Harlow, Essex

Town of Harlow, Essex

Harlow is a new town in the county of Essex, England.

Harlow is located in the west of the county and on the border with Hertfordshire.

The town of Harlow is close to the M11 motorway and forms part of the London commuter belt.

The district has a current population of 78,768 (2005 estimate).

The new town was built after World War II to ease overcrowding in London at the same time as the similar orbital developments of Basildon, Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead.

The master plan for the new town was drawn up in 1947 by Sir Frederick Gibberd. The development incorporated the market town of Harlow, now a neighbourhood known as Old Harlow, and the villages of Great Parndon, Latton, Tye Green, Potter Street, Churchgate Street, Little Parndon and Netteswell.

Harlow is served by two railway stations, which are both on the 'one' West Anglia Main Railway Line, running from Liverpool Street station in London to Cambridge. Harlow Town railway station is the main station with frequent trains to Cambridge, London and Stansted Airport.

Harlow is reached from junction 7 of the M11 motorway, which runs from London to Cambridge, and servicing London's Stansted Airport.

Bishops Stortford is the closest large town to London Stansted Airport.

Official Town of Harlow, Essex website: www.harlow.gov.uk