Are the ghosts of Orpington Priory joining the battle against the historic building’s closure?

A dark figure can be seen lurking in the grounds of the grade II listed medieval building during a video campaigning against the proposed closure of borough’s oldest building by Bromley Council.

Orpington resident, Steve Sangster of Broomhill Road filmed a campaign video early on Sunday February 22 in a bid to highlight the campaign.

The amateur film-maker noticed a surprise guest one minute and 25 seconds into the film which features overhead shots of the Priory filmed on a drone.

News Shopper:

Is this dark figure (circled) a ghost?

The 32-year-old said: “When I watched it back I noticed a dark figure in one shot, I zoomed in and it was like they were talking to somebody.

“I filmed really early in the morning and I don’t remember anyone being there.

“Normally the only spirit I believe in is vodka.

“Maybe the spirits have come back to save the Priory.”

News Shopper:

Is this Orpington Priory's resident spook?

The council originally planned to sell off the building – which houses Bromley Museum – later this year and move exhibits to Bromley Central Library.

But, earlier this month council chiefs announced that a decision on the building’s fate would be postponed for three months.

Mr Sangster added: “Orpington doesn’t have a lot of architecture.

“It’s a shame that they want to sell it off, it’s the oldest building in the borough and if it was sold people wouldn’t be able to go inside anymore.”

An online petition against the closure has been signed by 1,926 people.