Think you know everything about Harrow? Think again! This borough, with its charming streets and diverse communities, holds secrets that might just leave you suprised!.
Prepare to be amazed as we lift the curtain on Harrow’s lesser-known wonders. From our fascinating history to quirky traditions, fasten your seatbelts because we are about to embark on a journey through the unexpected side of Harrow!
Embracing Historical Religious Heritage:
Harrow stands out as one of London’s most religiously diverse areas, once a notable center for pagan rituals. The very name of the borough, derived from the Old English word “hearg,” indicates its historical connection to heathen temples and shrines. This part of Harrow’s history is reflected in the borough’s embrace of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions.
Despite Christianity being the dominant faith in contemporary Harrow, the borough undeniably pays homage to its ancient religious traditions, showcasing a deep respect for historical practices.
The Enigmatic Caesar’s Pond in Stanmore:
Stanmore, in Harrow, has a history that stretches far beyond its seemingly tranquil exterior. Tucked away in the serene embrace of the Little Common, there lies a pond with a tale as old as time, dating back to the Classical Antiquity period. This unassuming water body conceals remnants of a Roman garrison, the Sulloniacae, which once housed the Claudian Auxiliary Fort from 43-54 AD.
Legend has it that even Emperor Julius Caesar himself sampled these waters during his early conquests in the Gallic wars. Serving as a pivotal site in the establishment of the Province of Britain during the Roman occupation, Caesar’s Pond in Stanmore’s Little Common stands proudly, echoing the grandeur of its namesake.
Eerie Tales of the Supernatural:
Harrow has its fair share of chilling and spine-tingling narratives. For those with a penchant for the eerie and mysterious, the borough harbors a trove of unsettling stories. From the spectral bench in Stanmore to the ethereal figures of nuns and monks that haunt the precincts of Canon’s Park and St Mary’s Church, Harrow is a realm where the supernatural seems to meld seamlessly with reality.
And who could forget the tragic tale of Allegra, the late daughter of the infamous Lord Byron, whose resting place can be found in the ancient confines of one of London’s oldest medieval churches, the aforementioned St Mary’s on Harrow on the Hill? Prepare to be captivated by these ghostly chronicles that linger in the shadows of Harrow’s history.
Historical Marvels: Medieval Churches:
Nestled atop Harrow on the Hill, St Mary’s church is more than just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary steeped in centuries of history. Beyond its status as one of the most prominent churches in the borough, this chapel holds a fascinating tale within its ancient walls. In the year 1801, it became a refuge for the young Lord Byron during his school days at Harrow School.
The budding poet found solace beside his favourite tombstone, a slightly eerie choice, yet entirely fitting for a young wordsmith lost in poetic musings.
Harrow’s Unexpected Claim to Infamy:
In the borough of Harrow, a historical event lies shrouded in surprising obscurity. It was here that the nation’s first recorded motor accident unfolded, an unfortunate incident etched into the annals of history. A plaque now marks the spot, commemorating the ill-fated driver who met his tragic end.
Yet, in this solemn commemoration, there exists a bitter irony: Harrow, unwittingly, has become the birthplace of a calamitous record, a distinction both tragic and peculiar.
