History of Windsor

The historic towns of Windsor and Eton have grown up over the centuries in the shadows of Windsor Castle.

Its imposing towers and battlements loom large from every approach to the towns, creating one of the most spectacular skylines.

Windsor was of particular importance to the Norman conquerors given the significance of the River Thames as the main trade route from the capital to the country.

The cobbled streets of Windsor around Windsor Guildhall hold many surprises, with buildings dating from the 17th century.

The Old King’s Head in Church Street bears a plaque recording the warrant for the execution of Charles I in 1648.

A few doors along is Burford House, reputed to be where Charles II housed his favourite mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Queen Charlotte Street is one of the shortest streets in Britain at just 51 feet, 10 inches.

Just a short stroll from Windsor Castle, across the River Thames, is the picturesque 15th-century Eton High Street and the world-famous Eton College.

Explore Windsor's history on a guided tour or self-guided trail

Why note follow our self-guided Heritage Trail or have a guided tour to get the most out of your visit?

You can also follow The Queen’s Walkway in Windsor or the Eton Walkway to discover more fascinating history and points of interest in our towns.

Commemorative Blue Plaque Scheme

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead operates a scheme of commemorative blue plaques which mark where famous people have lived or where some memorable event has taken place. Find out why they are remembered and where the plaques are located.

A brief history

10th century Saxon palace existed in Old Windsor.

1070 William the Conqueror (1066-87) fortified the hill, and settlement grew around the ‘castle’.

12th century A church existed on the site of St Johns.

1193 Prince John captured the castle.

13th century A substantial timber bridge stood on the site of the present Windsor Bridge. Eton began to grow. A thriving town stood on what is now High Street, Castle Hill and St Albans Street.

1215 Magna Carta signed, downstream at Runnymede.

1216 Castle besieged by barons disloyal to King John (1199-1216).

1230 Henry III (1216-72) began replacing timber with stone and the castle perimeter took its present form.

1277 Edward I (1272-1307) made the town a free borough.

14th century Edward II (1327-77) turned the fortification into a royal residence.

1440 Henry VI (1422-61) founded Eton College.

1475 Edward IV (1461-83) began St George’s Chapel.

1597 Shakespeare wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor.

17th century In the Civil War (1642-8) the Parliamentarians took control of the castle. Charles I was held here before his trial and execution in London. His body was returned to St George’s Chapel for burial.

1687 Windsor Guildhall was completed by Sir Christopher Wren (most famous for St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London). The statues on the north and south faces are of Queen Anne (1702-14) and her husband Prince George of Denmark. The covered area within the columns used to be the town’s Corn Exchange.

18th century Windsor was a wealthy town. The elegant buildings in Sheet Street and Park Street were built.

1801 Population 3,200.

1822 St John the Baptist’s Church was dedicated.

1823 Thomas Telford built Windsor Bridge.

1827 George IV (1820-30) added 30ft to Windsor Castle’s Round Tower and was also responsible for the elaborately decorated State Apartments.

1842 Holy Trinity Church was consecrated.

1849 The railway came to Windsor. The GWR bridge, spanning 200 feet, was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The line from Slough to Windsor has the longest continuous span of brick arches in the world.

1851 The town was described as one of the dirtiest and unhealthiest in the country.

1901 Popuation 14,100.

1902 Alexandra Gardens was laid out on the site of the old slum area.

1908 The Theatre Royal was built, after the previous one burnt down.

1917 King George V changed the royal family’s official name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to the House of Windsor.

1970 Traffic was banned from Windsor Bridge.

1992 Much of Windsor Castle is destroyed by fire. More than 100 rooms, covering an area of 7,000 square metres, were damaged in the blaze, which is thought to have been started by a spotlight shining on a curtain.

1997 The castle reopens after extensive work to return it to its former glory after the devastating fire five years earlier.

2022 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee celebrating 70 years of service.

2022 Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 8 September. Following the State Funeral at Westminster Abbey on 19 September Queen Elizabeth’s coffin is brought home to Windsor. The late Queen is laid to rest in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.