Harborne appears to date back a long, long way with evidence of a settlement or fort (at Metchley Park) in or close to what is now Harborne dating back to Roman times. An entry in the Doomsday Book of 1086 provides the earliest formal reference to the settlement although the exact spelling of what is today known as Harborne has changed significantly throughout the centuries.

‘The chief agricultural productions are corn and potatoes, with market gardening carried on to a considerable extent, particularly for strawberries. There is a blacking manufactory and steel mill. The labouring population are chiefly nailer's, working in their own cottages’    

  
Harborne remained a small but thriving village until the coming of the industrial revolution when, due to the growth of Birmingham into a major city, Harborne became part of the ever growing second city in 1891.  
     
This growth led to many houses being built within Harborne with the roads today known as Bull, South and York Street being built by the developer Josiah Bull York in the 1850’s.
    
Prior to and during its growth, Harborne had a reputation for not only its agricultural production but also it’s nail making and laundries.
   
Nail making was first formerly recognised as a prolific occupation within the area in 1600 although it had been establish local industry for many years before, often providing a livelihood for local residents when weather prevented work on the land.
   
The nail making forges were usually located to the side or the rear of the cottages and the whole family would be involved in the production. There are still some good examples of nail maker’s cottages with their attached outhouses to be seen today.
  
Because of the coming of the industrial revolution, the small scale production of nails in the local area was soon in decline.
  
The reputation for laundresses may have been a result of Harborne's proximity to the wealthier suburb of Edgbaston. 
  
The increase in housing along with improving transport links meant that the village of Harborne soon had a thriving High Street. This development was further aided by the opening of Harborne Railway Station in 1874.
 
The station was built and run by the London and North Western Railway and provided both goods and passenger services.
  
The station was situated just off Station Road and the turntable that was used to turn the engines around was located where the new flats have been erected on Frensham Way.
  
The opening of the railway changed Harborne and it started to move away from agriculture and small scale production as business and light industry moved into the area as a result of the transport links offered by the railway.
  
The last train to run on the line was in 1963 which left from Birmingham New Street Station carrying 300 enthusiasts.
  
Although the station and lines were demolished soon after, clues to the existence of the railway can still be seen today with the bridge at Parkhill Road and the old embankment which is today known as the Harborne walkway.
  
As Harborne continued to grow and expand there was an increasing demand for housing.
  
This demand was met with the construction of what was known as the Harborne tenant’s Estate which is known today as Moorpool.
  
Dubbed the ‘Garden Suburb’ Moorpool was built in the early 1900’s with the first houses being occupied around 1908.
  
Combining practical housing with green spaces, social facilities, allotments and a community feel Moorpool to this day maintains its beauty although this is under threat from development plans for more housing.
  
Harborne continued its expansion during the 1900’s helped by the proximity of Birmingham University and the continually expanding QE medical centre.
  
Today, Harborne continues to be one of Birmingham’s more sought after suburbs with its combination of its greenery, fine and varied housing, good schooling, its wide selection of local shops and its traditional ‘village’ style feel and community.