The 2013 Views of the Past articles range from grand landmarks to some of the more surprising stories associated with Windsor and its neighbours. They explore Monkey Island, Clarence Crescent, the Masonic Hall, Holy Trinity Garrison Church and Eton College Natural History Museum, while investigating Windsor Great Park’s ruins, an eighteenth-century water engine and the enduring question of whether mysterious tunnels really exist beneath Windsor. Further afield, the series visits Berry Hill House at Taplow, New Lodge near Winkfield and a historic marker stone at Bray.
People and creativity provide another strong thread. Artists Paul Nash and Stanley Spencer feature alongside Thomas Hardy’s association with All Saints’ Church, while other articles uncover the invention of snooker at Upton Park and the story of Ordinary Seaman John Bateman. More sobering accounts examine the Windsor Workhouse and the Canadian Red Cross Hospital, while royal coronations and Christmas with Queen Victoria add another dimension. Together, the articles make 2013 a particularly eclectic journey through art, ingenuity, social history and local curiosity.
Articles produced by Elias Kupfermann and published by the Slough Observer.
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Clarence Crescent
VP-0062Published: 15 March 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastSouth Place, a poor area in 19th Century Windsor, featured inadequate housing and sanitation, contrasting sharply with nearby Clarence Crescent.
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The Jubilee Clock Tower in Maidenhead
VP-0051Published: 2 August 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Jubilee Clock Tower in Maidenhead, built for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, opened on August 1, 1900.
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New building techniques in Slough
VP-0052Published: 9 August 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Bentley family, notable publishers, built The Mere in 1887, now housing the National Foundation for Educational Research.
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The lost Maastricht Garden
VP-0050Published: 16 August 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastAerial photographs revealed Windsor Castle’s lost Maastricht Garden, designed in 1713, then abandoned by 1714.
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Stanley Spencer of Cookham
VP-0054Published: 23 August 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastSir Stanley Spencer, a prominent British artist, created influential works inspired by Cookham, where he lived most of his life.
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Paul Nash – the artist who went to war
VP-0049Published: 30 August 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastPaul Nash, a revolutionary war artist, depicted the Great War’s impact and contributed significantly to modern British art movements.
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The Holy Trinity Garrison Church
VP-0053Published: 6 September 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastHoly Trinity Church in Windsor, founded by Queen Victoria, commemorates military history and hosts ongoing royal traditions.
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New Lodge near Winkfield
VP-0055Published: 13 September 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastNew Lodge, a historic estate, is for sale at £15million, with roots dating back to Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
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Thomas Hardy and All Saints Church
VP-0057Published: 1 November 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThomas Hardy, renowned author, assisted Arthur Blomfield in designing Windsor’s All Saints Church during his architectural career.
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The Canadian Red Cross Hospital
VP-0059Published: 15 November 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Duchess of Connaught Hospital, established in 1915, treated soldiers during both World Wars before closing in 1985.
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The reality of the Windsor Workhouse
VP-0061Published: 22 November 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastWindsor established a workhouse in 1731 for the poor, providing food and work until its relocation in 1840.
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The Old Windsor Workhouse
VP-0060Published: 29 November 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastA new workhouse in Old Windsor, built in 1834, faced resistance during inmate transfers and later became a hospital.
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Berry Hill House in Taplow
VP-0058Published: 6 December 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastBerry Hill House, once a notable residence, was destroyed by fire, now replaced by modern flats, obscuring historic gardens.
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Snooker invented at Upton Park
VP-0056Published: 13 December 2013
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastSnooker was invented by Sir Neville Chamberlain in India in 1875, combining elements from previous games played by officers.
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Publication of Windlesora 30
VP-0075Published: 13 February 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastWindlesora’s latest edition explores Windsor’s role in WW1, featuring personal stories, local history, and significant events.
The following are being transitioned into the new format.
