Yesterday, Queen Victoria greeted visitors at Windsor & Eton Central as the Great Western Railway celebrated the 175th anniversary of securing the opening of the town’s inaugural railway station.

Her Majesty was accompanied by Prince Albert and several other Victorian gentry lookalikes as guests, including the Mayors of Slough and Windsor and Maidenhead, who enjoyed a grand Royal celebration.

In the 1840s, the Great Western Railway (GWR) was engaged in a competition with the London & South Western Railway for the Queen to inaugurate the first station in Windsor.

GWR launched the line from Slough to what is now known as Windsor & Eton Central station, originally named Windsor, on October 8, 1849.

After resolving complications with a bridge near Datchet, the London & South Western Railway’s Windsor & Riverside station was officially opened on December 1, 1849.

“Windsor & Eton Central is one of the most iconic stations on our network and we’re incredibly proud of its rich history.

As with so much of the Great Western, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who have provided us with such a rich heritage: from Isambard Kingdom Brunel who planned the route, to all who have updated, transformed and maintained the branch line since.

It’s been wonderful to reflect on 175 glorious years of history and the part Great Western Railway played in transforming this town with a station befitting of its Royal status.”

GWR Sales & Marketing Director, Amanda Burns