Windsor Castle

The largest occupied fortress in the world, Windsor Castle has been home to Kings and Queens for over 900 years.  First built in wood by William the Conqueror to guard the western approaches to the city, the distinctive silhouette still stands proud of the skyline as one travels into London from the west. To this day Windsor Castle supports a large community of staff and residents.

Windsor Castle has evolved over time; Henry II rebuilt in stone faithfully following the lines of the Round Tower and outer walls.  Edward III added St George’s Hall as a meeting place for the newly founded Knights of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the land.  Henry VIII completed work on the magnificent St. George’s Chapel, one of the finest examples of medieval European architecture still standing.

Fast forward to the English Civil War and the Battle of Edgehill when Republican forces routed the Royalist followers of Charles I and Windsor Castle fell into the hands of Cromwell to be used as an HQ and Prison.  Never had the castle been more vulnerable.  Just one vote in parliament saved Windsor Castle from demolition.

Following the restoration, the newly crowned Charles II, refurbished and embellished, adding colourful murals, ceiling paintings, intricately carved panelling and the magnificent Long Walk, a 5 kilometre path leading south from the Castle into Windsor Great Park.  Then came George IV, Britain’s most flamboyant and creative monarch responsible for the exquisitely exotic Brighton Pavilion. George went to town, adding turrets, towers and crenulations and the Waterloo Room, a homage to the Statesmen, Kings and Emperors who conspired to defeat Napoleon – even Pope Pius VII gets some wall space.

It’s easy to chart the history of the castle in a succession of monarchs, events and architecture but one must never forget that it has also been a home and a retreat for the highest family in the land.  Ten monarchs chose St George’s Chapel as their last resting place; Shakespeare premiered his play, ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ in the Castle Library for Elizabeth I.  Mad King George (the third) was secreted away at Windsor, went blind and died there ten years later and his son, George IV, having redecorated, held wild parties there so they say.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert loved Windsor and the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were evacuated there during World War II.  One can image their distress when in 1992 a major fire broke out damaging over 100 rooms; even Prince Andrew helped in the ensuing fight to save hundreds of irreplaceable works of art.

All is now restored.  HRH Queen Elizabeth II spends many of her weekends there when state duties allow, hosting formal and private family functions and enjoying the freedom of Windsor Great Park.   The question is, does she worry about the ghosts - Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, King Charles I & King George III to name but a few!

Plan your visit to Windsor

• Windsor Castle - Hotel & Ticket Package - one of three official residences of Her Majesty The Queen and home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. Package includes accommodation at a selection of hotels in the Windsor area and tickets to Windsor Castle
• Windsor Hotels - browse a comprehensive list of hotels in Windsor
• Windsor & Eton Bus Tour- book a hop-on/hop-off open topped bus tour of Windsor and Eton to see all there is to see in these historic towns