Edgware, HA8 7NT

There is evidence of settlement in Canons since Roman times, but the history of this estate really began when James Brydges, later to become the first Duke of Chandos, acquired a huge tract of land in the Parish of Little Stanmore in 1713. It was known as The Canons Estate. As Paymaster General, he was keen to show off his new-found power and wealth by building a fine mansion on the land. He went on to develop a grand park and garden in the 1720s but then the second Duke lost all his money in the South Sea Bubble scandal, and the house was dismantled as part of the disposal of his estate in the 1750s. The Gate Piers at the entrance to Canons Drive are the only surviving remnants of that house. The pillars at the entrance to Canons Drive, before the gate lodges were removed. They were restored in 1999 and are regularly maintained by CPEL Canons Drive was originally called 'The Avenue' and the English native trees at the beginning of the road date back to the first planting of the Avenue. In time, a more modest - but still beautiful - mansion was built on the old foundations by William Hallett, a successful cabinetmaker, and the huge Wellingtonia trees that line the upper part of Canons Drive were planted during this period. The new house repeatedly changed hands during the 18th and 19th centuries until eventually the whole estate was sold off to cover the debts of Sir Arthur du Cros (see article, below), the last private owner of Canons Mansion. North London Collegiate School purchased the house, which is now the central building of their campus. Harrow Council purchased some of the remaining land to form Canons Park, whilst other areas were used for housing, sports grounds and railway land. The Canons Park Estate (or 'Canons Drive Estate' as it is more familiarly known) was created during the late 1920s and early '30s on land purchased from the sale of the Canons Estate. It comprises around 340 houses and 66 flats. The majority of the houses were built in typical 'Black & White' style but there are also Arts & Crafts, Art Deco and more modern styles of architecture to be found. Two of the most beautiful areas of the Estate are the 'Basin Lake', and the 'Seven Acre Lake' - a private lake that is only accessible to CPEL members. https://canonsparkestate.com/history