The funding will be used to restore the medieval Headstone Manor building, the 16th century small barn, the 18th century Granary and build a new welcome centre. The Manor House will become the home for Harrow’s historic and nationally important collections, including items from the Kodak factory and Whitefriar’s glass factory and archaeological finds from the Roman period.

Headstone Manor is a historic grade I listed building, which dates back to 1310 and was once, albeit briefly, owned by Henry VIII.  The site itself dates from 825AD and has one of the last remaining medieval water-filled moats in the country along with one of the earliest surviving timber framed buildings. 

The HLF grant will allow Harrow Council to significantly transform the 1,200 year old heritage site and improve the facilities for the thousands of visitors who come each year.  With the help of this funding the new museum will open in the summer of 2017 and will tell the story of the people and places across Harrow.  It will also host a whole new programme of family activities, special events, conservation days, festivals and educational school visits. 

The Granary will be become a dedicated learning centre, providing facilities for families, groups and schools to discover their own history in Harrow.  The Small Barn will be turned into a venue to display the extensive archaeological collection.

Hundreds of volunteers and members of the local community will work together to help develop the content for the permanent museum between now and next summer.

Sue Bowers, Head of HLF London, said: “Headstone Manor has stood in the heart of this community for over 700 years. An inspirational place, this project will enable more people to discover its rich history and the wider story of Harrow.”

Community, culture and resident engagement councillor, Sue Anderson said: “This is a great achievement for everyone involved.  This project has been a catalyst for the borough, which had brought volunteers and councillors together from all parties with the aim of securing the future of this site.  Today is the culmination of all of this hard work. 

“This place is steeped in history and is an ideal place for us to tell the history about the people and places of Harrow.  This funding will ensure that Headstone Manor and Museum is protected for future generations and that it becomes a site, which can truly bring history to life.” 

Harrow Council has already invested £1million in the restoration of the Great Barn, which will be completed by October 2015.  Harrow Council will also be providing a further £1m towards the project, along with a further £270,000 of funding from the John Lyon’s Charity.  To complete the project Headstone Manor and Museum still needs to raise an additional £190,000, which will come from public donations and trusts.  

The new museum will open in the summer of 2017 with the restored buildings surrounded by new gardens and beautiful landscaping.

Find out more on the Harrow Museum website.

Further information

Masooma Sarwar on tel: 020 8420 9361 or via email: masooma.sarwar@harrow.gov.uk