The Heritage of Harmondsworth
Manor Court, High Street, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, Greater London, UB7 0AQ
Harmondsworth has a long history as an agricultural community, that stretches from medieval times to the late 1970s. The Great Barn and the adjacent parish church of St Mary have stood at the centre of the village for all of that time and seen history unfold around them. The displays in the Barn illustrate the history of its construction and use and include the conservation/repairs carried out in 2014.
At 193ft in length, 39ft wide and 37ft high the Barn is the largest medieval timber-framed barn to survive in this country. Over 95% of the structural timbers and over half the wooden cladding are original; there are many carpenters’ marks visible. There are 12 bays with three entrances from the east, each of which had wooden threshing floors. The base of the walls is a low plinth of natural ferricrete, and the huge, inverted tree trunks of the main posts stand on blocks of Reigate stone. The roof is covered with new hand-made clay peg tiles hung on riven oak battens.
Within the Barn are displays that demonstrate the agricultural history of the surrounding area and show how the building was used. There are also displays on the wildlife that lives in and around the Barn and leaflets are available describing the other historic buildings in the village and the walks on nearby Harmondsworth Moor with its three rivers.
This is a self-guided visit, however guided introductions to the Barn and St Mary’s Church are also available.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1100-1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1000-1700
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1000-1700
Location & directions
Manor Court, High Street, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, Greater London, UB7 0AQ
- Directions:
- The Barn is in Manor Court, High Street, Harmondsworth UB7 0AQ. The entrance is between St Mary’s Church and the Five Bells pub. Buses U3 and 350 stop nearby; they run to Heathrow Airport (Piccadilly Line) and West Drayton (Elizabeth Line).
- Contact on day:
- Justine Bayley
- Telephone number:
- +447754775358
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The floor is a little uneven so flat shoes are recommended. There are no toilets on site but (after 1200) there are some in the church, and in the two pubs in the village (for customers only).
