Probably originating from a Saxon wharf on the River Thames, called Maiden Hythe, Maidenhead developed in its early days as the hamlet of Elentone (located about a mile away from present day Maidenhead), it had just 50 inhabitants when the Domesday Book was compiled, it was built some distance from the river as in rainy weather flooding is common in this area, and it did not begin to grow until the first bridge was built over the River Thames in 1255 by order of Henry III. The present day bridge was constructed in 1777 and cost nineteen thousand pounds at the time. The current spelling of the name was first used in 1724 and by this time Maidenhead was an important watering town for visitors passing through from London to Bath and many coaching inns sprang up in and around the town, other trades such as blacksmiths also flourished and at one time it had 4 breweries. The railway arrived in 1838 and this caused further growth for the town and established it as a commuter town for those working in London, though Maidenhead is a good area for jobs, it is still a popular commuter town to this day. Modern day Maidenhead has a population of just under 60,000 and is a busy town well known for its football club Maidenhead United, other sporting facilities include the Maidenhead Golf Club. Interestin places to visit near to Maidenhead include the village of Cookham which is a pretty village also on the River Thames and famous as the birthplace of artist Sir Stanley Spencer. Maidenhead is situated on the A4 and can also be easily accessed from the M4 motorway.
Guide to Maidenhead Berkshire: http://www.maidenhead.my-towns.co.uk/