Harlington: Local History and Historic Buildings

Harlington’s local history can be traced through several periods: the nave of St Peter and St Paul dates back to the 12th century, while the War Memorial and miniature railway are associated with the 20th century. There is also a very old yew tree and other historic buildings. For travellers wishing to include local history as part of their stay, these offer a range of themes: church architecture, remembrance and distinctive local features.

Church, Yew Tree and Pentecost Tradition

The nave of the Church of St Peter and St Paul dates from the 12th century. A yew tree by the church is considered to be at least 1,000 years old. The tree and the building offer different perspectives: the nave represents a datable medieval phase of construction, while the yew represents a very long natural and cultural history.

A local tradition is also associated with the yew tree. Until around 1825, its annual pruning was part of a Pentecost celebration. This time frame is important when planning a trip: the celebration is part of the village’s history, not a current annual event.

Remembrance and Unusual Local Features

The Harlington War Memorial adds a distinct form of remembrance to the church’s history. Charles Oldrid Scott designed the stone Celtic cross, which was erected in 1920. It commemorates the First World War; later additions also include the Second World War. The original dedication and later additions therefore represent distinct layers in the memorial’s history.

Another distinctive feature is the Harlington Miniature Railway and its associated buildings. Both date from the 1920s. Unlike the church and memorial, the focus here is the unusual miniature railway and its buildings. It adds a subject of its own to the village’s history, distinct from church architecture and remembrance culture.

Historic Buildings and Travel Planning

The Old Baptist Church, now Frank Peace Hall, contains surviving parts of Harlington’s first Baptist church. This church was built in the 18th century. The two names refer to different periods: Old Baptist Church points to its historic origins, while Frank Peace Hall is its current name.

The White Hart on High Street and The Pheasant in West End can also be placed in their historical context. The White Hart dates from 1810. The Pheasant is believed to date from the 18th century, though its exact origins are uncertain. The comparison shows two different degrees of historical dating: a specific year is given for The White Hart, while the dating of The Pheasant remains tentative.

If cricket is part of your travel plans, the relevant venue is Little Harlington Playing Fields: cricket there can be booked through Greenwich Leisure Limited. This booking information was current as of September 2026. Check availability before your trip. Cricket is therefore a bookable activity alongside the historical themes, whose significance mainly comes from their construction date, dedication or recorded tradition.

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