Drapers' Academy hosts history of Harold Hill exhibition

The exhibition, Heritage on the Hill, celebrates Harold Hill through the voices of its residents and is the result of a community-led research project that brought together Drapers' Academy Year 10 and Year 12 students, Eastside Community Heritage and Queen Mary University of London.

Launched at the school in Harold Hill, the exhibition features an interactive exhibition with display boards and a booklet presenting the students' research that reflect the personal stories and collective history of the area.

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Drapers’ Academy student speaking about the Heritage on the Hill project (Image: Drapers’ Academy)

Jade Hunter, a Queen Mary University of London PhD student who led the project, said: "It's been such a privilege working on the Heritage on the Hill project with the young people at Drapers' Academy.

"Through archival research and oral history interviewing, they've done a brilliant job at capturing important stories in Harold Hill, which they have shared with the wider community at the launch event. Their work really demonstrates the fascinating history of Harold Hill, and shows the power of place and community connections."

Developed in partnership with Drapers’ Academy, Eastside Community Heritage, and Queen Mary University of London, the project trained Year 10 and 12 students in oral history techniques.

Memories of Harold Hill were shared during the exhibition (Image: Drapers’ Academy)

The students conducted interviews with residents, recording more than 15 hours of memories and reflections.

Professor Alison Blunt of Queen Mary University of London, and vice-chair of the Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust, said: "Heritage on the Hill demonstrates how universities, schools and communities can work together to create new knowledge. The project celebrates local heritage while empowering young people to become active researchers and storytellers."

The exhibition launch brought together students, residents, community leaders, and project partners. Attendees had the opportunity to listen to interview recordings and hear from student participants who reflected on the experience and skills gained.

Guests enjoying the Heritage on the Hill Exhibition (Image: Drapers’ Academy)

Judith Garfield MBE, Eastside Community Heritage, said: "Oral history allows us to capture experiences that might otherwise be lost. The students approached their interviews with professionalism, curiosity and respect, creating a lasting record of Harold Hill's social history and demonstrating the power of intergenerational learning."

The Heritage on the Hill project highlights Harold Hill’s unique past, from its agricultural roots and postwar transformation into one of the largest post-war council housing developments in the country, to its vibrant natural environment and evolving community identity.

Heritage on the Hill exhibition (Image: Drapers’ Academy)

Students uncovered stories about early residents who arrived to find an area still under development, as well as tales of community spirit built through shared experiences in schools, workplaces, sports clubs, and social events.

Jamie Shields, vice-principal at Drapers' Academy, said: "This project has given our students a remarkable opportunity to become historians of their own community. By listening to residents and recording their stories, they have developed valuable research skills while helping preserve Harold Hill's heritage.

"We are incredibly proud of their work and grateful to everyone who shared their memories."

Guests listening to the oral history interviews (Image: Drapers’ Academy)