Orpington Alternative Market Blog & a bit of history

Today, Astral Apparel had the immense pleasure to host a pop up shop at the gorgeous Orpington Priory, courtesy of Atru's event 'The Orpington Alternative Market'.

Using dance hands and manifesting more wisteria to hide the poles

I met Atru as fellow merchants at the Canterbury Mystical Market earlier this year, and was very appreciative to have been invited to this event 'The Orpington Alternative Market'. I was particularly excited as Orpington is more or less on my doorstep. Atru are a Norse Heathen Pagan couple who specialise in resin based esoteric gifts and divination services (runes and tarot), though neither claim to be psychics or mediums.

It is such a joy when you can host a market at a location that suits the aesthetics of your wares. For many of the sellers including myself, the Orpington Priory is just that. The Priory is a medieval two storey Grade II listed building, the core of the house believed to have been erected in the 13th century. Some re-building took place in the 15th century, and this was expanded upon in the 17th century.

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the manor and land became the property of the Crown and was leased to the Hart Dyke family of neighbouring Lullingstone. At this time, it was known as 'The Rectory' or 'The Parsonage'. In spite of its ecclesiastical connections to the Church, the site was never occupied by monks. In 1860, it was sold to Herbert Broom, who then christened it 'The Priory'.

The gardens are maintained in 'formal Victorian' style and are truly stunning and teaming with

wildlife. The Priory is now an open site to visit, hosting various events throughout the year. You can become a friend or volunteer at the priory by contacting friends@orpingtonpriory.org.uk

Gorgeous settings, friendly people and customers supporting small independent businesses. Although it rained all day and the sun only came out when it was pack up time, morale was high! What made the day extra special for me personally,

was meeting a fellow artist friend I have had in cyberspace for 12 years. There is that wonder when meeting people you have become acquainted with online, will it be strangely different in person? But it wasn't. It felt no different at all, in a good way.

Another highlight was being commissioned to make a copper and champagne combination scalemaille earring and necklace set. Which I liked so much, I will now make available to order. It is named after the lady it was commissioned for, and will be known as 'The Sarah Set'.

One thing I became aware of at this particular market, was catering to non pierced ears customers. This is something I am going to be looking into, so that more people can enjoy what Astral Apparel has to offer, as it is something that has come up on a few occasions.

All being well, I am planning to return to the next Orpington Alternative Market event on Sunday 9th July at the Priory once again. Hopefully I will see you then and take care dear readers xx