The 2016 Views of the Past articles uncover some of the more intriguing stories behind Windsor and its neighbouring communities. They trace the beginnings of Windsor Racecourse, revisit the history of Frogmore House, St Leonards and Methodist churches in Windsor, and explore the lost garden in the Home Park and the ancient Tarry Stone at Cookham. The year also introduces Evelyn Ellis, an important pioneer of early motoring, and recalls Queen Victoria’s 80th birthday celebrations.
There is a distinctly curious side to the collection too, with ghosts and ghouls of Windsor and Eton sitting alongside the story of the Prior at Old Windsor and a look back at David Knight’s Old Times in Old Windsor. Even DVDs produced by Windsor Parish Church become part of the historical record. Together, these final articles in the seven-year series show how local history can emerge from buildings, traditions, personalities, legends and the rediscovery of earlier research.
Articles produced by Elias Kupfermann and published by the Slough Observer.
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Windsor Parish Church
VP-0066Published: 8 January 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastA DVD showcases church life in Windsor Parish Church during the 1960s and 70s, featuring events from Reverend Badham’s tenure.
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Lost Garden in the Home Park
VP-0073Published: 19 February 2016
Volume: Views of the PastThe Maastricht Garden, an 18th-century baroque creation in Windsor, was rediscovered through aerial crop marks revealing its historical layout.
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The Prior at Old Windsor
VP-0069Published: 26 February 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastMargaret Gilson, a passionate Old Windsor historian, honoured Richard Bateman’s historical Priory and its remarkable collections.
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The Tarry Stone of Cookham
VP-0065Published: 4 March 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Tarry Stone in Cookham is a historical Sarsen stone linked to boundaries, community events, and local lore.
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Gems at St Leonards
VP-0072Published: 18 March 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastIn the 1930s, Anna Thompson Dodge acquired a pearl necklace once owned by Empress Catherine the Great, later auctioned for millions.
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Evelyn Ellis – Car Pioneer
VP-0067Published: 6 May 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastEvelyn Ellis significantly influenced early motoring in England, promoting cars and participating in key historic events like the London to Brighton run.
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Methodist Churches in Windsor
VP-0071Published: 13 May 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastThe Alma Road Methodist Church in Windsor has evolved significantly since its establishment, reflecting over two centuries of Methodist worship history.
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Queen Victoria’s 80th Birthday
VP-0068Published: 10 June 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastJohn T Soundy was knighted by Queen Victoria on her 80th birthday, marking a notable historical event in 1899.
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Frogmore House
VP-0070Published: 24 June 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastFrogmore House, a historic site near Windsor Castle, has hosted royals and now features expansive gardens and exhibitions.
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Ghosts and Ghouls of Windsor & Eton
VP-0064Published: 3 July 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastBrian Langston’s book explores over 200 ghost sightings in Windsor and Eton, revealing historical hauntings and new tales.
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Windsor Racecourse
VP-0063Published: 15 July 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastJim Beavis’s book chronicles Windsor Racecourse’s history, celebrating its 150th anniversary and detailing its royal connections and development.
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Old ‘Times in Old Windsor’ by David Knight
VP-0074Published: 22 July 2016
Source: Slough ObserverVolume: Views of the PastDavid Knight’s book on Old Windsor details its rich history, family memories, and evolving social landscape throughout the ages.