| Date | 3 September 2010 |
|---|---|
| Source | Slough Observer |
| Reference | VP-0103 |
| Volume | Views of the Past |
| Collection | Views of the Past |
Transcript
Out in the Open for a local history lesson
A chance for the public to see heritage in the flesh.
HERITAGE Open Days began in 1994 and this year run from Thursday until Saturday, September 11.
They mark a day – sometimes more – when certain historic buildings and sites are opened to allow the public to see aspects of our heritage, free of charge, which are not normally accessible. This scheme is run by the Civic Trust and, more locally, by Slough Heritage Forum and other voluntary groups. Here are some highlights of what you can visit in the Slough and Maidenhead area.
This year I will be showing people the art deco boardroom of the Horlicks factory in Stoke Poges Lane, which dates from 1927, with some of the photographs and objects from their archive which will be on display. This takes place on Friday, September 10, and tours must be booked in advance through Slough Library (01753 787511).
On the Saturday, I will be talking about the history of Herschel Park, together with Bruce Hicks from Slough Borough Council, who will be showing visitors around the par and explaining how this historic public amenity is currently undergoing a massive restoration to its original Victorian splendour. Anyone interested should meet us outside Upton Court, Datchet Road, Slough at 10.30 am.
In Slough, both St Mary’s Parish Church and the Norman Church of St Laurence will be open and, at Langley, St Mary’s Church and the 17th-century Kedermister Library can be visited.
The library has a number of rare books from the era, including a pharmacopoeia – a recipe book for cures for common (and less common) ailments.
In Maidenhead, the magnificent tile frieze depicting Jacob’s ladder may be viewed in the Victorian St Luke’s Church.
The 14th-century manor house of Upton Court will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, and members of Slough Civic Society will be on hand to explain the building’s history.
In the same area, The Mere, Datchet Road will be open for a limited number of pre-booked tours at 6.15 pm on Thursday – please email history@nfer.ac.uk to reserve a place.
The Mere is headquarters of the National Foundation for Educational Research and the former residence of Richard Bentley, publisher of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.
Meanwhile in the Maidenhead area, SGI-UK, a friendly lay Buddhist organisation, will be throwing open the doors of its home, Taplow Court, to the public on Sunday, September 12 (2.30-5.30 pm). This 17th-century manor house with Victorian alterations was the home of Lord and Lady Desborough, and there are extensive views from the beautiful grounds.
So a weekend of veritable historical delights awaits any history lover!
For a full programme and further details, see heritageopendays.org.uk
Photo Captions:
- Top Left Image: Photo of a grand historic building with a large lawn in front
- Top Right Image: Portrait photo of Elias Kupfermann
- Middle Right Image: Photo showing a close-up of a carved stone wall or moulding
- Bottom Right Image: Photo of a timber-framed historic house
- GRAND DESIGNS: Taplow Court was home to Lord and Lady Desborough. It dates from the 17th century and was remodelled in the 1850s. Above, detail of an art deco moulding from the Horlicks factory boardroom, c1927. Below, Upton Court dates from the 14th century and the [cut-off]
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