Garden, Church Street

Heritage Garden is in Church Street, one of the narrow streets parallel to the High Street, and originally laid out in the 13th century. It is the smallest open space in Windsor, built on the site of cottages burnt down in 1800. The fireplaces of the old cottages can still be seen on the back wall. A copy of the death warrant for Charles I is on the wall of The Old King’s Head opposite. Nell Gwynn, mistress of Charles II, was given Burford Lodge, in St Albans Street, and she lived there for a time.

These streets were built on the site of the original market place, part of the plan for the town of New Windsor, set out in about 1135. Church Street was known as Fish Street

from the 14th century until 1736, having been the location of the town’s fishmongers. The present Heritage Garden was formerly Church Street Gardens, but transformed into a sanctuary for residents and visitors alike. The traditional hopscotch game has been specially designed for the garden and shows the shields of some of the monarchs connected with Windsor. Details of how to play the game can be found on the back of the sign.