Didn’t know that South Harefield offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban convenience? South Harefield is a small village in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It sits on Greater London’s outskirts. The village is known for its peaceful atmosphere. It is an ideal escape from city life. South Harefield is well-connected, with access to the M25 and M40.
Let’s explore what makes South Harefield special. The Grand Union Canal runs through the village. It offers a picturesque setting for recreation. You can enjoy walks, cycling, and boating along the canal. The canal is also a habitat for various wildlife. Look out for ducks, swans, and herons.
South Harefield also boasts historic buildings. St Mary’s Church dates back to the 13th century. Harefield Place is another notable Grade II listed building. The village fosters a strong community spirit. Local events and activities occur throughout the year.
South Harefield is a hidden gem. It offers the best of both worlds: city access and countryside tranquility. It is a popular destination. Whether you seek peace or an active life, South Harefield caters to all.
Harefield’s history is rich and varied. The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions Harefield. It was then known as Herefelle. Before the Norman conquest, Countess Goda owned the Manor of Harefield. She was the sister of Edward the Confessor.
Ownership later passed to Richard FitzGilbert. The Domesday Book recorded arable land for five ploughs. Woodland supported 1,200 pigs, second only to Ruislip. Ten villeins and seven bordars lived here. Three cottars also called Harefield home.
The Manor of Harefield split into three parts: Harefield, Brackenbury, and Moorhall. The Newdigate family owned Harefield by 1446. John Newdigate exchanged land in 1585 with Sir Edmund Anderson. Sir Thomas Egerton then bought the manor. He famously hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1602.
During World War I, Harefield Park became an Australian military hospital. Soldiers who died were buried at St Mary’s Church. This area became a military cemetery.
In 1929, Harefield joined the Municipal Borough of Uxbridge. Later, in 1965, it became part of the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Harefield Hospital is a world-renowned heart and lung hospital. Sir Magdi Yacoub pioneered heart surgery here. He performed many transplants. Harefield Hospital became a leading transplant center in the 1980s.
St Mary the Virgin Church is Harefield’s oldest building. It’s a focal point for the community. A priest was first mentioned in Harefield in 1086. The church has medieval features. Restorations occurred in 1768 and 1841. The cemetery holds graves of Australian soldiers from World War I. Anzac Day is commemorated here annually.
Alice Stanley, Dowager Countess of Derby, is buried in the church. Her funeral monument is one of England’s finest.
The Manor of Harefield was owned by the Newdigate family from 1440. Harefield Place was replaced in 1786. A new mansion was built at Harefield Lodge. The old Harefield Place was demolished in 1813. The new manor house then became Harefield Place. Today, it is the Harefield Place Golf Club.
Harefield House, built around 1750, is a Grade II listed building. It served as a World War I hospital. Breakspear House, a Grade I listed building, is also in Harefield.
Harefield Academy replaced the John Penrose School in 2005. The academy serves students aged 11 to 18. It aims to improve education and health standards.
Harefield is home to Harefield United Football Club, founded in 1868. It is the oldest in Middlesex. Harefield Cricket Club also calls this village home.
Three Victoria Cross recipients are linked to Harefield. Their bravery is honored with plaques.
South Harefield offers a unique experience. Its history, nature, and community make it a special place in Greater London.