The Hermitage, an early 19th Century Gothic thatched cottage is the highlight of a walk exploring the history of Hanwell.

The Hermitage is a grade 2 listed building designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Buried in the crypt is Jonas Hanway (1712-1786) a social reformer who founded the Marines and was the first man in England to use an umbrella.

The walk, Exploring Hanwell Churchfields and Village Green, begins at 2.30pm on April 15.

Taking approximately two hours, it focuses on two conservation areas Churchfields and Hanwell Village Green and the nature conservation area of Brent River Park.

Several interesting houses around the village green are visited including one in Church Road, dating back to the 18th Century it is the oldest house in the area.

The final leg of the walk passes the Violin Workshops in York Avenue known locally as the fiddle factory. Built in 1887 and 1904, these were occupied by WE Hills and Sons, which made, restored and dealt in violins for two centuries.