Cloisters Wood
Wood, Forest in Middlesex
England
Cloisters Wood
Cloisters Wood, located in Middlesex, is a picturesque woodland area that offers visitors a serene and tranquil escape from the bustling city life. Spanning over several acres, this forested area boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
The wood is characterized by its dense and ancient trees, many of which are oak and beech, providing a rich canopy that filters sunlight and creates a cool and shaded environment. The forest floor is covered with a carpet of wildflowers and ferns, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. A network of well-maintained footpaths winds through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace.
Cloisters Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, foxes, and a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes among the branches. The wood also provides a habitat for numerous insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies, which can be observed fluttering through the air.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cloisters Wood also holds historical significance. The wood was once part of a larger estate and was donated to the local community for preservation. Visitors can discover remnants of old stone walls and the ruins of a medieval cloister, which add an intriguing element to the wood's charm.
Whether you are seeking a peaceful stroll, a spot of birdwatching, or a chance to immerse yourself in nature, Cloisters Wood in Middlesex offers a delightful sanctuary away from the urban landscape.
If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.
Cloisters Wood Images
Images are sourced within 2km of 51.625814/-0.31241991 or Grid Reference TQ1693. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.
Old Boundary Marker on the A4140 Bushey High Road
County Boundary Marker on the northeast side of the A4140 High Road, Bushey Heath, southeast of the entrance to Hartsbourne Park. Grade II Listed details Link
.
Milestone Society National ID: HE_BUSHcb
.
Milestone Society National ID: HE_BUSHcb
Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others. This view of the house is from the Italian Garden.
Cattle on Bentley Priory Nature Reserve
The name Bentley is thought to derive from the Anglo Saxon words beonet, a place covered in coarse grass, and leah, a piece of cleared ground on the uplands. The reserve is a patchwork of woods and open grassland within which lie Summerhouse Lake(named for Queen Adelaide’s lakeside gazebo) and Boot Pond. Heriot’s Wood is ancient and as can be seen here is grazed at times by cattle.
More information can be found at Link and Link
and Link
Interior of St John the Evangelist Church, Stanmore
There are two churches in Stanmore Churchyard. The old one was consecrated in 1632 by Archbishop Laud. This is the interior of the new church of St John the Evangelist, which was begun in 1849 and contains much of the furnishings of the old church - see Link
There are plans, which can be seen in the new church, to restore the old church, reroof it and make it into a community space. A very full account of both churches can be seen at Link
Interior of the old church at Stanmore
There are two churches in Stanmore Churchyard. The old one was consecrated in 1632 by Archbishop Laud. The new church was begun in 1849 and contains much of the furnishings of the old church - see Link
Ian Nairn in Nairn's London (1966) says "Behind a mean-minded Victorian church, the ruins of the old one are dissolving away in gentle melancholy. It was built in 1631 by Archbishop Laud to be the old religion revived, very Gothic, though using up-to-date bricks. Now it is roofless, with a mouldering Victorian tomb in the nave, and a triste churchyard around. But lovable, not horrible: bramble and roses growing up to the walls and over the mass-produced headstones; soft, tender dissolution, the kind of end that most people would wish for... Long may it stay so. Gray's Elegy should have been written here, instead of at Stoke Poges."
There are plans, which can be seen in the new church, to restore the old church, reroof it and make it into a community space.
Inside the old church is the mausoleum of the Hollond family which can be seen ahead here. A very full account of both churches, including the story of the Hollond family, can be seen at Link
Mansion House Drive, Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
In 1926, the Priory Estate was split into lots and sold. The Air Ministry bought the Mansion House and 40 acres of land, with the remaining 240 acres sold for building purposes and Green Belt land. Parts of it are now a very exclusive estate. This is Mansion House Drive which is followed on the way from The Common to the Museum.
Mansion House Drive, Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
In 1926, the Priory Estate was split into lots and sold. The Air Ministry bought the Mansion House and 40 acres of land, with the remaining 240 acres sold for building purposes and Green Belt land. Parts of it are now a very exclusive estate. This is Mansion House Drive which is followed on the way from The Common to the Museum.
Hurricane at Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others.
This Hurricane on the north side of the Museum belonged to Peter Brothers who flew with 32 Squadron. His service record is shown on a nearby information board - see Link
Information board about Pete Brothers' Hurricane
From 1926 until 2008 Bentley Priory was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others.
The Hurricane on the north side of the Museum belonged to Peter Brothers who flew with 32 Squadron - see Link
Hurricane at Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others.
This Hurricane on the north side of the Museum belonged to Peter Brothers who flew with 32 Squadron. His service record is shown on a nearby information board - see Link
Hurricane at Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others.
This Hurricane on the north side of the Museum belonged to Peter Brothers who flew with 32 Squadron. His service record is shown on a nearby information board - see Link
Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others.
Stained glass window at Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
This window is one of a number in the entrance hall which commemorate this time.
Stained glass window at Bentley Priory for the Royal Observer Corps
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
This window is one of a number in the entrance hall which commemorate this time.
Stained glass window at Bentley Priory for Sir Henry Tizard
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
This window is one of a number in the entrance hall which commemorate this time. Sir Henry Tizard helped develop radar in the Second World War. For more information about him see Link
Stained glass window at Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding, as well as many others.
This window is one of a number in the entrance hall which commemorate this time.
Stained glass window at Bentley Priory
The original Priory housed a cell of Augustinian Friars believed to be founded by Ranulf de Glanville in 1170. He was the first Englishman to be killed in the Crusades. The Priory was dissolved in the 1530s. After 1766, the house was built on higher ground to the north of the site of the original Priory.
In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane was brought in to extend and refurbish the house. At the end of the 19th century it was converted into a hotel but this failed financially and from 1908 until 1924 the building was a girls' boarding school.
From 1926 until 2008 it was owned by the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain it was the headquarters of Fighter Command. The Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding, was based here as was the Operations Room. In 2013, Bentley Priory Museum was opened, focusing on Bentley Priory's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and Sir Hugh Dowding. as well as many others.
This window is one of a number in the entrance hall which commemorate this time. This one shows a number of other places which salute the Battle of Britain.
Cloisters Wood is located at Grid Ref: TQ1693 (Lat: 51.625814, Lng: -0.31241991)
Unitary Authority: Harrow
Police Authority: Metropolitan
What 3 Words
///shout.jets.goods. Near Stanmore, London
Nearby Locations
Related Wikis
Stanmore Country Park, London
Stanmore Country Park is a 30.7-hectare (76-acre) public park, Local Nature Reserve and Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation in Stanmore...
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) is a specialist orthopaedic hospital located in the London Borough of Harrow, United Kingdom, and a part...
Stanmore
Stanmore is part of the London Borough of Harrow in Greater London. It is centred 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Charing Cross, lies on the outskirts of...
Bernays Institute
Bernays Institute is a Victorian building in Stanmore, London Borough of Harrow, England, that currently functions as a community event hall, Bernays Memorial...
Nearby Amenities
Located within 500m of 51.625814,-0.31241991Ref GB Tflcid: RWG269563
Traffic Calming: table
Lat/Long: 51.6269626/-0.3168328
Ref GB Tflcid: RWG269562
Traffic Calming: cushion
Lat/Long: 51.6264511/-0.3175121
Bus Stop
Aspire Centre
Bench: no
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Lat/Long: 51.6291922/-0.3112841
Bus Stop
Aspire Centre
Bench: no
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Lat/Long: 51.6295191/-0.3106914
Addr Housename: The Garden House
Addr Housenumber: 51
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6235481/-0.3149568
Addr Housenumber: 63
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6238622/-0.315406
Addr Housenumber: 65
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6240922/-0.3154503
Addr Housenumber: 69
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6242268/-0.315609
Addr Housenumber: 73
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6247033/-0.3162304
Addr Housenumber: 79
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6250046/-0.3164158
Addr Housenumber: 83
Addr Street: Dennis Lane
Lat/Long: 51.6253526/-0.3172085
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.622182/-0.3093883
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6222034/-0.3094447
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6222434/-0.3093156
Information: guidepost
Ref: 7
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6226693/-0.312614
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6227826/-0.3079913
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6229493/-0.3071207
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6230153/-0.3069023
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6231135/-0.3069242
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6238413/-0.3101209
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6240588/-0.3131019
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6241006/-0.3113787
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: outdoor
Lat/Long: 51.6274717/-0.3152974
Wood Farm London Viewpoint
Description: A wide panoramic view from Alexandra Palace in the east to Heathrow in the southwest, and over London to Box Hill in the south
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 51.6269979/-0.3096123
Ref GB Tflcid: RWG269563
Traffic Calming: table
Lat/Long: 51.6268866/-0.3168421
Direction: 145
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 48
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.6278649/-0.3140231
Direction: 145
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 11
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.6251929/-0.3179673
Direction: 60
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 7
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.6232292/-0.3146513
Direction: 240
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 7
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.6232153/-0.3146817
Direction: 170
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 10
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.621445/-0.3136191
Ref GB Tflcid: RWG271368
Traffic Calming: cushion
Lat/Long: 51.6273545/-0.3160662
Ref GB Tflcid: RWG292796
Traffic Calming: hump
Lat/Long: 51.6251665/-0.3194519
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Seats: 3
Lat/Long: 51.6239711/-0.3131742
Have you been to Cloisters Wood?
Leave your review of Cloisters Wood below (or comments, questions and feedback).