Welcome to Maidenhead

Maidenhead is located on the River Thames, in the county of Berkshire, approximately 32 miles west of London and 6 miles west of Slough.

The town has a population of around 60,000 with its borough, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, covering an area of approximately 200 sq kms.

It is an attractive, predominantly residential, riverside town whose charming old centre has remained largely unspoilt by the modern development which surrounds it. Once a busy staging post between London and Bath it remains popular with boating enthusiasts and walkers, and it is an ideal centre for exploring the nearby countryside. Its proximity to London makes it an attractive base for commuters working in the capital.

Maidenhead began life as a hamlet called South Aylington, close to the river. It sprang to life in the 13th century when the first wooden bridge was built across the Thames, putting it on the map as a staging post on the road from London to Bristol. A causeway was built from the bridge to the village and by 1297 a new wharf changed the name of the place to Maidenhyth. The little town grew as inns, stables, alehouses and smithies sprang up to serve the demand from travellers. It was granted its first charter in 1582 by Queen Elizabeth.

Historically the town's economy was based upon brewing, which still continues, and coaching; in the 18th century Maindehead was the busiest coaching stop in the country.The town's present industries include computer software, plastics, pharmaceuticals, printing, and telecommunications. Maidenhead is in England's 'Silicon Corridor' and many residents commute to work in London, Slough or Reading.

The name Maidenhead is likely to derive from the Saxon 'Maiden-hythe' meaning "New Wharf", referring to a landing point on the Thames. However its origins are not quite as clear as that. Although 'Hythe' is usually accepted as Saxon for "Wharf", there are many alternative explanations for the Maiden: Maegdena: Maidens' (Saxon) ; Moed: Timber (Saxon) ; Mawr-Din: Great Fort (transposed Welsh Celtic) ; Mai-Eadhainn: Great Cauldron (Gaelic Celtic) ; Midden: Rubbish Dump (Norman). If the name actually refers to "maidens" then it is possible these would be nuns from nearby Cookham. The present spelling of Maidenhead came in to use in 1724.

The motto of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is 'In Unitate Felicitas' which means 'In Unity Happiness'.