Stanmore Hill, believe it or not is one of the highest points in London, and stands at an impressive 152 meters (or 499 feet if you prefer to measure your heights in “almost skyscrapers”).
This charmingly elevated spot in Harrow has a history that’s as rich and varied as the characters who have graced its slopes over the years. Let’s take a look and delve a bit deeper into this perhaps under-appreciated and less talked about spot in our borough.
The name “Stanmore” itself is derived from the Old English words “stan” (stone) and “mere” (pool), making it sound like a perfect setting for an ancient rock-themed water park. Early records indicate that the area was notable for its stony landscape and ponds, which have somehow survived the test of time better than some of our modern gadgets.
The medieval period in Stanmore was marked by manors, churches, and, presumably, the Black Death making a few unwanted visits. The old village was strategically relocated, likely to dodge the plague and escape increasing traffic. Apparently, even medieval folks weren’t fans of traffic jams (British History Online) (Town and Village Guide).
And let’s not forget The Abercorn, the local watering hole that still stands proudly to this day on Stanmore Hill (now the Everest Abercorn). This pub was a hub of activity, where coaches heading to Holborn would stop as early as 1803, making it a vital part of the community. It might not have hosted any secret spy meetings, but it certainly saw its fair share of lively gatherings and served as a beacon for travelers and locals (British History Online) (Town and Village Guide).
Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, and Stanmore Hill was all about the grand estates. The Drummonds (there is even a road named after them in Harrow Weald!) built a neo-Palladian mansion at Stanmore Park, later leased to various nobles and eventually turned into a preparatory school. The estate’s opulent history even includes a cameo by Sir William Chambers and a family portrait by Zoffany – talk about having friends in HIGH places (Wikipedia) (Stanmore Tourist Board).
Stanmore’s connection to London improved dramatically with the advent of railways in the late 19th century. Frederick Gordon, a businessman with a penchant for grand designs, opened the Stanmore branch line, complete with a station designed to look like a quaint English church, gargoyles and all.
Unfortunately, his plans to turn Stanmore into a suburban haven for affluent Londoners didn’t quite pan out, and the railway was sold off to the London and North Western Railway. The station itself, though impressive, didn’t survive the march of progress and closed in 1952 (Stanmore Tourist Board) (British History Online)
It should also be said that Stanmore played a notable role during World War II. It was home to not only Bentley Priory that we have mentioned before in previous articles, but also an outstation of Bletchley Park, where some of the Bombe machines used to crack German Enigma codes were housed. This bit of espionage history adds a thrilling twist to Stanmore’s already colorful narrative (Stanmore Tourist Board).
The days Stanmore Hill is a thriving residential area, boasting a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The bottom of the hill is still as busy as ever on the Stanmore Broadway and the grand estates have mostly given way to housing developments, but the area retains its allure through landmarks like the Bernays Memorial Institute and the historic churches that dot the landscape (Stanmore Tourist Board) (British History Online).
So, whether you’re a history buff, a fan of grand old houses, or just someone who enjoys a good laugh at the quirks of English place names, Stanmore Hill has something to offer. Next time you find yourself in this elevated part of Harrow , take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history that have made it what it is today.
Seamus Donaghy is a freelance writer with a strong interest in Harrow’s local history. Originally from Sligo in the Republic of Ireland, Seamus moved to Harrow with his family when he was seven years old and grew up in Wealdstone. He has lived in the borough for more than 30 years and writes about the people, places and stories that have shaped Harrow over the years.
