Maidenhead & Windsor

One of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's most famous former residents – and one of England's greatest literary figures – is to be honoured by two special events in Horton on Tuesday 9 December to mark the 400th anniversary of his birth.

John Milton, author of Paradise Lost, lived in the village from 1632 to 1638 and the celebrations are in response to a council motion from Horton and Wraysbury ward councillor John Lenton.

The programme starts at 12.30pm when the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, will unveil a blue plaque at the entrance to Milton's former home – Berkyn Manor Farm, Stanwell Road. This will be followed by a reception in St Michael's Church, featuring music by students from Churchmead and Slough Grammar Schools. There will also be readings by pupils from Wraysbury Primary School and the children of local ward councillor Colin Rayner.

At 7.30pm St Michael's will be the venue for a civic service attended by Windsor and Maidenhead borough councillors and local residents. Also in attendance will be the High Sheriff of Berkshire Dr Carolyn Boulter and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Gordon Story. The church will be decorated with flowers, photographs and a collage created by Wraysbury Primary pupils.

The address will be by the Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Rev Alan Wilson, and wreaths will be laid in the church at the tomb of Milton's mother. Afterwards a reception will be held at Champney Hall.

The Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Kemp, said: "This promises to be a very special commemoration of a great poet who had close associations with the Horton area of the Royal Borough. I am looking forward to the 400th anniversary events and, on behalf of the council, thank everyone involved for the hard work and painstaking research which has led to what I am sure will be an uplifting and enjoyable day."

The committee organising the events was chaired by Margaret Lenton, wife of ward councillor John Lenton and principal of Slough Grammar School.

Commemorative events started on 11 November when Deputy Mayor Cllr Catherine Bursnall unveiled signs in Stanwell Road highlighting the poet's connection with the village.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead