Harlowbury Manor and Chapel

Harlowbury Chapel
Harlowbury Chapel

History

Harlowbury Chapel dates from around 1180 and is Harlow’s oldest upstanding building. It was previously the private chapel of Harlowbury Manor. The chapel is a Grade one listed building with a brick and rubble stone design. The manor was given to the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds in 1044, until its dissolution in 1539. The chapel then became property of the Crown and granted to the Addington family who became tenants and farmed the land. Following this a series of tenants are recorded in the manors rent-books and leases.

In 1982 Harlow Amenity and Conservative Society set out to restore and conserve the remaining chapel. Extensive conservation works allowed for structural improvements and excavations of the area. The building is now managed by a Trust.

Photograph of the Harlow Parish Magazine from 1939 at the Harlow Museum
Harlow Parish Magazine, 1939

William Barnard

In the 19th Century William Barnard was a farmer in Harlowbury who regularly kept a log of weather and work completed on the farm. In all he kept a record for 16 years which gave large amounts of detail on the type of farm work carried out in the 19th Century.

Harlowbury was a farm for many years and had a range of different tenants. Records state that the site was used to produce meat, wool, milk and manure.

What to see at Harlow Museum?

Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens features the Parish Gallery, exploring the five parishes which originally made up the land where Harlow Town now stands, including Potter Street, Latton, Netteswell, Little and Great Parndon. During your visit you can view multiple maps and artefacts that offer a fascinating glimpse into the physical landscape and lives of residents living in the parishes.

Learn more about the Parish Gallery here