OLD WINDSOR

'Old Windsor' is a large village in the English county of Berkshire.

Contents

Location

History

The Great Park

Famous people

Sport and leisure

Location

Old Windsor is located just south of the large town of Windsor and near to the villages of Englefield Green and Datchet. It sits on the Thames, and provides a pleasant walk along the river's edge in summer.

History

Old Windsor was originally the site of an important palace of the Saxon Kings. Certainly the settlement is documented as a defended royal manor in Edward the Confessor's time (1060s), but archaeological evidence suggests royal connections had existed since at least 9th century. Old Windsor was popular with the monarch because of its convenient location: near the river for transport and Windsor Forest for hunting. Old Windsor was also an early minster location and market, probably associated with a lock (hence the need for a winch) and important riverside mill complex. The Saxon palace was eventually superseded by the Norman castle at 'New' Windsor. The medieval manor house, however, became a popular Royal hunting lodge, at a time when the castle was a fortress rather than a comfortable residence.

The Great Park

Main articles: Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park is largely within the bounds of Old Windsor, including both the Royal and Cumberland Lodges.

Famous people

Old Windsor is the home of several famous people, including golfer Nick Faldo, Sir Elton John, who lives at Woodside on the edge of the Great Park, singer Natalie Imbruglia and also Lisa Scott-Lee from the pop group Steps. The actress Geraldine McEwan was born in Old Windsor.

Sport and leisure

★ Old Windsor Astrology Club

★ Old Windsor Lifeguard Club