Harlow has been occupied for at least 8,000 years. Early settlers lived around the river and by the Iron Age there is evidence of several communities of farmers in the area. The Roman invasion of Britain saw the area go through a major change with a small town, several large villas and a Temple all being built in the area.
The Saxons gave Harlow its name, Hearg-low meaning Temple Hill, and divided the area into four parishes, the names of which, Netteswell, Latton, Parndon and Harlow are still in use today. Each parish was a distinct community with a manor house, church, villages, farmland and mill.
In the early 17th century pottery made in the area became briefly fashionable in London, helped by the completion of a new Norwich – London road that passed through the area. Communications again improved in the 1840s when Harlow Station (now Harlow Mill) opened.
In 1947 Harlow and its ancient parishes was designated as the site for a New Town, one of six new settlements to be built around London to relieve the post-war housing shortage.
Frederick Gibberd, an eminent architect, was appointed Architect-Planner for the project and was commissioned to draw up a Master Plan on behalf of the Harlow Development Corporation. The Plan envisaged several neighbourhoods; these not only included housing but also shopping, schools, leisure and other community facilities. An important part of the scheme allowed zoned areas for industry and landscape features.
The first main phase of development was begun in 1949 under the Harlow Development Corporation. In 1980 most of the assets were passed to the local authority, Harlow Council, and the Town has continued to develop and expand with the Church Langley neighbourhood, Newhall and the Town Centre redevelopment.
The Town is characterised by the use of modern urban style architecture, which sits alongside some of the older original buildings.