Secret Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham

Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham are 19 miles west of central London, linked by road and river. The Romans found primitive wooden bridges crossing the flood plains of the Thames, Colne and Wraysbury rivers, and it became an important inland port/trading town due to its strategic position. It retained its prominence through waterpower and reinvented itself with a make-over in 2003. Laleham is a quiet riverside village with twenty-five listed buildings, including Thomas Arnold's school, Muncaster House.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Staines-upon-Thames, situated 19 miles west of central London, is a vibrant town connected to its neighboring village of Laleham through road and river links. The river in this area exhibits a unique stranded or braided character, which was a significant feature for the Romans when they arrived in AD 43. During their conquest, they discovered a series of primitive wooden bridges spanning the floodplains of the Thames, Colne, and Wraysbury rivers. These bridges were named Ad Pontes, meaning "at the bridges" in Latin. As a result, Staines became an important inland port and trading town, owing to its strategic location along the vital road route from London to the West Country. Its prominence endured through the centuries, fueled by the power of water that drove mill machinery, grinding flour, mustard, fulling fabric, producing papier-maché, ale, and linoleum. These products achieved global success, marking a remarkable era for Staines.

However, as commerce replaced industry, Staines underwent a remarkable transformation. It embarked on a massive makeover, creating impressive shopping precincts, offices, and homes. The town's commitment to sustainability was recognized in 2003 when it received the prestigious Town Centre Environment Award for its ambitious development projects. While some remnants of the past were preserved, Staines has managed to retain its secrets through a series of twenty-six monumental site-specific representations scattered along the Roman backbone of the town. These artworks, part of the social fabric of everyday life, unveil fascinating tales that captivate visitors.

Continuing your journey beside the Thames, you arrive at Laleham, a tranquil riverside village with immense charm. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of former Laleham resident Thomas Arnold, the renowned Headmaster of Rugby immortalized in Tom Brown's School Days. His school, the present Muncaster House, is just one of twenty-five listed buildings in the village, each with its own intriguing history. A leisurely stroll along its picturesque lanes offers a glimpse into the past, making Laleham a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 164 x 234 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398115569