The village of Harefield, situated within the London Borough of Hillingdon, is a picturesque hilltop settlement on the outskirts of the bustling capital city. While the history of Harefield can be traced back to prehistoric times, its development, whether associated with Australian war dead or the phoenix-like restoration of its academy, has been a successful story of pioneering work with an international claim to fame in the medical world. The village has an array of historical buildings and artefacts, and a range of quaint pubs and inns. The series of walks described within this book provide a valuable insight into how external forces can shape the growth of a village. Local historian Geoffrey Hewlett delves into this area's past to show how Harefield has responded to the challenges cast upon its doorstep, using an inspiring collection of postcards and photographs.