The project aims to completely restore the medieval building of Headstone Manor, and its associated 16th century Small Barn and 18th century Granary. From March 2017, the Manor house will operate as a museum telling the history of Harrow through the story of this site and our 5,000 piece collection.

Development funding of £255,300 has also been awarded to help Harrow Council progress their plans to apply for the full grant at a later date. The first phase of the project is the restoration of the Great Barn for which £850,000 is being provided by Harrow Council, this will be completed by Nov 2014.

The project aims to create a complete visitor experience that will engage people of all ages and backgrounds in this wonderful and historically fascinating site. The museum will include a wide range of interpretation and will host special events and tours led by characters from history. The Granary will be transformed into a dedicated learning centre, providing facilities for families, groups and schools to discover their own history in Harrow. The Small Barn will become a visitor reception complete with shop and family-friendly cafe. Hundreds of volunteers and members of the local community will be invited to help us develop our plans and ideas during the initial phase of work between now and next Autumn.

The Headstone Manor site, in an area dating from 825AD and designated an Ancient Scheduled Monument, is of national significance. The Grade I listed Manor House (1310) once owned by Henry VIII, and rare medieval water-filled moat sit with an adjacent Grade II* Great Barn (1506) and a Grade II Small Barn (1550). The project will conserve Headstone Manor, the earliest surviving timber framed building in Middlesex, and convert it to become the proposed new home for Harrow's historic and nationally important collections. The 5,000 objects from the collection provide an insight into Harrow’s past, including collections from the Kodak factory and Whitefriar’s glass factory and archaeological finds from the Roman period.

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “The Headstone Manor site is of great historical importance, boasting fascinating and rare features, from the manor itself once owned by Henry VIII, to the medieval water-filled moat. The Heritage Lottery Fund is pleased to be supporting this project, which will open up the site for more visitors to enjoy. We’re very much looking forward to working closely with Harrow Council as they progress their project plans to the next stage.”

Cllr Nizam Ismail, Harrow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture, said: “I am delighted to hear that Harrow Museum has received this support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Headstone Manor is of regional and national significance and this funding could help us find a way to fully restore this local treasure. We are lucky to live in such a culturally rich borough with so much history and we are committed to preserving these important landmarks for our residents.”

Further information

Harrow Council: Jo Saunders, Heritage and Museum Manager on 020 8863 6720, email: jo.saunders@harrow.gov.uk.