The fields of the Ilford East District campsite were, in the middle ages part of 'Hargreaves' Farm which was owned by Barking Abbey. The deeds of this farm are dated 1401.
The first field was purchased in June 1956, the Cub Field along with the Second and Third Fields were subsequently leased from Redbridge and Newham Councils. The Second and Third Fields were purchased from Newham Council in 1997.
During the two years following the original purchase the Chapel was completed and a hall was built. In April 1958 the site was opened by General Sir Robert Lockhart, the Deputy Chief Scout, and the Chapel was dedicated by the Bishop of Chelmsford.
Since then the other buildings have been built and the original wooden Hall replaced with a larger one.
One of the buildings which contains the Scout Shop, an Equipment Store and a First Aid Room was opened by Ralph Reader of Gang Show fame in 1962.
There are some Lombardy Poplars on the site; this tree was chosen as the site logo and the main hall is named Lombardy Hall.
The indoor accomodation is named Hush-Inn Hall because some of the funds needed were earned by Cub Packs holding sponsored silences. The original building dates from 1974, but it was rebuilt in 1996.
Hargreaves welcomes Scouts and Guides not only from this county but from all over the world and is always pleased to accomodate visitors from other recognised youth organisations.
Hargreaves is the rendezvous for most of the Leader Training Courses for the Greater London North East Scout County and is the Headquarters of the Ilford East District to whom it belongs.