Harlow

Harlow, new town and coextensive district, administrative and historic county of Essex, England. It was designated by British planners in 1947 as one of London’s eight post-World War II new towns to promote the decentralization of the metropolis.

The planned growth took place in neighbourhoods west of Old Harlow and the main road between London and Cambridge. Sir Frederick Gibberd landscaped the town and designed many of the main buildings. Offices of major British firms have located at Harlow. Industries include electronic engineering, printing, metallurgy, and the manufacture of scientific and surgical apparatus and furniture. Area 12 square miles (31 square km). Pop. (2001) 78,768; (2011) 81,944.