St Mary’s Church, Harrow on the Hill

On the highest point of Harrow on the Hill, overlooking Harrow School, one can find St Mary’s Church, which is a historic church in North West London. It has a long and interesting history. Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, began the construction of a church on this site in 1087. Unfortunately, he died in 1089. His successor, St. Anselm, at the age of 60 was enthroned as Archbishop in September 1093. The new church building was completed and eventually consecrated on 4^th January 1094. Unfortunately, little of the original building remains to this day (specifically only the lower section of the tower). The rest of the building has been added in various periods. 

From the church, on the top of the hill, anyone can see fantastic views of Harrow and of Central London. Lord Byron was a frequent visitor as a schoolboy from Harrow School, from 1801 to 1805. Due to its prominent position, i.e. the highest building in Middlesex, the church spire is a landmark for miles around. The church is often Harrow and can be seen from miles. In more recent years, it is used as a navigational reference for aircraft approaching RAF Northolt.