Sharing its treasures with the people of Harrow, a team of enthusiasts have put together an outstanding exhibition about Harrow on the Hill, its history and surroundings. CAITLIN BLACK reports

FROM the iconic spire of St Mary’s Church, to the red brick building of the prestigious Harrow School, there are numerous monuments to the past dotted around Harrow on the Hill which are being celebrated in a new exhibition.

Harrow on the Hill Trust, Harrow School and St Mary’s Parish Church have worked together with Harrow Museum to create an intriguing and fascinating exhibition called Harrow’s Secret Heart.

It highlights the landmarks, tells the stories of some of the characters of yesteryear, and offers interesting facts about the former town centre of Harrow, which now offers solace from the bustling shopping district.

Churchwarden at St Mary’s Church, Pauline Chandler, said: “The exhibition is lovely, I am delighted with it. It’s a great way to promote the church, the view and its history.

“St Mary’s is such an iconic feature for Harrow and the people of Harrow chose it to represent the Olympics with its image.

“The exhibition is great and I hope everyone else enjoys it and comes and visits the church.”

The exhibition, at Harrow Museum, seeks to tempt locals to discover more about the rich heritage that is right on their doorstep.

On display are items from West Street’s 19th century workhouse, a copy of the of Royal Charter for Harrow School with Queen Elizabeth I’s seal, which dates back to when the school was founded by John Lyon in 1572, and a fossil discovered in an archaeological dig in 2011.

Chairman of Harrow Heritage Trust, Martin Verden, said: “I am delighted that the next exhibition at the Harrow Museum will highlight the rich seam of heritage that Harrow on the Hill has to offer our borough.

“Harrow School, St Mary’s Church, houses designed by fine Victorian architects, wonderful views and its famous citizens will all feature. This is another excellent example of how the previous division between town and gown has thankfully evaporated.”

The exhibition was opened on Thursday last week at Harrow Museum with a speech from Harrow Council’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Awula Serwah, and the headmaster of Harrow School, Jim Hawkins.

Curator of the old speech room at Harrow School, Julia Waltom said: “The quality of the exhibition is brilliant, I am so delighted the exhibition has been made possible with funding and all the hard work people have put into it.

“I am just fascinated with it all. I have worked for Harrow School for many years now and seeing an exhibition like this, which shares the history of the school with Harrow residents is a great opportunity.

“The part of the exhibition I will go away remembering is the words of a Harrow man who was injured on the Metropolitan line. He was a ticket inspector and the way he described his injured leg was just really moving. I was really touched by his story.

“I hope that the people of Harrow do come and show an interest in the display. It’s definitely worth it.”

Chairwoman of Harrow Hill Trust Community Relations and Environment Committee, Debora Catherall said: “We are thrilled that the exhibition is focusing on Harrow on the Hill and everyone is most welcome to come to any of the Trust’s events.”

The exhibition is sponsored by the Harrow Hill Trust, Woodward Estate Agent and Harrow Heritage Trust.

n Harrow’s Secret Heart is on now at Harrow Museum, Headstone Manor, Pinner View, Harrow until July 7. Entry is free. See www.harrow.gov.uk/museum for directions and opening times.