The geology of Harrow made the area popular with early settlers.
- Traces of early man have been found in Middlesex.
- Evidence of prehistoric man has been found in Harrow Weald.
- Roman evidence has been excavated in Stanmore.
- Saxon evidence has been found in Sudbury and central Harrow.
Archaeological Priority Areas (APA)
APA are areas which there is significant known archaeological interest or notable potential for new discoveries. Historic England helps to identify these areas.
There are nine APAs including:
- Possible site of Roman settlement of Sullonicae. (Along Brockley Hill, Edgware).
- Edgware Village. (Along Edgware High Street, Edgware).
- Roman tile manufacture in Canons Park. (Edgware).
- Medieval Stanmore. (Along Old Church Lane, Stanmore).
- Possible site of medieval Bentley Priory. (East of Clamp Hill, Stanmore).
- Medieval Pinner. (High Street and surrounding roads in Pinner).
- Old Pinner Deer Park. (Either side of George V Avenue, Pinner).
- Historic Harrow. (Core area of Harrow on the Hill).
- Parts of Grim's Dyke. (Hatch End and Pinner).
If developments are planned in these areas, Historic England will be consulted. Applicants must provide information, so any impact can be measured. To identify an APA, contact the Conservation Officer.
Historic England can ask applicants to provide more information for areas outside of APA. They can do this if they feel that below-ground archaeology may still be at risk.
For more information, see Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS).
Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs)
Areas of archaeology are sometimes designated as SAMs and are protected in law.
There are nine SAMs in Harrow:
- Grim's Dyke: section 1370 metres north east from Oxhey Lane.
- Grim's Dyke: section north of Blythwood House.
- Grim's Dyke: four sections between Uxbridge Road and Oxhey Lane.
- Pear Wood: linear earthworks.
- Brockley Hill: obelisk.
- Brockley Hill: Romano-British pottery and settlement.
- Headstone Manor: moated site.
- Pinner Hill: ice house.
- Pinner Deer Park, Pinner Park Farm: park boundary.
These are of national significance. Any works will need consent from Historic England otherwise it would be a criminal offense. Here is the link to their webpage on this matter.
To avoid carrying out any unlawful work, you are required to contact Historic England before you undertake any works.
You can check if your land is covered by a SAM, see the map on Historic England.