Nestled in the southeast corner of London, within the London Borough of Bromley, lies St Paul’s Cray. This area, with roots extending back to before 1965 in the historic county of Kent, finds itself situated south of Sidcup and north of Orpington. St Paul’s Cray presents a unique combination of historical depth and modern community living.
St. Paul’s Cray, originally a small village, cradled by the serene River Cray and a quaint brook opposite the Church of St. Paulinus (Poleinus House/Riverside/Main Rd, Orpington BR5 3HQ) [1]. But it’s more than just a village; it’s a community that spreads its wings across Midfield, Cottmandene, Broomwood, and more, embracing both banks of the river. The narrative of St. Paul’s Cray is one of evolution, from its early days centred around Nash’s Mill [2] and Joynson’s Paper Mill [3] (near St Mary Cray), to the bustling life brought by transport and industry advancements.
St Paul’s Cray is not just another modern facade. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner, from Roman encampments along the riverbanks to the enigmatic dene holes. It’s a history marked by figures like Sir Simon de Cray [4], knighted for his valour, tying the area’s name to a rich past. Yet, the heart of St Paul’s Cray’s history might just be its 11th-century church, suggesting a lineage of faith and community that predates even the thirteenth-century.
From the east side’s development to the woodland’s embrace on the west, this area balances modern living with nature’s touch. The establishment of a new township post-World War II, complete with amenities and green spaces, showcases a commitment to building a vibrant community.
Among the many jewels of St Paul’s Cray, The Bull Inn stand out. The Bull Inn (Main Rd, Orpington BR5 3HS) [5], with its weather boarded facade, offers a glimpse into the village’s social hub of yesteryears. Meanwhile, Paul’s Cray Hill Park (Star Ln, Orpington BR5 3JA) [6] promises breathtaking views and a serene escape, towering above the valley.
Transportation in St Paul’s Cray ensures connectivity and accessibility (continue reading this). Whether it’s the rail services from St Mary Cray station or the comprehensive network of London Buses, residents and visitors alike can navigate the area and its surroundings with ease.
St Paul’s Cray, Orpington, is more than a geographic location; it’s a living, breathing community with layers of history, nature, and connectivity. It’s a place where past and present coalesce, offering a unique slice of London life that’s worth exploring.
Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials is a family-run funeral director serving West Kent and South East London, including the community of St Pauls Cray. With over 25 years of experience, we provide compassionate and professional funeral services tailored to the unique needs of each family.
We understand that every individual is unique, and so should be their farewell. Our team works closely with families in St Pauls Cray to create personalised funeral services that reflect the life and personality of their loved ones. This includes assistance with funeral arrangements, selection of coffins and caskets, and organising memorials and tributes.
Planning ahead can provide peace of mind. We offer pre-paid funeral plans to residents of St Pauls Cray, allowing individuals to outline their wishes and relieve their families of financial and decision-making burdens during a difficult time.
Our commitment to dignity and respect continues after death. We have fully equipped mortuary facilities and experienced staff who ensure that your loved ones are cared for with the utmost professionalism.
For families in St Pauls Cray dealing with the loss of a loved one abroad, our repatriation services facilitate the return of the deceased to the UK or their home country, handling all necessary arrangements to ease the family’s burden.
To honour and remember your loved ones, we offer a range of memorials and items of remembrance, including personalised tribute gifts, urns, and plaques, helping families in St Pauls Cray create lasting memories.
At Welham Jones, we are dedicated to supporting the St Pauls Cray community with compassionate and personalised funeral services, ensuring that each farewell is meaningful and respectful.
Start in St Paul’s Cray and head southeast on Millfields Close for 148 feet. Turn left to stay on Millfields Close and continue for 279 feet.
Turn right onto Sevenoaks Way/A224 and follow it for 2.4 miles. Then, turn right onto The Highway and drive for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Warren Road and then left onto The Meadway. Your destination, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, will be on the left.
[1] Church of St. Paulinus, Poleinus House/Riverside/Main Rd, Orpington BR5 3HQ, https://maps.app.goo.gl/en3HBQXkdU27LA5g8
[2] Nash Mills, Main Road, https://www.layersoflondon.org/map/records/nash-mills-main-road
[3] Joynson’s Paper Mill, published on the Layers of London website https://www.layersoflondon.org/map/records/joynsons
[4] Sir Simon de Cray, published on the British History Online website https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol2/pp125-134
[5] The Bull Inn, https://maps.app.goo.gl/wxPshyKXCibr21sV7
[6] Paul’s Cray Hill Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/46jyVBUdAWi2LKm99
[7] Leesons Primary School, https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYTTv5wFSzYjKEAG6
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