Farewell to history woman Hester

Campaigner and historian Hester Davenport has died aged 77.

Mrs Davenport, of Church Road, Old Windsor was for many years chairman of Windsor Local History Group and the author of several books about some of the town and its surrounding area's most colourful residents.

She was an acknowledged expert on writer Fanny Burney and the actress Perdita - a mistress of George IV

In 2011 she published her last book, designed to interest a new generation of children in their town. A Children's History of Windsor mixed fact and fiction through Hester's invented lead character, a boy called Borum who befriends a Roman soldier. She kept all the historical details about life in the town totally accurate.

Hester loved the past but was just as concerned about her town's future.

She joined campaigners against the controversial Royal Windsor Quay block near Windsor Bridge three years ago, writing to Prince Charles and MP Adam Afriyie.

Her funeral took place on October 3 at Slough Crematorium.

She leaves her husband Tony and daughters Imogen and Olivia. For a full appreciation of Hester, see next week's Express.