Harmondsworth: Village History and Open Landscape

Harmondsworth Between Village History and Open Landscape

Harmondsworth combines a historically characterful village with the open landscapes of Harmondsworth Moor. For your London research, this creates a townscape shaped not only by individual buildings, but also by paths, bodies of water, and an unusually diverse history.

Historic Buildings in the Village

Harmondsworth Village is a Conservation Area with 19 listed buildings. At the heart of the historic village is St Mary's Church, which is designated as a Grade II* Listed Building. The village war memorial stands beside Harmondsworth Village Green. The dedication on the green commemorates the villagers who fought and died in the First World War.

Among the notable historic houses is Sun House, the oldest residential building in Harmondsworth. It was built in the 16th century. Harmondsworth Hall on Summerhouse Lane is a Grade II listed building dating from the early 18th century. Together, both buildings reinforce the character of a place whose history remains visible in various parts of the village.

The surviving details about Harmondsworth Barn are particularly impressive. It was built in 1425–1427, is 58 metres long, and was constructed almost entirely from oak. The walls rest on a low masonry base. This makes the barn distinctly different from the other historic buildings in the area not only because of its age, but also because of its construction.

Harmondsworth Moor and Paths Through the Landscape

The open parkland at Harmondsworth Moor includes meadows, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Winding paths lead through the open landscape and newly planted woodland. For orientation on site, the car parks are located at the southern end of the park; they can be reached via Tarmac Lane and Accommodation Lane.

Another way to explore the landscape is the West Drayton walk. The route is 3.7 miles long and passes through open, green landscapes, including The Closes, Harmondsworth Moor, and Saxon Lake.

Market Gardening, Technology, and Local Memory

The area's history extends beyond architecture and monuments. Strawberries were an important market-garden crop in the area around Harmondsworth in the early 20th century. In front of St Mary's Church, a large table tomb beneath two yew trees also commemorates Richard Cox, a retired brewer and horticulturalist from nearby Colnbrook. He was the first to grow the famous Cox's Orange Pippin apple variety.

An unusual technical episode links Harmondsworth with work on Barnes Wallis' original idea. After the first tests had been carried out at the Building Research Establishment in Garston, the work was moved to Harmondsworth at the beginning of 1941. There, scale models of the Mohne Dam were built at a scale of 1:50 to test the idea. This aspect adds a chapter from research and engineering to the area's historic character.

Further destinations for your London research: Hornchurch, Merton, Leyton, Woodford, Wembley, Beckenham, Thornton Heath and Highbury.