Slough Tourist Information

Slough probably takes its unusual name from the slough or muddy land between Upton-cum-Chavley and Eton.

The town's main industry before 1800 was brickmaking and Eton College was constructed from Slough bricks.

The town developed over the years by incorporating many settlements along the Great West Road (between London and Bath and Bristol).  Inns and pubs quickly developed along the road to serve the coach trade.

Slough's population grew still further after the railway arrived in Slough in 1840.  In 1842 Queen Victoria made her first ever railway journey between Slough and Bishop's Bridge, near Paddington.  Soon after a branch line was opened between Slough and Windsor and Eton Central to make rail travel more convenient for the Queen.

Following World War I, the boggy area west of the town was developed to form the UK's first trading estate.  With its excellent transport links and proximity to Heathrow Airport, the Slough Trading Estate has made the town one of the most important trading centres in the South-East of England, and made famous as the setting for "The Office".

After World War II large housing estates were built at Slough to accomodate the Londoners who had lost their homes in bombing raids.  Today Slough is home to the main campus of Thames Valley University.  The ambitious new 'Heart of Slough' project aims to make the town a national and European centre for creative media, information and communication industries.

One of Slough's most famous residents was the astronomer, William Herschel (1738 - 1822).  Herschel and his sister Caroline created the first true map of the universe at his house in Windsor Road, Slough.  The astronomer is buried at St Laurence's Church, Upton.  In this 900 year old building are a series of recently installed stained-glass windows commemorating Herschel's work 

Another famous person associated with the town is Gerry Anderson.  In the 1960s his 'Supermarionation' company was based in Slough and the Thunderbirds series was filmed there.