Windsor Castle is a castle in the small town of Windsor, the residence of British monarchs. For almost 1000 years, the castle has been an unshakable symbol of the monarchy, towering on a hill in the valley of the River Thames.
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| Windsor Castle |
General Information
The silhouette of the castle is known to every inhabitant of the country, especially the large Round Tower, on which the royal standard flutters during the stay of the kings.
The first castle was built of wood after the Norman Conquest on a hill above the Thames. From it was one day's journey to the main residence of William I in the Tower of London. The first of the kings at Windsor was Henry II, who rebuilt the castle in stone around 1165.
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| Windsor Castle |
Upper yard
In this part of the castle there are buildings of the 13th century, including the Waterloo Chamber of 1832, erected in honor of the victory at Waterloo. Here is also the hall of St. George, built in 1362-1365. It was badly damaged in a fire but subsequently rebuilt. The royal apartments abound with real treasures: canvases by Canletto, Van Dyck, Hans Holbein, Rembrandt, Rubens, Hogarth, Gainsborough and Constable. Visitors enjoy looking at Queen Mary's dollhouse, specially made in 1923 by Edwin Lutyens in 1:12 scale, with miniature books and paintings, electric lighting and running water.
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| Windsor Castle |
Lower yard
Of all the buildings of the castle, the most impressive is the one built in 1475-1528. Gothic chapel of St. George with elegant stone carvings and vaulted roof.
The Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in 1348, has 24 members. Their high carved chairs stand in the chapel under their personal banners and coats of arms. 10 monarchs are buried here, among them Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, the beheaded Charles I, George V and George VI.
In 1861, the 13th century chapel was restored. and named the Albert Memorial Chapel in memory of Queen Victoria's beloved husband, the Prince Consort. In addition, there are other buildings and a signal tower.
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| Windsor Castle |
Great Park and Eton
200 hectares of Windsor Great Park are covered with a network of hiking trails. The classic rose gardens, occupying 14 hectares, hedges of evergreens and luxurious deciduous trees are very spectacular.
A footbridge spanning the Thames north of the city leads to Eton, where Eton boys in top hats and tailcoats can be seen. This is the most privileged school in the country, founded in 1440. 18 of its graduates became prime ministers.