The King’s Stables in the short street leading towards the east, near Windsor Bridge, were first mentioned in 1480. However, the stables may have existed even earlier and been associated with the 13th century Royal Park.
They also served as a riverside wharf. Eton was an important route to Windsor from London and it is thought that the stables alleviated the need for heavy vehicles and horses to cross Windsor’s wooden Bridge.
The first bridge was built in about eleven seventy and the horses either stayed on the Eton side with the heavier coaches, which were used to go to London, or possibly even swam across the river, while passengers were ferried over.
Eton High Street leads from the bridge through the town to the College. Many royal processions have made their way along the High Street, most notably the funeral procession of Henry VIII’s third wife, Jane Seymour, in 1537.
There are fourth generation residents in King's Stable Street who still have copies of the land sale certificate from the Crown in 1818.
The present stone bridge, built by Charles Hollis, was opened in 1822.
It was eventually freed from tolls in 1898 and the toll house, on the Windsor side, was demolished in 1938.
In 1970 the bridge was closed to traffic.
Her Majesty the Queen, unveiled a plaque to mark the restoration of the bridge in 2002.
Continue along the High Street for about 75m to the distinctive red pillar box on the right hand side by the Golden Curry Restaurant.
