The 2015 Views of the Past articles range widely across Windsor and its neighbouring communities, uncovering the histories behind familiar buildings, institutions and landscapes. They revisit places including Dorney Court, Windsor Central Station, Cranbourne Tower, St George’s School and the Red Lion at Langley, while exploring the development of Sheet Street and Kings Road and nineteenth-century farming at Eton Wick.
Other articles reveal some less familiar and occasionally darker strands of local history, from public hangings in Windsor and the mysterious Stabmonk at Chalvey to the founding of the House of Mercy and the welfare of soldiers during the English Civil War. The year also celebrates local research itself through Windlesora, alongside stories of the Cox’s Orange Pippin and the arrival of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Together they make 2015 a particularly varied journey through the everyday, social and sometimes unexpected history of the area
Articles produced by Elias Kupfermann and published by the Slough Observer.
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Dorney Court
VP-0085Published: 9 January 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastDorney Court, a Grade I Listed manor, has historical significance and has served as a film location for various productions.
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Public hangings in Windsor
VP-0080Published: 20 February 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastIn years gone-by, the Market Place at the Guildhall was a place for public executions.
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Windsor Central Station
VP-0081Published: 17 April 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Slough to Windsor branch line opened in 1849, despite Eton’s opposition, and underwent several changes and closures.
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The House of Mercy was born
VP-0076Published: 22 May 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastMariquita Tennant, a social reformer, established a refuge for vulnerable women in Clewer, contributing significantly to their welfare until 2002.
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A brief history of Sheet Street / Kings Road
VP-0086Published: 12 June 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastKings Road, originally part of Sheet Street, evolved from medieval origins to elegant terraces in the 19th century.
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The Cranbourne Tower
VP-0078Published: 24 July 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastCranbourne Lodge in Windsor Great Park has a rich history, featuring notable figures and numerous renovations since the 1480s.
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The Stabmonk at Chalvey
VP-0087Published: 31 July 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Chalvey Stabmonk is a story, mostly of legend, of an organ grinder that had a wake for his monkey which became an annual event.
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19th century farming at Eton Wick
VP-0082Published: 7 August 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe article reflects on lost Eton Wick traditions, showcasing farming practices and memories from the 1890s.
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Health and welfare of English Civil War soldiers
VP-0077Published: 14 August 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe conference discussed the health care of English Civil War soldiers, focusing on Windsor garrison’s care practices and accounts.
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St George’s School
VP-0083Published: 4 September 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastSt George’s School, founded in the 14th century, has evolved significantly, admitting girls in the 1990s and flourishing today.
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Special Royal Arrival
VP-0088Published: 23 October 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastOn June 12, 1937, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Windsor, celebrated with a grand procession and festivities.
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Burnham Abbey
VP-0090Published: 31 October 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastBurnham Abbey, founded in 1266, experienced various alterations, ownership changes, and restoration before the Society of the Precious Blood moved in 1916.
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The Red Lion in Langley
VP-0084Published: 6 November 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Red Lion in Langley, originally a church house from the 17th century, has a rich historical legacy.
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The Cox’s Pippin Apple
VP-0079Published: 20 November 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastCox’s Orange Pippin apple, cultivated in Colnbrook during the 1830s, became Britain’s most popular apple variety.
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Books and Windlesora
VP-0089Published: 18 December 2015
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastTwo recommended last-minute gifts for local history enthusiasts are “Royal Windsor” book and “Windlesora” journal.