History of Pinner

Pinner has a long history, of which this is the first thorough account for well over half a century. In an entertaining narrative, it looks at the village and its people, in detail, from Roman times up to the 20th century; through the ordered life of the medieval manor to the political and religious uncertainties of the 17th century; from poverty-stricken labourers sent to the workhouse or living on charity in the late Georgian period to the great variety of jobs and leisure pursuits open to the Victorians of all classes; and from the mostly empty Edwardian Pinner to the densely-populated suburb of the later 20th century.

Here are the people of Pinner past, who pushed the handcart of history through the centuries until the day before yesterday. The author's very well researched new book brings them vividly to life, whether docile 'peasants' or rough ones, exploiters of the system, shop keepers, wealthy landowners, earnest clergymen, developers, the downtrodden, stalwart war workers or carefree children.

With a wide selection of illustrations, the author adds great visual impact to their story, which is the story of Pinner. Using a much wider range of sources than has previously been available, the author has carefully reconstructed the old Pinner of hamlets, High Street and cottages, and followed through the assault by developers in the 20th century to the still current consideration of re-development. Pinner still retains many reminders of its past... in the form of houses, great and small, barns, parks, the river, even the streets themselves... and the author shows us where to find the ghosts of many more. The author combines an academic approach to research with a very readable text which will fascinate residents and visitors alike.