Heritage
A house, in its own words
The story begins in 1770 when a modest apothecary opened beside Windsor Castle. The shop served locals with herbal remedies and early scented balms, establishing a reputation for quality in the royal borough. By 1970 the original premises had fallen into disrepair, and Roger and Kathleen Knowles purchased the property. They cleared out the old stock, revived the brand name and introduced a line of contemporary fragrances that still referenced the original recipes. In 1974 Woods of Windsor launched its first women’s fragrance, a floral composition that marked the brand’s entry into the modern perfume market. The 1980s and 1990s saw a steady stream of releases, including Forget Me Not (1982) and Mimosa (1997), each drawing on archived formulas from the 18th‑century pharmacy. The early 2010s brought a renewed focus on British terroir: Bergamot & Neroli and Cedar Woods arrived in 2013, followed by Pomegranate & Hibiscus in 2014, expanding the house’s palette beyond traditional florals. In 2016 the brand was acquired by Lornamead, a global beauty company that also owns Yardley London. This change provided new distribution channels while preserving the heritage‑focused ethos. More recently, Woods of Windsor teamed with English Heritage to develop three scents inspired by historic landmarks, reinforcing its commitment to cultural storytelling through scent. Throughout its evolution the house has maintained a link to its apothecary origins, using archived recipes as a foundation for contemporary creations.
Woods of Windsor treats perfume as a living archive. The brand believes that historic formulas can speak to modern sensibilities when they are presented with clarity and respect. It draws inspiration from English gardens, heritage sites and the natural landscape surrounding Windsor. The company emphasizes natural ingredients, sourcing essential oils from regions known for sustainable harvests. It markets itself as vegan‑friendly and cruelty‑free, a stance that aligns with its broader ethical outlook. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, the house curates scents that tell a story – whether a rose from a 19th‑century garden or a citrus blend that evokes the River Thames. The partnership with English Heritage illustrates a belief that fragrance can act as a cultural bridge, allowing wearers to experience a place through scent. Creative decisions are guided by archival research, yet the brand encourages contemporary interpretation, allowing perfumers to adapt old structures to current tastes while preserving the original character.