Harrow's Headstone Manor Museum to re-open after £5.7 million cash injection

Four years of restoration and a £5.7 million cash injection means a museum in Harrow will be brought to life.

A Grade I listed Manor House, as well as a 16th and 18th Century Great Barn and grounds, have been transformed into a museum for the borough, documenting 1,200 years of history.

Headstone Manor and Museum will be re-opened in December, following a £3.6 million National Lottery grant and £2.1 million from Harrow Council .

Cllr Sue Anderson, Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for community, culture & resident engagement, said: "The transformation is incredible – you really feel the team has brought the manor back to life after more than a thousand years.

"It’s been a huge amount of hard work from everyone involved that has paid off wonderfully. To think that this place was once in danger of disappearing!

"It’s an achievement that every one of us can be so proud of, and a magnificent inspiration from the past in celebrating Harrow’s rich history as we build a better Harrow for the future."

First recordings of the Manor date from 825AD, with ownership passing between the Archbishops of Canterbury and Henry VIII before being used as a working farm for four centuries.

Responsibility for the building fell to Harrow Council in 1968, before local people campaigned and volunteered tirelessly to turn the site into a Museum for Harrow, which officially opened in 1986.

Now, the museum will show the history of Harrow, through the eyes of the people of Headstone with a varied collection from across the ages: featuring video, audio, exhibits and more.

To commemorate the re-opening, the museum is hosting a free Frost Fair on Saturday 9 and Sunday December 10 from 12pm to 5pm.

This event will feature artisan market stalls for bespoke Christmas presents, children’s entertainment, seasonal hot food, live performances and music from local brass bands.

The market will take place inside the Great Barn with other activities taking place across the museum grounds.

Stuart Hobley, head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: "It’s extremely satisfying to witness the completion of this project.

"Headstone Manor Museum is looking wonderful and will provide an important resource for the people of Harrow.

"As we embark on the season of giving, its great National Lottery players have gifted their support to such a community-spirited project; we hope that many of them will come along to enjoy all that this new and innovative local museum has to offer."

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