Windsor has been a thriving business community for hundreds of years. Here’s a brief look at the history of business in Windsor, along with some fascinating ‘firsts’ and trivia about the town.
Business
A hundred years ago, traders in Windsor were all local businesses. Today the number of shops and other employers has grown considerably and many are now run by large multiples. That said, there are still plenty of small businesses trading in the town.
13 High Street has huge first floor windows which indicate the premises were originally used as a photographer’s studio. The vast glass area was necessary to allow sufficient natural light in the days before electricity.
1917 – Barclays set up its local head office at the corner of High Street and Peascod Street where it remains to this day. The same year, decorating firm FJ Lane opened in premises in Temple Lane, again still occupied today.
One of the bigger household names, .Marks & Spencers have occupied their premises in Peascod Street since 1933.
The Theatre Royal, rebuilt after fire in the 1920s, became the Royalty Cinema briefly. A visit by young actor John Counsell inspired him to relaunch the site as a Theatre, which he did successfully in 1938. The first production was Clive of India.
Windsor’s first telephone exchange opened in 1894. The first directory for the town had just 5 numbers: Rodgers & Denyers Silk Mercers, Caley & Son, Willis & Son Cycle Manufacturers, Brook & Son Stores, and Toomer & Son.
Famous firsts and trivia
In 1895, the first car on an English road was driven by the Hon. Evelyn Ellis (of Datchet) from Micheldever in Hampshire to Datchet passing through Windsor en route.
In 1896 Trooper Thomas Wooldridge was hanged in Reading gaol after murdering his wife. The incident inspired Oscar Wilde to write The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
In 1911 the first airmail delivery in the UK took place in Windsor. Pilot Gustave Hammell landed his place in Shaw Farm meadow with letters including one for the Windsor postmaster.
King Edward VII Hospital was one of the first hospitals to use insulin treatment for diabetic patients in the early 20s.
King Edward VIII made his famous abdication speech from Windsor Castle in 1936.
The first double-decker ‘Green Line’ bus began a daily service from Windsor to Tunbridge Wells in 1949, at the time claimed to be the most advanced passenger vehicle in the World.
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