Harrow, London

Harrow, London
source
Name	Harrow
Official name	London Borough of Harrow
Population	250,149
Population ref	(2021 estimate)
Area total km2	50.47
Os grid reference	TQ145895
Coordinates	51.583, -0.333
Region	London
Country	England
Post town	HARROW
Postcode area	HA
Dial code	020
Constituency westminster	Harrow East, Harrow West
London borough	Harrow
Gss code	E09000015
Police	Metropolitan Police Service
Website	www.harrow.gov.uk

Harrow, London. The London Borough of Harrow is an outer London borough in northwest London, England, forming part of the historic county of Middlesex. It is a predominantly residential area known for its prestigious Harrow School, expansive green spaces like Harrow Weald Common, and diverse communities. The borough is administratively divided into wards such as Harrow on the Hill, Wealdstone, and Pinner, and is governed by Harrow London Borough Council.

History

The area's history is deeply rooted in its Anglo-Saxon origins, with the name itself deriving from the Old English word for a temple. The Domesday Book of 1086 records a settlement here, and its ecclesiastical significance grew with the founding of Harrow School in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Elizabeth I. For centuries, it remained a rural parish within Middlesex, with its economy centered on agriculture. The arrival of the Metropolitan Railway in the 1880s, with stations like Harrow-on-the-Hill station, catalyzed its transformation into a metropolitan suburb. The area was significantly shaped by the London Government Act 1963, which established it as a London borough in 1965, incorporating the former Harrow Urban District. Notable historical events include a visit by Winston Churchill to Harrow School and the borough's role as a filming location for productions like The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night.

Geography

The borough covers approximately 50 square kilometres on the outer fringes of northwest London. Its topography is characterized by the prominent Harrow Hill, one of the highest points in London, offering views towards the Chiltern Hills. Significant green spaces include the Harrow Weald Common, Bentley Priory Nature Reserve, and the Pinner Memorial Park. The River Pinn flows through the eastern part of the borough, while the Grand Union Canal passes along its western boundary near Southall. The area is primarily composed of suburban neighbourhoods such as Kenton, Stanmore, and North Harrow, with the Metropolitan Green Belt influencing its northern and western edges.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Census, the borough has a population of around 250,000. It is one of the most ethnically diverse local authorities in the United Kingdom, with significant communities of Indian, Sri Lankan, and African-Caribbean heritage. Major religious groups include Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism, reflecting its multicultural character. Languages such as Gujarati, Tamil, and Polish are widely spoken alongside English. The population is relatively young, with a high proportion of families, and areas like Queensbury and Wealdstone are known for their vibrant, densely populated neighbourhoods.

Economy

The local economy is largely service-oriented, with major employment centres at St. Ann's Shopping Centre in Harrow town centre and the Kenton Road retail corridor. The Bentley Priory site has been redeveloped for residential use, while the Wealdstone area hosts various light industrial units. The presence of Harrow School and the University of Westminster's Harrow campus contributes to the education sector. Key employers include the Northwick Park Hospital, part of the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and the corporate headquarters of the Royal National Institute of Blind People. The borough also has a strong retail presence with major chains like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams historically operating in the town centre.

Transport

The borough is well-connected by Transport for London services. Key railway hubs include Harrow-on-the-Hill station, served by the Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways, providing direct links to Baker Street and Marylebone station. The Bakerloo line terminates at Harrow & Wealdstone station, which is also a stop for London Overground services on the Watford DC line. Major road arteries are the A404 road (Harrow Road) and the A4090 road, with the M1 motorway accessible from the Staples Corner interchange. Numerous London Buses routes, such as the 140 and 182, provide local connectivity, and London Heathrow Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive to the west.

Education

The borough is internationally renowned for Harrow School, the independent boarding school whose alumni include former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, poet Lord Byron, and several Nobel Prize laureates. The state sector is served by Harrow London Borough Council and includes high-performing schools like Harrow High School and Nower Hill High School. Further and higher education is provided by the Harrow College and the University of Westminster's School of Media and Communication, based at its Northwick Park campus. Other notable institutions are the John Lyon School and St. Dominic's Sixth Form College.

Culture and landmarks

The borough's cultural scene is anchored by the Harrow Arts Centre, housed in the historic Elliot Hall, and the Kenton Theatre. A prominent landmark is the St. Mary's Church on Harrow Hill, with its distinctive spire visible for miles. The Headstone Manor complex, which includes a museum, is a scheduled monument dating to the Middle Ages. Annual events include the Harrow Carnival and the Diwali celebrations in Harrow town centre. The area has cinematic connections, featuring in films like *My Fair Lady* and *The Italian Job*, and is the birthplace of actor Sidney Poitier and musician Elton John. Category:London Borough of Harrow Category:London boroughs Category:Districts of London