St Mary's Church

Cross back over Grove Hill… 
Walk to where the school building ends and you will find an impressive set of stone steps on your right. Take these up to Church Hill…
Turn right up Church Hill and through the Lych-Gate ahead… 
The famous lych-gate was built in honour of John Cunningham, Vicar of Harrow for 50 years (1811-1861). In the churchyard, you’ll see a poignant plaque just beside the porch to Allegra, Lord Byron’s illegitimate daughter and a slate memorial on the right of churchyard path to Thomas Port, first local victim of a fatal railway accident in 1836.  
The Parish church of St. Mary’s was founded by one Archbishop of Canterbury (Lanfranc) in 1087, was consecrated by another (St. Anselm) in 1094, and often visited by a third, Thomas Becket. The famous spire, visible for many miles around and much admired by King Charles ll, was built around 1450 when the beautiful carved timber roof was also added. 
It was extensively restored in 1847 by George Gilbert Scott, giving it a Victorian appearance. For much of the 19th century, Harrow Schoolboys worshipped in specially created galleries suspended beneath the belfry and along the north aisle.
Allegra Byron
Thomas Port
St Mary's Church

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