Harrow facts for kids

Harrow is a word that can mean a few different things! It can be a special tool used in farming, or it can refer to a place in London, England. Let's explore both meanings.

Harrow: The Farming Tool

A harrow is a very old and important farm tool. Farmers use it to prepare the soil before planting seeds or to cover seeds after they have been sown. It helps make the ground smooth and ready for crops to grow.

What is a Harrow?

A harrow is usually a frame with many teeth, discs, or chains attached to it. It can be pulled by a tractor, horses, or even by hand, depending on its size and how it's designed. The teeth or discs dig into the soil, breaking up clumps of dirt and leveling the surface.

How Farmers Use Harrows

Farmers use harrows for several reasons. One main use is to break up large pieces of soil left after plowing. This creates a fine, loose soil bed that is perfect for seeds to sprout in. Harrows also help to control weeds by pulling them out of the ground. Sometimes, they are used to mix fertilizer into the soil or to cover seeds lightly after they have been planted. Using a harrow helps farmers grow healthy crops more easily.

Harrow: A Place in London

Harrow is also the name of a busy and interesting area in North West London, England. It's known for its history, its famous school, and as a place where many people live and work.

The London Borough of Harrow

Harrow is one of the 32 boroughs that make up Greater London. A borough is like a district or a local government area. Each borough has its own council that manages local services like schools, parks, and libraries for the people living there.

Where is Harrow Located?

The London Borough of Harrow is situated in the outer part of North West London. It's a suburban area, meaning it's mostly residential with homes, shops, and green spaces, but it's still very well connected to the center of London by public transport.

Life in Harrow

Harrow is a diverse place with people from all over the world. It has many parks and open spaces, like Stanmore Country Park, which are great for outdoor activities. There are also shopping centers, cinemas, and restaurants, making it a lively place to live.

Harrow Town

Within the London Borough of Harrow, there is a main town called Harrow. This is the central hub of the borough.

A Busy Center

Harrow Town is where you'll find the main shopping areas, the civic center (where the local government offices are), and the Harrow-on-the-Hill train station. It's a busy place with a mix of modern buildings and older, historic parts, especially around the famous Harrow School.

Harrow School

One of the most famous landmarks in Harrow is Harrow School. It's a very old and well-known independent boarding school for boys.

A Famous School

Harrow School was founded in 1572 by John Lyon under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I. This means it has been educating students for over 450 years! It's one of the oldest and most respected schools in the United Kingdom.

What Makes it Special?

Harrow School is known for its strong academic programs and its traditions. Many famous people have studied there, including former Prime Ministers of the UK like Winston Churchill and Robert Peel, as well as writers, artists, and scientists. The school has a beautiful campus with historic buildings and large playing fields.