ONE of the borough's oldest and most famous tourist attractions has reopened following a major renovation.
Manor Farm in Bury Street, Ruislip, opened its doors to the public on Saturday for an afternoon of medieval entertainment.
Jugglers and acrobats entertained visitors and there was also face painting for the children and medieval food, refreshments and a hog roast feast.
Revellers were given a crash course in making princess hats and knight armour and medieval embroidery.
Jean Palmer, director of planning and community services at Hillingdon Council, said: "It was a brilliant day and it was absolutely crowded with people. We had more than 1,500 people just in the library.
"It was a way of celebrating the opening of the Manor Farm complex after its refurbishment, and it was great to have a family fun day for everyone to have a look around and enjoy themselves.
"We now look forward to encouraging members of the public and children to come and enjoy the site and to learn from its history, which goes back many centuries.
"It was very run down and dilapidated and it's now in its former glory. It's a real jewel in the crown of Hillingdon."
The site is home to the distinctive medieval timber-framed Manor House and a 13th century Grade II Great Barn, one of the earliest of its kind in the country.
Across the west courtyard is the 16th century Little Barn and the remains of a Norman Motte and Bailey, which is a scheduled ancient monument.
In April 2004, the Heritage Lottery Fund provided a grant of almost £2 million towards the restoration costs, which the council matched with £650,000 from its own capital funds.
Now completed, the work has revealed the original features of Manor Farm House and improved access to the building. It has restored the double doors of the Great Barn and created craft studios in the west courtyard.
Heritage areas have also been introduced in the Manor Farm House and the Great Barn, where visitors can find out more about the site.
A selection of specially invited guests also enjoyed a four-course dinner and entertainment to mark the official relaunch of the farm site.
It finished with a fireworks show, enjoyed by members of the public on the site and nearby.
