Several of the most significant developments in Slough's history have been linked to transport. For many years Slough was just a small village, and it was not until the beginning of the coaching era that things began to change.

It was in the late 1500s that coaches started to become common, and as trips could take several days it was necessary to have places along the major routes where people could stop off overnight.

One of these major routes was the road between London and Bristol (and later Bath), and Slough - together with Salt Hill to the west - became one of the main stopping-off points on the route, with several inns catering for the needs of coaches.

However, it was the coming of the railway in the 1800s that began the transformation of Slough from a village into a large town. With much quicker and easier transport to and from London, Slough became an attractive place to live, or to set up a business.

One of the main reasons that the War Office decided to set up its' motor repair depot in Slough was the access to the railway. When this depot was transformed into the Trading Estate, it was the final impetus for Slough to grow into the town it is today.