Harrow's local heroes
From Mrs Beeton to Elton John, Harrow has a rich legacy of famous former residents. Attracting one of the highest concentrations of millionaires in London, Harrow is still a magnet for celebrities today. Take a nostalgic trip through time to discover a few of the famous former residents who have helped to characterise the borough today.
Heath Robinson 1908 – 1944
"The man who made millions laugh", Heath Robinson was one of Britain’s best-loved cartoonists. Robinson's anti-propaganda work kept the nation’s spirits up during the dark days of World War I. His fondness for mocking modern technology led him to create complicated pieces of machinery for the most mundane of daily tasks, earning him the affectionate nickname "the gadget king". He produced much of his best work while living in Pinner where he also indulged in his two other favourite past-times: walking and drinking ale. These two great passions led him to create a walking and drinking club called The Worshipful Grandiose and Loyal Federation of Froth-Finders. In his honour, The George, one of Robinson’s favourite watering holes, was renamed the Froth Finder and Firkin. In his honour a blue plaque now marks the family home at 75 Moss Lane, Pinner. A mural dedicated in his memory can also be seen on the side of West House in Pinner Memorial Park.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding 1882 –1970
Sir Hugh Dowding commanded the Battle of Britain from RAF Bentley Priory in Harrow. After attending school in Winchester he joined the army in 1899. He climbed the ranks and was posted to many locations around the world including Ceylon, Hong Kong, Gibraltar and India. He took an interest in the “new flying machine” and was accepted into the Royal Flying Corps as a pilot. He fought in World War I and quickly climbed the RAF ranks. In 1936 he was made Commander in Chief of Fighter Command and went on to manoeuvre the Battle of Britain from Bentley Priory during World War I. Sir Hugh Dowding's room can still be visited at RAF Bentley Priory by prior appointment. Website: www.raf.mod.uk
Sir Winston Churchill 1874 – 1956
The famous wartime Prime Minister attended Harrow School between 1888 and 1893. After completing his education Churchill joined the military as a reporter, which enabled him to travel to Cuba, India and South Africa in the Boer War. In 1901 Churchill was elected to parliament as a Conservative representative of Lancashire. In 1918, he was appointed Secretary of State for War and his political and literary career continued to gain momentum. At the outbreak of World War II, Churchill became Britain’s main political figure. As first Lord of the Admirality he decided British naval movements and tactics. He was then elected as Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and the Minister of Defence. Sir Winston Churchill retained his fondness for Harrow School throughout his life. He was a frequent visitor to Harrow School throughout his life where he regulalary attended School music recitals.
Isabella Beeton 1836 – 1869
Isabella Beeton lived in Hatch End during the 1850’s. She is best known in the context of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, which carried her name around the world. Two millions copies were sold by 1868. Tips such as "early rising" and the importance of "letting sunlight into the home" were devoured by 60.000 would be housewives. Her involvement in the world of cookery writing did not begin until after her marriage to Sam Beeton, an up-and-coming publisher. She wrote a regular column in one of her husband’s publications entitled an Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine. In doing this she realised how little guidance was available for women on the practicalities of running a house. This provided the inspiration for her famous cookbook. Isabella’s former home is now a successful restaurant called Hatchets.