Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Orridge, Benjamin Brogden
ORRIDGE, BENJAMIN BROGDEN (1814–1870), antiquary, born in 1814, set up in business in London as a medical agent and valuer. From 1863 until 1869 he was an active member of the court of common council for the ward of Cheap. As chairman of the library committee he distinguished himself by his exertions for the preservation and investigation of the mass of records belonging to the corporation. He died after a long illness on 17 July 1870 at his residence, 33 St. John's Wood Park.
Orridge was fellow of the Geological Society, and member of the London and Middlesex Archæological Society. To the ‘Transactions’ of the latter he contributed some valuable papers, including the ‘City Friends of Shakespeare’ (iii. 578–80) and an ‘Account of some Eminent Members of the Mercers' Company,’ which was read at the general meeting held at Mercers' Hall on 21 April 1869.
He also published: 1. ‘A Letter on Eminent Londoners and Civic Records,’ 8vo, London, 1866, addressed to the court of common council. 2. ‘Some Account of the Citizens of London and their Rulers, from 1060 to 1867,’ 8vo, London, 1867, a very useful summary of the biography of the lord mayors, accompanied by pedigrees of the more distinguished of their descendants among the aristocracy. 3. ‘Some Particulars of Alderman Philip Malpas and Alderman Sir Thomas Cooke, K.B., Ancestors of Sir Francis Bacon (Lord Bacon) and Robert Cecil (first Earl of Salisbury),’ 8vo, London, 1868 (another edition, 4to, undated); originally read before the London and Middlesex Archæological Society on 20 April 1868, and printed in an abridged form in the ‘Transactions’ (iii. 285–306). 4. ‘Illustrations of Jack Cade's Rebellion, from Researches in the Guildhall Records; together with some newly found Letters of Lord Bacon,’ 4to, London, 1869.
[Trans. of London and Middlesex Archæolog. Soc. iv. 71; City Press, 23 July 1870; Notes and Queries, 4th ser. vi. 106; Cat. of Guildhall Library, 1889, p. 681.]