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.
Slough Museum Slough Central Library, 85 High Street, Slough SL1 1EA
Celebrates the past, present and future of the town. Slough Museum information
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Ditton Road Slough SL3 8PT MAP The Heathrow/Windsor Marriott Hotel is situated 0.3 miles from the M4 and 4 miles from Heathrow Airport. With en suite rooms, a restaurant, pizzeria and bar, there is also a health club. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, tennis courts and... More Information and Book ... |
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Cippenham Lane Slough SL1 2YE MAP The Copthorne Hotel Slough is less than 10 minutes’ drive from historic Windsor. It has extensive leisure facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool and a gym. All of the modern, airy rooms include free use of the hotel’s leisure facilities... More Information and Book ... |
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Poyle Road Colnbrook Slough SL3 0FF MAP Located less than 10 minutes’ drive from Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 and set in landscaped grounds, is the Hilton London Heathrow Airport. Soundproof windows feature in all rooms and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The M25 motorway is 1-m... More Information and Book ... |
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Old Bath Road, Poyle, Colnbrook Slough SL3 0NZ MAP A luxury 'Queen Anne' style hotel with a relaxing atmosphere located in the historic village of Colnbrook and Poyle, just 10 minutes’ drive from Windsor, and Heathrow Airport terminals. Arora Park has 119 bedrooms specifically equipped and designed to ... More Information and Book ... |
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Wexham Park Lane, George Green Slough SL3 6AP MAP Within 15 minutes of Legoland and Windsor, this hotel set in 5 acres of mature parkland is ideal for families and business guests alike. The Pinewood Hotel offers a luxurious setting in a tranquil location, and has been designed with elegant interiors a... More Information and Book ... |
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Gibtel Lodge & Cafe Slough SL3 8QQ MAP With free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking, Gibtel Lodge & Cafe is 0.5 miles from the M4 motorway and 10 minutes’ drive from Heathrow Airport. The cafe provides freshly cooked meals. A TV, free tea and coffee and a hairdryer are included in every bright,... More Information and Book ... |
Try a day trip to Windsor and Eton, or even a boat trip on the Thames. French Brothers at Clewer Boathouse in Windsor, 2 miles from Slough, provide trips for tourists.
Towns Near Slough To Visit - straight line distance:
Eton Tourist Information (1.65 miles) Datchet Tourist Information (1.77 miles) Windsor Tourist Information (2.00 miles) Old Windsor Tourist Information (3.50 miles)