Headstone Manor and Museum

[2] It tells the story of Harrow through its collections, exhibitions and four historic buildings, detailing the significance of the site in which it is set as well as the people and wider area.

The moat is contemporary in date to the oldest part of the building, and was constructed as a status symbol to reflect the wealth of the Manor's owner.

Examples of this include the panelling of the great hall in 1631, and the addition of a fashionable brick façade in the 1770s, which gives Headstone Manor the appearance it has today.

After years of increasing dilapidation, the decision was made to turn the site into the home of Harrow Museum, which officially opened in 1986.

Originally, the Barn would have been mainly used by the tenant farmer of Headstone to store grains and stable horses, with a few bays reserved for the use of the Archbishop.

It was not until a major restoration project carried out by the London Borough of Harrow in the 1970s that the Great Barn was bought back to its former state of glory.

Archaeological excavation has also shown that the foundations of the Small Barn date back to the 14th century, making it contemporary with the first phases of the building of Headstone Manor house and the moat.

It is thought that a series of structures have stood on the site, though most of the wood today appear to be from the same period as the early 16th century Great Barn.

[citation needed] After 20 years being covered by a protective plastic canopy, the burnt out skeleton of the building was finally restored.

Originally the building would have been longer, but one end stood in damp ground and rotted away, reducing the Granary to its present size.

[10] Located near The Small Barn, The Moat Café and Visitor Centre is where freshly ground coffee, cakes, paninis and other hot snacks are available.