Maidenhead Berkshire

Maidenhead - A historical town with a history going back to early Saxon times, Maidenhead is located in the county of Berkshire within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead about 25 miles from central London. Maidenhead has a population of around 60,000 and lies on the River Thames, the famous bridge across the river was built in around 1777 (at a cost of £19,000), the original wooden bridge, first built in 1255 had a wharf built beside it and it is from this that the town is thought to have derived its current name (taken from 'New Wharf' or 'Maiden Hythe'). After the building of this first bridge, Maidenhead became an important stopping off point for travellers making the journey from London to Bath.

The railway arrived in Maidenhead in 1838 (Great Western Railway) and a railway bridge was constructed over the Thames designed by the great Isambard Kingdom Brunel. During the 19th Century Maidenhead became a popular riverside resort for London's rich and wealthy and the hotel beside the river became the haunt of notorious playboys of the time. After the arrival of the railway the town grew rapidly and in 1894 it split from the parishes of Bray and Cookham, becoming a town in its own right.

Maidenhead Today

Modern day Maidenhead is in the heart of 'communter country' and its strategic location on the A4 / M4 makes it an important town for the region. While many commute from Maidenhead to London and other large towns in the area, the town itself has some light industry and employs many in such industries as plastics, pharmaceuticals and computer software.

Maidenhead is well known for its football team Maidenhead United (known as the Magpies) which plays at York Road one of the oldest grounds in the world. Maidenhead United were formed in 1870 and were one of the original 15 entrants in the first F.A. Cup competition held in 1871-72.

Maidenhead Links: Maidenhead Map - Maidenhead Weather