TWO books by noted authors in Hillingdon borough are available to buy.

The early history of Hayes, alongside its neighbouring village of Harlington, is one of agricultural activity, with the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding over the town as lord of the manor.

The industrial Revolution brought the Grand Union Canal in 1794 and then the Great Western Railway arrived in 1864.

A steady growth of industry followed in and around Hayes, with brickmaking in particular playing a key part in the economy of the area, but the real expansion began in the 20th century, with the arrival of a diverse range of industries, from electrical technologies and aviation to confectionery.

With business booming, it was essential the new workers had somewhere to live, and so Hayes as we know it today began to grow rapidly. It became part of the London borough of Hillingdon in 1965.

Hayes and Harlington Through Time is a sequel to the Philip Sherwood’s two previous publications, Around Hayes Through Time (2013) and Around Heathrow Through Time (2012).

A unique selection of historical and present-day photographs compiled by local historian Mr Sherwood is a fitting showcase for the area.

Uxbridge emerged as a market town towards the end of the 12th century and remained so for more than 700 years. Corn was the principal commodity, much of it grown in flat and fertile land a few miles to the south.

In the late 18th Century, stage-coach traffic flourished, and the opening of the Grand Junction Canal also brought more trade and employment.

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Corn-growing gave way to market gardening before the early years of the 20th Century saw the town become swallowed by London's sprawl..

Uxbridge At Work by Ken Pearce explores the life of the town and its people, from pre-industrial beginnings through to the present day. His contemporary photographs and illustrations show how Uxbridge has successfully turned its proximity to Heathrow and three motorways to its advantage as it continues to develop into a major office centre.

Mr Pearce has lived in Uxbridge since the 1930s and taught for 32 years at Bishopshalt School in Hillingdon. Since 1970, he has been chairman of Uxbridge Local History and Archives Society.

The new volumes are published by Amberley Books in paperback at £14.99 and are available at good bookshops.