Windsor (IPA: usually , but also [ˈwɪndzə]) is a small town in Berkshire on the south-western outskirts of London, south of the River Thames. It is the location of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British royal family. The castle was originally established by King William I of England but has been substantially altered and added to over the centuries.

As a result of the royal residence Windsor has facilities usually found in larger towns: two railway stations, a theatre and several substantial hotels. The town is also the location of Legoland, built on the site of a safari park. On construction, several tons of hippo dung had to be removed from the enclosure used by the animals.

Transport

As well as bus links, and good road access from the M4 & A4 (via Slough and a 'Relief Road'), Windsor features two railway stations; Windsor and Eton Central station, and the Windsor and Eton Riverside station. The first station provide a one-stop route to Slough, where there is access to trains into London Paddington, or out west to Maidenhead and as far as Bristol. The latter station provides a direct route (with stops, but no changes) to London Waterloo. Both stations were built at around the same time in the 19th Century as the two train companies who owned the lines at the time wanted to carry Queen Victoria to Windsor, with the first line opened gaining the privilege.

Windsor is linked to the town of Eton (which is situated on the opposite bank of the River Thames) by Windsor Bridge. Originally a fully trafficked road bridge, Windsor Bridge is now for pedestrians only and provides an excellent walking route from central Windsor to Eton's High Street. To the south of the town lies Windsor Great Park and the towns of Old Windsor , Egham and Virginia Water.

Politics

The town is part of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and administered by an elected unitary authority. The mayor is Councillor Emrys Richards (Liberal Democrat).

The current MP for the Windsor constituency (which includes surrounding small towns and villages, such as Eton and Datchet) is Michael Trend (Conservative), who is retiring at the next General Election.

See also

Windsor Coat of Arms

• List of places in Berkshire
• List of towns in England

External links

• The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead website
• The Windsor site of one of the local newspapers
• The official website of Windsor & Eton Football Club
• ThamesWeb Windsor website