The geology and topography of Harrow made the area popular with early settlers. Traces of early man have been found in Middlesex and evidence of prehistoric man has been found in Harrow Weald. Roman evidence has been excavated in Stanmore and Saxon in Sudbury and central Harrow.
Greater London Historic Environment Record (HER) provides a computerised record of information regarding London's archaeological and historic fabric.
The information held assists with the early identification of the archaeological and historic interest of an area or site when development is proposed.
Historic England maintains the Sites and Monuments Records for London. The council's Conservation Team are happy to answer questions regarding archaeology but The Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS) should be consulted.
Archaeological Priority Areas (APA)
Areas which are suspected to contain below ground archaeology are designated, with the help of Historic England, Archaeological Priority Areas.
There are nine APAs including:
- Possible site of Roman settlement of Sullonicae (along Brockley Hill, Edgware)
- Edgware Village (along Edgware High Street, Edgware)
- Roman tile manufacture in Canons Park (Edgware)
- Medieval Stanmore (along Old Church Lane, Stanmore)
- Possible site of medieval Bentley Priory (east of Clamp Hill, Stanmore)
- Medieval Pinner (including the High Street and surrounding roads in Pinner)
- Old Pinner Deer Park (either side of George V Avenue, Pinner)
- Historic Harrow (core area of Harrow on the Hill)
- Parts of Grim's Dyke (in Hatch End and Pinner)
Where development is proposed within an APA, Historic England will require applicants to provide sufficient information to assess the archaeological implications of the development.
If you would like to know if your building is in an APA please contact the Conservation Team.
Outside these areas, Historic England can also ask applicants to provide archaeological assessments, if they feel that below ground archaeology may be at risk.
Harrow Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Areas of archaeology are sometimes designated as Scheduled Monuments and are protected in law. These are of national significance and any works will therefore require consent from the Secretary of State. Scheduled Monument Consent application forms and guidance can be obtained from Historic England.
To avoid any possibility of unintentionally carrying out unlawful works, we strongly advise you to contact English Heritage before you undertake any works that may affect a Scheduled Monument.
To check whether your land is covered by a Scheduled Ancient Monument, there is a searchable map on the Historic England website.
There are nine Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Harrow:
- Grim's Dyke: section 1370 metres north east from Oxhey Lane
- Grim's Dyke: section north of Blythwood House
- Grim's Dyke: four linear sections between Uxbridge Road and Oxhey Lane
- Pear Wood: linear earthworks
- Brockley Hill: obelisk
- Brockley Hill: Romano-British pottery and settlement
- Headstone Manor: moated site
- Pinner Hill: ice house
- Pinner Deer Park, Pinner Park Farm: park boundary.