Windsor Castle - the largest inhabited castle in the world
Windsor Castle - the largest inhabited castle in the world
The Castle was founded by William the Conqueror c.1080 as one of the chain of fortifications round London.
When first built, the Castle was entirely defensive, but easy access from London and proximity to the old royal hunting forest soon recommended it as a royal residence.
The Castle was converted into a Gothic palace and the seat of the new Order of the Grater. The Lower Ward was transformed for the College of St George.
Founded on 6 August 1348, the College compromised the Dean, twelve Canons, and thirteen Vicars-Choral to conduct regular services.
The Queen is officially in residence at Windsor twice a year: in April and also in June, when the annual Garter Service is held in St George’s Chapel with the installation of new Knights. The Castle is used alternately with Buckingham Palace for ceremonials visits from Heads of State of other countries. The Queen and her family also spend most of their private weekends at the Castle.
Because of the Status of the building as a working royal palace, objects are sometimes moved. Pictures and work of art are also frequently lent to exhibitions all over the world, so the arrangement may vary from time to time.
As many other castles, Windsor Castle has his own fire.
In 1992 fire destroyed or damaged more than 100 rooms at the Castle. By good fortune the rooms worst affected were empty at the time, and as a result, few of the Castle's artistic treasures were destroyed.In 1994, oil was discovered on the grounds of the Castle, and the Queen granted permission to sink an exploratory well to test the reserves, which experts predicted could be worth more than $1 billion.Any resulting profits would have been split between the oil company and the state.The restoration programme was not complete until 1997. The total cost of repairing the damage was £37 million The restoration was undertaken at no additional cost to the British taxpayer.
St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England.
Within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I.
Edward IV built the present St George’s Chapel to the west of Henry III’s Chapel.he also added a new range to the west of the State Apartments which Elizabeth I extended by a Long gallery.
The immediate environs of the castle, known as the Home Park, comprise parkland and two working farms. Gardens are open to the public on certain days of the year.
The Queen is officially in residence at Windsor twice a year: in April and also in June, when the annual Garter Service is held in St George’s Chapel with the installation of new Knights. The Castle is used alternately with Buckingham Palace for ceremonials visits from Heads of State of other countries. The Queen and her family also spend most of their private weekends at the Castle.
The State Apartments :
The Grand Staircase
The Grand Vestibule
The Ante Throne Room
The King’s Drawing Room
The King’s Bed Camber
The King’s Dessing Room
The King’s Closet
The Queen’s Drawing Room
The Octagon Lobby
The King’s Dining Room
The Queen’s Ballroom
The Queen’s Audience Chamber
The Queen’s Presence Chamber
The Queen Guard Chamber
St George’s Hall
The Private Chapel
The Lantern Lobby
The Grand Reception room
The Garter Throne Room
The Waterloo Chamber
Contact details
Ticket Sales and Information Office
The Official Residences of The Queen
London SW1A 1AA
Telephone (+44) (0)20 7766 7304
Fax (+44) (0)20 7930 9625
E-mail bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Opening hours
Open daily
March to October
09:45-17:15 (last admission 16:00)
November to February
09:45-16:15 (last admission 15:00)
The Castle is closed:
15 June 2009
25-26 December 2009
State Apartments closed:
13-15 June 2009