History of the Museum

The Early Days

The first Museum exhibition was opened in the Guildhall by Princess Elizabeth in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. It had been created by local resident, Maitland Underhill, who then became the first Curator. People had donated local objects many of which are in the Collection today. The exhibition was so popular it remained at the Guildhall until 1982.

Historical image of a Princess Elizabeth in a formal outfit, accompanied by men in robes, observing displayed artifacts in a museum setting.

In 1982 the Collection was then moved into storage but was displayed for a few weeks every summer for ten years. Local residents formed the Friends of the Royal Borough Museum Collection, and campaigned for a permanent Museum. Through their determination and hard work in fund-raising, promoting, and petitioning, a permanent Museum was established in 2010. Its ambition was to tell the story of the people of Windsor and the surrounding area.

Opening of the Museum

The Windsor & Royal Borough Museum was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 9th December 2011. From 11th March 2011, over 20,000 people visited the Museum ahead of its official opening. Housed on the ground floor of the Guildhall, it displayed some of the 13,000+ artefacts from the Museum’s Archive Store.

The Queen and Hester Davenport smiling and engaging in conversation, one wearing a purple hat and coat, the other in a light-colored blouse, with a Christmas tree in the background.
HM Queen Elizabeth II with Hester Davenport
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II meeting Brigitte Mitchelll at a public event, with others observing in the background.
HM Queen Elizabeth II with Dr Brigitte Mitchell

Closure due to COVID

On 17th March 2020, the Museum temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the ensuing lockdowns, the Museum went online with virtual tours, online educational resources and exhibitions, and even podcasts.

A group of people socializing in the Museum, enjoying refreshments and snacks on a table, with displays in the background.
Celebrating the Museum’s 10th birthday
Group of people gathered in front of the entrance to the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, showcasing a warm atmosphere with historical architecture in the background.
Staff and Friends on the Museum’s 10th birthday

Re-opening

On 12th March 2022, the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, officially re-opened the Museum after COVID-19 and a refurbishment, including the relocation of the Visitor Information Centre into the Guildhall.

A formal event featuring Prince Edward in a tuxedo cutting a purple ribbon at a museum opening, accompanied by guests and museum staff in professional attire.
HRH the Prince Edward
A group of people gathered in a museum setting, listening to Prince Edward, with displays and artifacts visible in the background.
Meeting Staff and Friends
Prince Edward in formal attire stands next to a plaque commemorating the 2022 re-opening, with blue fabric draped above the plaque.
Unveiling of the plaque

The Earl also unveiled a plaque commemorating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the centenary of King George V, confirming Windsor as a Royal Borough.

Location Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, The Guildhall, High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LR Phone 01628 685686 Email wrbmfriends@gmail.com Hours Tues & Wed 10am - 4pm
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