Canons Park Chronicles
Located in the vibrant borough of Harrow, Canons Park stands as an iconic part of Harrow's rich history.
Steeped in centuries of historical significance, the area presents many landmarks, and at Home Instead Wembley, we are lucky to be in such a lively and vibrant community!
Canons Park - 1700s
At the heart of this historical area lies Canons Park, which has transitioned from a private aristocratic estate to a favourite public park. In 1713, James Brydges, the Duke of Chandos, acquired a large area of land in Stanmore and constructed Canons House, extending into a park and garden in the 1720s. The Gate Piers on Canons Drive remains in full glory today in the 21st century, marking the estate’s long journey through time.
Established in the early 18th century, the carefully designed gardens, the lake, and Canons House still bear the architectural brilliance of this era, welcoming everyone to enjoy and learn of its timeless charm! The King George V Memorial Gardens have been redesigned for visitors, featuring evergreen trees, a central square pool, a pavilion, and flower beds. The incredible restoration of both the garden and the park in 2007, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, restored this historical landmark.
Construction of Canons House - 1717
Built in 1717, Canons House, once the home of the Duke of Chandos, stands as the centrepiece of Canons Park and its classical architecture takes us back to a time of luxury, and the lifestyle of London’s elite. Over the years, a slightly more understated mansion took shape on the original foundations, courtesy of cabinetmaker, William Hallett. The giant redwood trees, which line the upper section of Canons Drive, were also planted during this era and are still standing tall today!
Ownership of Canons House frequently shifted throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, culminating in the complete sale of the estate to settle the debts of Sir Arthur du Cros, its final private owner. Today, the house reflects the estate’s wide aristocratic past, inviting everyone to explore the history!
Canons Park Tube Station - 1932
Adjacent to the park, the Canons Park Tube Station serves as a vital link to the surrounding areas of London. Opened in 1932, it has witnessed the flow of commuters throughout the years, providing seamless access to the historical heart of Wembley, contributing to the success of many businesses and individuals! As we navigate the history of Canons Park, we uncover a neighbourhood that has embraced change while cherishing its heritage.
Where Canons Park Meets Modern Day
In 1929, North London Collegiate School purchased Canons House, now serving as the central structure of their campus. Harrow Council acquired portions of the remaining land, leading to the public opening of Canons Park in 1936.
Whilst Wembley and its surrounding areas are renowned for their modern facilities, these historic landmarks stand as reminders of the area’s rich culture and reflect the careful preservation of cultural heritage, allowing each generation to enjoy its wonderful surroundings.
Accessing the Park
The park is fully accessible, with a flat pathway running through the grounds. Furry friends are also welcome to enjoy the wonderful landscape of the park but will need to be kept on a lead when in the Memorial Garden. Please respect the lake in the park, as this is home to lots of wildlife all year round! There is also the ‘Good Friends’ café, which opens in Spring, offering plenty of picnic tables for you to enjoy a bite to eat in the sunshine!
If you want to learn more about Canons Park and enjoy the scenic route of the park, there are health walking groups and stretching exercises available to participate in four times a week. You can meet the group at the Howberry Road entrance gates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The walk is from 8am – 9am and you can visit here for more details.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Canons Park and the great history surrounding the area. Why not come down and explore – if you do, please pop into our Office and come and say hello!
If you’d like to know more about the services we provide at Home Instead Wembley, please don’t hesitate to give us a call 0208 022 4590 – we would be delighted to share the ways we can support your loved ones and to visit some of the historic landmarks we have discussed here.