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 has taken place in neighbourhoods west of Old Harlow and the main LondonCambridge road. Sir Frederick Gibberd landscaped the town and designed many of the main buildings. Offices of major British firms have located at Harlow, and industries include electronic engineering, printing, metallurgy, and the manufacture of scientific and surgical apparatus and furniture. Area 10 square miles (26 square km). Pop. (1998 est.) 75,800.