Views of the Past

Records in this Volume

  1. Castle moat used as a sewer

    Elias Kupfermann's local history column explores Windsor's vanished buildings, notably the Castle Moat's transformation into an open sewer.

  2. The Kipling Building in Alma Road

    Elias Kupfermann's book features Windsor's Kipling Building, which housed the elephant frieze before its demolition in 1982.

  3. Butler & Bowden Drapers Store

    Geoff Doe shared his grandfather's diary and scrapbook, revealing insights into Butler & Bowden's shop and its fire disaster.

  4. Information about “Vanished Windsor”

    Elias Kupfermann's "Vanished Windsor" raises funds for the museum while documenting Windsor's lost heritage and buildings.

  5. Christmas Cards of A. Y. Nutt

    Elias Kupfermann wishes readers a merry Christmas, reflecting on winter scenes of Windsor and local history.

  6. Windsor during the Civil War

    Elias Kupfermann's PhD research uncovers Windsor's Civil War history, revealing castle mutinies and looted treasures under John Venn.

  7. We will remember them

    Slough plans to replace its fading war memorial, ensuring all fallen soldiers are honoured and remembered.

  8. Queen opens the Windsor Museum

    The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum was officially opened by The Queen, showcasing the town's rich historical collection.

  9. History of Windsorian Coaches

    Elias Kupfermann is digitising Windsor's travel company history, detailing its evolution from Edwardian motor coaches to present.

  10. The WW1 POW camp at Holyport

    The old water tower near Holyport Village marks the site of a former First World War German POW camp.

  11. Roman Villa in Maidenhead

    A Roman villa was discovered in 1886 at Castle Hill, Maidenhead, revealing significant archaeological findings and connections to historical figures.

  12. Commemorating the opening of Alexandra Gardens

    Alexandra Gardens in Windsor, opened in 1902, recently regained its lost dedication plaques celebrating its historical significance.

  13. The Old Drill Hall in Slough

    James Elliman, a benefactor, gifted Slough the Drill Hall and Salt Hill Park, promoting local recreation and history.

  14. Almshouses in Maidenhead

    George Herring, a former bookmaker, used his fortune for philanthropy, building almshouses and supporting charities in Maidenhead.

  15. Ancient Buildings in Slough

    Slough has significant archaeological monuments, including a moated site of a palace built in 1285 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall.

  16. Montem Mound in Slough

    The Montem Mound in Slough, historically a meeting site, hosted Eton's salt-collecting ceremony until 1847.

  17. Key Moments in Windsor’s History

    The Windsor Local History Group's journal highlights significant anniversaries, including the 1908 Olympic Marathon and UK Airmail Service.

  18. Hine’s Butcher Shop in Slough

    Maidenhead’s Hine family butcher’s shop served the community for over a century before demolition.

  19. Titanic tribute

    As the Titanic's centenary approaches, Owen George Allum's tragic story exemplifies the many lives lost in 1912.

  20. Windsor Cinemas

    Windsor once had four cinemas, now vanished, detailed in Elias Kupfermann's book, "Vanished Windsor".

  21. The Windsor Railway Bridge

    A new website showcases Brunel's original bridge designs, highlighting his engineering triumphs and the historical significance of the railway.

  22. Slough Grammar School

    Slough Grammar School, established in 1912, evolved from Slough Secondary School, merging and redefining itself over the years.

  23. The Shops of the Isaacs

    The Isaacs family established a furniture business in Slough, evolving from a pawn shop to a local empire before closure in 1987.

  24. Alfred Young Nutt

    Image only for now.

  25. William Henry Grenfell

    Lord Desborough, a key figure in British Olympic history, is celebrated in a new exhibition chronicling his sporting achievements.

  26. Maidenhead Visited

    Maidenhead, renowned for its beauty, attracted artists and aristocrats, becoming a hub for social gatherings and romantic escapades.

  27. Ditton Park in Langley

    Ditton Park, a historic moated house near Langley, has evolved from royal residence to modern headquarters since the 14th century.

  28. Monuments in Jubilees

    Windsor celebrates royal jubilees with monuments, traditions like ox roasts, and plans for new commemorative installations.

  29. Queen’s Coronation

    Elias seeks memories and identification of events from 1953 Coronation celebrations in Windsor and Eton through shared photographs.

  30. 1948 Olympic Games

    The summary of the Olympic Torch Relay in 1948 highlights its journey through Windsor, Slough, and its historical significance.

  31. St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead

    Maidenhead's Catholic Church history began in 1867, evolving into a vibrant community with St Joseph’s Church established in 1874.

  32. Baylis House in Slough

    Baylis House, Slough's historic stately home, has served various purposes since its construction in the 17th century.

  33. 1908 Olympic Marathon

    The 1908 Olympic marathon established the modern distance, marked by controversy, involving notable figures and Royal Family participation.

  34. Ray Lodge

    Ray Lodge, an 18th-century estate on the Thames, housed notable figures before being converted into flats by 1932.

  35. History Trail in Slough

    Herschel Park in Slough has undergone a £2.3 million renovation, enhancing trails and showcasing its historical significance.

  36. Windsor Castle Improvements

    A new book chronicles Windsor's history and the extensive rebuilding of Windsor Castle during the early 19th century.

  37. Slough High Street

    Regent Place, built in 1774, housed Antonio's Café and The Rose and Crown, with two remaining historical buildings today.

  38. Windsor Guildhall

    The Windsor Guildhall was built in 1689, not by Wren, dispelling myths surrounding its early history and construction.

  39. Shoppenhangers Manor in Maidenhead

    Shoppenhanger's Manor, a historic site since 1204, was demolished in 2007 for housing development, losing its architectural significance.

  40. Horlicks Fuelled Great Explorers

    The Horlicks factory opened to the public, showcasing its rich history and connections to exploration, while Elias married Ewa Wilemberg.

  41. Braywick House

    Braywick House, built in 1675, has a rich history of ownership and is currently used as office space.

  42. Old Windsor Tapestry Manufactory

    Old Windsor's Royal Windsor Tapestry Manufactory, active 1876-1890, produced tapestries under Royal patronage, then declined.

  43. Bells of Windsor Parish Church

    The church bells of St John the Baptist, Windsor, have a rich history of repairs and significant events since 1583.

  44. Windsor Castle

    The post shares three historic views of Windsor Castle, illustrating its architectural changes over 450 years.

  45. William Henry Grenfell

    William Henry Grenfell, later Lord Desborough, was a notable athlete and politician, significantly impacting Maidenhead's community and history.

  46. St Leonards Hill

    St Leonards Hill has a rich history, evolving from Keepers Cottage to an estate with varied ownership and transformations.

  47. Chalvey Halt

    Chalvey Halt, a short-lived railway station from 1929 to 1930, collapsed and failed to attract local traffic.

  48. Stuchbery Store in Maidenhead

    Stuchbery’s Stores in Maidenhead transformed into a prominent Victorian emporium before its closure in the 1950s.

  49. Caley’s Department Store

    The book Vanished Windsor explores the town's historical changes through over 70 images, including notable events and landmarks.

  50. Paul Nash – the artist who went to war

    Paul Nash, a revolutionary war artist, depicted the Great War's impact and contributed significantly to modern British art movements.

  51. The lost Maastricht Garden

    Aerial photographs revealed Windsor Castle's lost Maastricht Garden, designed in 1713, then abandoned by 1714.

  52. The Jubilee Clock Tower in Maidenhead

    The Jubilee Clock Tower in Maidenhead, built for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, opened on August 1, 1900.

  53. New building techniques in Slough

    The Bentley family, notable publishers, built The Mere in 1887, now housing the National Foundation for Educational Research.

  54. The Holy Trinity Garrison Church

    Holy Trinity Church in Windsor, founded by Queen Victoria, commemorates military history and hosts ongoing royal traditions.

  55. Stanley Spencer of Cookham

    Sir Stanley Spencer, a prominent British artist, created influential works inspired by Cookham, where he lived most of his life.

  56. New Lodge near Winkfield

    New Lodge, a historic estate, is for sale at £15million, with roots dating back to Queen Elizabeth I's reign.

  57. Snooker invented at Upton Park

    Snooker was invented by Sir Neville Chamberlain in India in 1875, combining elements from previous games played by officers.

  58. Thomas Hardy and All Saints Church

    Thomas Hardy, renowned author, assisted Arthur Blomfield in designing Windsor's All Saints Church during his architectural career.

  59. Berry Hill House in Taplow

    Berry Hill House, once a notable residence, was destroyed by fire, now replaced by modern flats, obscuring historic gardens.

  60. The Canadian Red Cross Hospital

    The Duchess of Connaught Hospital, established in 1915, treated soldiers during both World Wars before closing in 1985.

  61. The Old Windsor Workhouse

    A new workhouse in Old Windsor, built in 1834, faced resistance during inmate transfers and later became a hospital.

  62. The reality of the Windsor Workhouse

    Windsor established a workhouse in 1731 for the poor, providing food and work until its relocation in 1840.

  63. Clarence Crescent

    South Place, a poor area in 19th Century Windsor, featured inadequate housing and sanitation, contrasting sharply with nearby Clarence Crescent.

  64. Windsor Racecourse

    Jim Beavis’s book chronicles Windsor Racecourse's history, celebrating its 150th anniversary and detailing its royal connections and development.

  65. Ghosts and Ghouls of Windsor & Eton

    Brian Langston's book explores over 200 ghost sightings in Windsor and Eton, revealing historical hauntings and new tales.

  66. The Tarry Stone of Cookham

    The Tarry Stone in Cookham is a historical Sarsen stone linked to boundaries, community events, and local lore.

  67. Windsor Parish Church

    A DVD showcases church life in Windsor Parish Church during the 1960s and 70s, featuring events from Reverend Badham's tenure.

  68. Evelyn Ellis – Car Pioneer

    Evelyn Ellis significantly influenced early motoring in England, promoting cars and participating in key historic events like the London to Brighton run.

  69. Queen Victoria’s 80th Birthday

    John T Soundy was knighted by Queen Victoria on her 80th birthday, marking a notable historical event in 1899.

  70. The Prior at Old Windsor

    Margaret Gilson, a passionate Old Windsor historian, honoured Richard Bateman's historical Priory and its remarkable collections.

  71. Frogmore House

    Frogmore House, a historic site near Windsor Castle, has hosted royals and now features expansive gardens and exhibitions.

  72. Methodist Churches in Windsor

    The Alma Road Methodist Church in Windsor has evolved significantly since its establishment, reflecting over two centuries of Methodist worship history.

  73. Gems at St Leonards

    In the 1930s, Anna Thompson Dodge acquired a pearl necklace once owned by Empress Catherine the Great, later auctioned for millions.

  74. Lost Garden in the Home Park

    The Maastricht Garden, an 18th-century baroque creation in Windsor, was rediscovered through aerial crop marks revealing its historical layout.

  75. Old ‘Times in Old Windsor’ by David Knight

    David Knight's book on Old Windsor details its rich history, family memories, and evolving social landscape throughout the ages.

  76. Publication of Windlesora 30

    Windlesora's latest edition explores Windsor's role in WW1, featuring personal stories, local history, and significant events.

  77. The House of Mercy was born

    Mariquita Tennant, a social reformer, established a refuge for vulnerable women in Clewer, contributing significantly to their welfare until 2002.

  78. Health and welfare of English Civil War soldiers

    The conference discussed the health care of English Civil War soldiers, focusing on Windsor garrison's care practices and accounts.

  79. The Cranbourne Tower

    Cranbourne Lodge in Windsor Great Park has a rich history, featuring notable figures and numerous renovations since the 1480s.

  80. The Cox’s Pippin Apple

    Cox's Orange Pippin apple, cultivated in Colnbrook during the 1830s, became Britain's most popular apple variety.

  81. Public hangings in Windsor

    In years gone-by, the Market Place at the Guildhall was a place for public executions.

  82. Windsor Central Station

    The Slough to Windsor branch line opened in 1849, despite Eton's opposition, and underwent several changes and closures.

  83. 19th century farming at Eton Wick

    The article reflects on lost Eton Wick traditions, showcasing farming practices and memories from the 1890s.

  84. St George’s School

    St George's School, founded in the 14th century, has evolved significantly, admitting girls in the 1990s and flourishing today.

  85. The Red Lion in Langley

    The Red Lion in Langley, originally a church house from the 17th century, has a rich historical legacy.

  86. Dorney Court

    Dorney Court, a Grade I Listed manor, has historical significance and has served as a film location for various productions.

  87. A brief history of Sheet Street / Kings Road

    Kings Road, originally part of Sheet Street, evolved from medieval origins to elegant terraces in the 19th century.

  88. The Stabmonk at Chalvey

    The Chalvey Stabmonk is a story, mostly of legend, of an organ grinder that had a wake for his monkey which became an annual event.

  89. Special Royal Arrival

    On June 12, 1937, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Windsor, celebrated with a grand procession and festivities.

  90. Books and Windlesora

    Two recommended last-minute gifts for local history enthusiasts are "Royal Windsor" book and "Windlesora" journal.

  91. Burnham Abbey

    Burnham Abbey, founded in 1266, experienced various alterations, ownership changes, and restoration before the Society of the Precious Blood moved in 1916.

  92. Capturing the past in photographs

    The book "Royal Windsor: Images Of A Bygone Age" features photographs showcasing Victorian Windsor's atmosphere and social commentary.

  93. A special Christmas in December, 1915

    In December 1915, King George V organised a grand Christmas event at Windsor Castle for local children and soldiers.

  94. Robert Keayne

    Robert Keayne, a 17th-century Boston tailor, co-founded Harvard, contributed to local governance, and supported community projects.

  95. George Henton, Victorian photographer

    The book "Royal Windsor: Images of a Bygone Age" features historic photographs from 1880-1920, showcasing various Windsor societies.

  96. The Works of Thomas Sandby

    Thomas Sandby, an influential artist and architect, contributed significantly to Windsor's landscape and architecture during the 18th century.

  97. The Isaacs Store in Peascod Street

    The Isaacs family business, established in 1865, evolved from pawnbrokers to a furniture empire before ceasing in 1987.

  98. Early photography in Windsor

    The new book, Royal Windsor, showcases rare photographs of Windsor from the 1840s to post-First World War.

  99. Launch of Images of a Bygone Age

    Elias Kupfermann's book, Royal Windsor, showcases historical photographs from Victorian to WWI, revealing Windsor's prosperity and poverty.

  100. All Saints Church in Dedworth

    All Saints Church in Dedworth features remarkable stained glass windows, originally designed by renowned pre-Raphaelite artists, now showcased in a rebuilt church.

  101. Looking Back With Elias

    Historian Elias Kupfermann will share tales and insights on Windsor's history, with his book "Vanished Windsor" releasing soon.

  102. Heritage Open Days 2010

    HERITAGE Open Days provide free public access to historic sites in Slough and Maidenhead from September 11 to 12.

  103. Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

    Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee visit to Slough featured grand celebrations and decorations, now mostly lost to modern development.

  104. Windsor Bridge

    Windsor Bridge, built in the 12th century, transitioned from toll crossings to pedestrian use, ceasing vehicle access in 1970.

  105. First Regular Airmail Service

    Windsor's 1911 airmail experiment marked England's first scheduled airmail service, blending aviation and postal history.

  106. Maidenhead Cinemas

    Maidenhead’s cinema history spans from early 1900s roller skating rinks to modern multi-screen complexes by 2003.

  107. Slough Town Hall

    Slough Town Hall's future is uncertain due to potential demolition for a new school, despite its architectural significance.

  108. Queen Anne’s Well

    Queen Anne’s Well in Slough, renowned for its healing waters, served the royal family but is now lost to history.