Our History

The Windsor and Eton Society grew out of the widespread national determination following the Second World War to build a better society in Britain. Leading citizens of Windsor and Eton were similarly determined that these two closely involved towns should take on a new and better life.

From the first, Sir Owen Morshead, Librarian of Windsor Castle, Mr R Weatherall, an Eton ‘beak’, Mr Raymond South, a Windsor Councillor and History Master of Windsor County Boys’ School, were involved. They saw the urgent need for establishing such a local citizens body.

As a result of their discussions, a meeting was arranged at Windsor Guildhall on Friday, January 18th 1946. The large attendance unanimously agreed to the formation of a society to be called Windsor and Eton Society. It was to be non-party and non-sectarian and the first of its objectives was to encourage among people of Windsor and Eton an active interest in the history, present affairs and future prospects of their towns and to afford them the opportunity for constructive suggestions.

Milestones

  • 2015  An initiative to create a list of Non-Designated Heritage Assets (NDHA) was launched
  • 2013  Summer afternoon visits to local places of interest  introduced
  • 2012  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II  inaugurated the installation in King Edward Court, ‘Sixty Spheres for Sixty Years’, which was designed by a pupil from The Windsor Girls’ School. This commemorated Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.
  • 2011  The Windsor and Royal Borough Museum opened in Windsor Guildhall
  • 2010  The Society initiated a competition and fund for a tribute to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
  • 2006  Opening of Church Street Heritage Garden on 9th June. An initiative by W&ES together with Windsor District Chamber of Commerce with the help of a Lottery Heritage Grant
  • 2002  Datchet Road pump restored and a commemorative plaque fitted
  • 2001  Society raised nearly £5000 to plant 50  trees  on five sites to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Sites were Alexandra Gardens, Home Park, St Peter’s School, Old Windsor Day Centre and  Osborne Road roundabout where a commemorative plaque was placed.
  • 2000  Quarterly meetings with RBWM officers and local Councillors established to discuss local planning and environmental issues
  • 2000  BAA Heathrow three year sponsorship obtained for Senior Schools Forum
  • 1999  Windsor Heritage incorporated into the Society
  • 1994  Local Senior Schools invited to present projects based on current local issues to the Annual Forum
  • 1991  Annual Forum established with various local residents’ associations and local members of Borough Council
  • 1982  Small Guidhall Museum closed
  • 1977  Miss Doris Mellor awarded MBE
  • 1977  Architecture and Planning and Landscape sub committees amalgamated
  • 1975  Bachelors Acre registered under provisions of Commons Act of 1965
  • 1974  The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead formed in Local Government reorganisation
  • 1970  Major Tree Survey of all significant trees in the Borough
  • 1969  Start of the battle for Bachelors Acre with diligent research by Miss Doris Mellor
  • 1969  First Windsor Festival
  • 1967  Yehudi Menuhin concert out of which The Windsor Festival was born
  • 1966  Formation of a Landscape Sub-Committee to maintain vigilance on the Royal Borough’s heritage of land not already occupied by buildings with Doris Mellor as secretary
  • 1964  Architectural and Planning Sub-Committee formed to assist the Town Council with safeguarding local amenities and to alert the public to threats to the amenities of Windsor and Eton
  • 1961  Windsor Heritage group formed
  • 1961  Inaugural Annual Dinner
  • 1961  First Windsor Facelift
  • 1951-52  First series of Music Concerts
  • 1951  Proposals made to the Council for restoration of the Guildhall to incorporate permanent exhibition
  • 1951  Princess Elizabeth opened exhibition in the newly restored Guildhall
  • 1949  Small Windsor History exhibition set up in the Guildhall
  • 1948  Small archaeological group formed to gain material on the history of Windsor
  • 1948  First ‘Guide to Windsor and Eton’ sponsored by the society
  • 1947  First outings arranged and first AGM held in October
  • 1946  18th January Meeting at The Guildhall agreed to the formation of The Windsor and Eton Society