In a TikTok video posted on Wednesday (March 26), the results were split – 10 people said south London, while another 10 insisted it was Kent, proving the divide is as strong as ever.
With over 146,000 followers and 9.5 million likes, Dilan took to Orpington High Street, gathering opinions from locals, schoolchildren, and business owners.
Some confidently stated Kent or South London, while others were seen pondering the question on camera.
Some debated with friends, questioning whether it belonged to south London or Kent.
@dilanalikurt Is Orpington Kent Or South London ? #orpington #kent #southlondon #bromley #southeastlondon #thisorthat ♬ original sound – Dilan Kurt
Orpington falls within the London Borough of Bromley, which was created in 1965 when Beckenham and Bromley Boroughs merged with Orpington, Penge, and Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban Districts.
Before then, these areas were part of Kent—except for Penge, which had belonged to Surrey until 1900. In 1969, Knockholt even transferred back to Kent from Bromley.
The council further clarifies: “Postally, Bromley is in Kent, and the administrative changes outlined have made no difference to this.
“There are some areas that are postally Bromley, Kent but administratively within the London Borough of Lewisham.”
Dilan’s viral video proves the debate is far from settled, with residents still split on whether Orpington belongs to south London or Kent.
