleven windows, primarily faced with flints, while the south end features exposed timber-framing and close studding with some brickwork behind. The roof is tiled, and the west wing has two gables. A large timbered dormer with an attic window projects from the south slope of the south gable. In the centre of the west front of the south wing, there is a timbered gable containing an attic window. To the left, there is an 18th-century porch with a doorway framed by a moulded architrave, fluted Ionic half-columns, and a pediment above. Most windows are casements with two or three obtusely pointed lights, although the south wing includes some sash windows. There is a brick and flint buttress at the southwest angle of the west wing and a small bay in the angle of the L. Another buttress is located between this bay and the porch. The interior features nine carved beams, and to the east of the house is an old red brick garden wall.