Parndon Hall in Top Ten Endangered Buildings
You may have seen the press reports that the Victorian Society named Harlow’s Parndon Hall as one of its 10 Most Endangered Buildings for 2026. The Civic Society nominated this Grade II listed building for the list as it had been concerned for many years about its dilapidation. We hope that inclusion on the list will focus attention on bringing the building back into use.
Set in Princess Alexandra Hospital’s grounds, Parndon Hall’s most significant features are the remarkable wall and ceiling paintings by Elizabeth Arkwright that are at high risk of further deterioration if nothing is done.
You can see inside for yourself during Heritage Open Days on the 19th and 20th of September. Watch out for further details nearer the time and how to book.
For more information see the BBC Essex story at the link below https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj949gm8ppdo
You can also read the report on Your Harlow here.
There was also a report in Harlow Guardian, which you can view here
Blue Plaque for Dr George Hockham
On Friday 1st May we unveiled a new blue plaque in the Water Gardens to Dr George Hockham, co-inventor of optical fibre communications and co-author of the seminal 1966 paper on the subject. We were delighted that members of the Hockham family were there.
Dr Hockham lived in Harlow at worked at STL. He played a key role in the development of optical fibre communications, which are the foundation of the infrastructure that underpins the internet and the digital age.
Although he was the co-author of the seminal 1966 paper and the co-inventor of optical fibre communications with Sir Charles Kao, he has not had the proper recognition that he deserves.
We hope that this blue plaque will play a small part in putting that right.
You can read a report and see a video of the unveiling on Your Harlow here.
