Archived Projects

Canons Park is a large fragment of eighteenth century public open space between Stanmore and Edgware with an historic mansion known as Canons at its heart.  The park has historical links to artists and musicians of the period such as Handel and Pepusch.  The remains of the old estate is in split ownership and the project brought together public and private owners to appreciate and enhance the history and landscape that makes the area so special. Harrow Council received a grant of £917,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards restoring  Canons Park along with smaller grants from other organisations.

The grant was made for the restoration of listed buildings and garden walls, renovation of formal gardens - including the George V Memorial garden - and the avenue linking the Canons mansion with St Lawrence Church. The funding also went towards new tree planting, access improvements, preparation of a nature conservation management plan, opening up of historic views and the provision of staff cover.

The Canons Park Historical Restoration Project aimed to carry out essential repairs and improvements to historic buildings and landscapes in Canons Park. This was achieved through fundraising and working with local community groups.  A restoration plan, and a 10 year management plan have been prepared.

The restoration works included:

• Repairs to the George V Memorial walled garden, the Temple, the Bothy and footpaths.
• Refurbishment of Bothy to provide park keeper office accomodation.
• Reconfiguration and refurbishment of the main entrance at Whitchurch Lane with new footpath links.
• Re-open sight line from Whitchurch Lane to the historic house of Canons including avenue tree planting, tree removal, and cutting-back over-grown areas to allow them to be brought under management.
• Refurbishment of formal gardens including new footpath link to Pleasure Ground.
• Reintegration of allotment area.
• Historic interpretation signage scheme
• Conversion of the Lodge building to a police base
• Voluntary input through the Friends of Canons Park group (more details on their website - http://www.friendsofcanonspark.org.uk/)

The restoration works were completed in 2008 and included the refurbishment of listed buildings and garden walls, as well as the renovation of George V Memorial garden and the avenue linking the Canons mansion with St Lawrence Church. The funding also went towards new tree planting, access improvements, the preparation of a nature conservation management plan, the opening up of historic views and the provision of staff cover.