Heathrow News: Harmondsworth Medieval Barn
The great medieval barn of Harmondsworth, built in 1426, has been saved by the tiresome efforts of a local group, the Friends of the Great Barn and English Heritage.
English heritage purchased the barn from the owners who it appears had no interest in the well-being or restoration of the barn. This Grade I listed, Harmondsworth Barn, is as significant as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace in terms of its historical and architectural value.
It is believed the previous owners acquired the barn to profit from the expansion of Heathrow Airport which has now been shelved. The English Heritage bought the grade I listed building and now it will be rightfully restored and preserved, as it should be, amongst the countries great architectural treasures.
It is great news for visitors and local residents in the area. The great Harmondsworth Barn, once restored, will be opened to the public in April 2012. Under the guardianship of English Heritage, this extraordinary medieval barn will join Stonehenge and parts of Hadrian's Wall in the National Collection of Historic Sites and Monuments. The Harmondsworth Barn was once dubbed "the cathedral of Middlesex" by Sir John Betjeman.
The massive barn was built in 1426 as a grain store, with no nails used in it construction. Records reveal that the master carpenter, William Kypping (or Kipping), was sent to choose the giant oak trees from the forest at Kingston. The structure is almost 60 metres long, 12 metres wide and 11 metres tall. There are 13 huge oak beams which support the massive roof; it is a wonderful example of medieval carpentry and craftsmanship.
The Harmondsworth Barn is in remarkable repair when considering its age.
The great Harmondsworth Barn is just 2 ½ miles north of Heathrow Airport, travelling towards West Drayton, in the village of Harmondsworth. To get there using public transport use the U3 public bus from Heathrow Central, terminals 1 and 3 or the 350 public bus from Terminal 5 to the Harmondsworth Lane bus stop.
Apart from the great Harmondsworth Barn, the 12th Century, St Mary, The Virgin Church and the old cemetery stand alongside the Harmondsworth Barn. The Harmondsworth Moor nearby provides a fabulous green area to explore, with walking paths linking Saxon Lake and Swan Lake.
Where to stay:
Harmondsworth Hall Guest House
The Harmondsworth Hall Guest House is an ideal place to stay when in the Heathrow area and especially if you wish to admire the great Harmondsworth Barn and the other interesting historical structures in the area.
This family run 12 bedroom guest house is located in the Harmondsworth village. This wonderful, well preserved, large 17th century grade II listed building is a world away from the busy Heathrow Airport. Thankfully, as it is located to the north of the airport, parallel to the runways, there is very little noise from the aircraft at all.
The recommended taxi company is LHR. Their contact number is +44 (0) 1895 444 333. The approximate fares from terminals 1 and 3 to the Harmondsworth Guest House is £7.50, from terminal 4 and 5 approximately £8.50.
Sheraton Hotel Heathrow
The Sheraton Hotel Heathrow is located on the Bath Road and is a short walk from the village of Harmondsworth. Visitors can walk through the Harmondsworth Moor, pass the Swan Lake and up into the village. Alternatively use the U3 or 350 buses from the bus stop at the corner, the Harmondsworth bus stop is the second stop along the route.
Use Heathrow Airport – Chauffeur Transfers for a transfer from the Heathrow Airport terminals to the hotel. You can get a quote and book the service on-line. Choose the ‘meet and greet’ option and get met at the terminal and assisted with your luggage to the vehicle.
You can contact them by telephone on +44(0) 208 897 7699 or on-line at their website, www.heathrowairport-chauffeurtransfers.com.
Arora Hotel Heathrow
A little further away, but close by the village of Harmondsworth is the 350 bedroom, modern Arora Hotel Heathrow. Visitors can walk through the public walkway across the farmland adjacent to the hotel, follow the road or use the U3 public bus from the bus stand across the road to the Harmondsworth Lane bus stop.
Use Heathrow Airport – Chauffeur Transfers for a transfer from the Heathrow Airport terminals to the hotel. You can get a quote and book the service on-line. Choose the ‘meet and greet’ option and get met at the terminal and assisted with your luggage to the vehicle.
You can contact them by telephone on +44(0) 208 897 7699 or on-line at their website, www.heathrowairport-chauffeurtransfers.com.
For more Heathrow Hotels visit our accommodation section on our CUin Heathrow wesbite at; www.cuinheathrow.com
Eat and Drink:
Heathrow Restaurants:
Our CUin Heathrow Destination Guide provides you with information and details of the restaurants and pubs in and around the Heathrow Airport area. Discover and explore anything from traditional English pubs, hotel and airport bars and restaurants to exquisite fine dining establishments, authentic Indian and Chinese restaurants.
Heathrow caters for all types of food styles and our traveller’s guide will help you locate anything from fast food restaurants, take-away outlets, coffee shops to a traditional English pub. From a fine restaurant in Windsor to an authentic Indian curry in Sipson or Southall, you are sure to find a suitable meal with us.
We have selected some restaurants close to Harmondsworth village well worth visiting in our opinion. The two local pubs, the Five Bells and The Crown both serve typical pub grub. For more additional restaurants and pubs please visit the ‘Restaurant’ section in our CUin Heathrow guide.
Bon appétit, enjoy your meal.
London Hong Kong Restaurant – Chinese Restaurant – Walk or use public bus U3 or 350
Kaniz Restaurant – Indian Restaurant – Walk or use public bus U3 or 350
Go Sing - Chinese Restaurant – Taxi or use public bus U3 or 350
Sipson Tandoori - Indian Restaurant – Taxi or use public bus U3 or 350
Heathrow Pubs:
Our CUin Heathrow Destination Guide provides you with information and details of Heathrow Pubs and Bars in and around the area. Discover and explore anything from traditional English pubs, hotel and airport bars to the local pub on the corner.
In the local Heathrow area there are some magnificent Traditional English Pubs well worth visiting. In the local villages surrounding the airport you will find pubs steeped in history. The Ostrich Pub and Restaurant in Colnbrook dates back to 1106, The White Horse in Longford was built in 1534 are two fine establishments well worth visiting. The Ostrich is renowned for its wonderful food.
Not to mention, you will find some great pubs and bars in Windsor and the surrounding villages and off course Central London has a number of gems. We have selected some pubs close to Harmondsworth village, well worth visiting in our opinion. The two local pubs, the Five Bells and The Crown cater for a mixed crowd of interesting locals and a diverse bunch of visitors to the area.
For more additional pubs and bars in the Heathrow vicinity please visit the ‘Pubs and Bars’ section in our CUin Heathrow information guide.
Cheers and remember: Never drink and drive, always call a cab.
The White Horse – Traditional pub with food – Taxi or use public bus 350
Enjoy exploring this interesting and ancient site.
CUin Harmondsworth!
