Peascod Street is one of the main streets in Windsor and home to several popular shopping locations. The street’s name is pronounced ‘pes-cod’ and comes from the traditional name given to land where back in medieval times, peas were farmed for the villagers. One of the oldest streets in Windsor, Peascod Street dates back further than Windsor Castle itself and was originally believed to be part of a tenth century parish associated structure in the eastern part of Berkshire, although much of the details are lost in the annals history. This is in contrast to most of the streets in Windsor which are believed to have been built around the 19th century, sharing the materials and style of the century. Peascod Street connects the main entrance of Windsor Castle down to the south west of the town. You can see the street from the castle hill as it sprawls its way down.
The street has housed a number of different independent businesses, activities and events over the centuries including shoes, clothes, hardware, grocers, butchers, hotels and stationary retailers and was even once home to regular boxing matches too. There are several banks around the street as well as numerous hair salons and typical high street brand name shops spread about the surrounding area. The department stores you can find on Peascod Street include the independently owned Daniels and Marks and Spencer amongst other established and well known retailers.
The independent Daniels department store is famous for its toy department that rivals Hamley’s in London. On the ground floor of Daniels is the Stars Hair and Beauty Sanctuary that is a five star rated beauty salon that boast a large list of celebrities and famous people that keep returning for its reputable service. One of the oldest companies in Windsor, famous since 1860 is Darvilles. Darvilles has held a Royal Warrant for their Peascod Street property since 1946 and are famous for their traditional attention to quality. As traditional retailers are bought out increasingly by larger chain retailers, its is refreshing to see independently owned businesses prospering in this area.
In 1963, the street was made one way, for traffic making its way away from the Castle and the eventually two initiatives for pedestrianisation were fulfilled, making the entire street pedestrianised in 1992. To make sure the new work on the road would not harm its historical appeal, the construction involved the use of traditional York Stone, brick and granite, in a variety of practical colours and textures. There are amenities for the blind as well as the disabled. One of the curious aspects of Peascod Street is that the numbering for properties begins on the east at High Street starting at four and makes its way up to seventy two, unconventionally not obeying the traditional odd and even numbering rule.
The street today is a great social area where both tourists and local residents can walk free from traffic, relax and browse a variety of both large and small shops.