Kings Stables

The King’s Stables were first mentioned in 1480 in the short street leading east near Windsor Bridge. However, the stables may have existed even earlier and been associated with the 13th century Royal Park. This also served as a riverside wharf. Eton was an important route to Windsor from London and it is thought that the stables alleviated the need for heavy vehicles and horses crossing Windsor’s wooden Bridge. The first bridge was built in about 1170 and sometimes the horses either stayed on the Eton side with the heavier coaches which were used to go to London or possibly even swam across the river while passengers were ferried over. There are fourth generation residents in King Stable Street who still have copies of the land sale certificate from the Crown in 1818. The present stone bridge, built by Charles Hollis, was opened in 1822. It was eventually freed from tolls in 1898 and the toll house, on the Windsor side, was demolished in 1938. In 1970 the bridge was closed to traffic. Her Majesty The Queen unveiled a plaque to mark the restoration of the bridge in 2002