Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is strongly associated with the English and later British royal family and embodies almost 1,000 years of architectural history. Originally constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century following the Norman invasion, it has since been used by 40 reigning monarchs and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The castle's lavish State Apartments and historic St George's Chapel are celebrated globally, and it remains a favoured weekend home for King Charles III and a central venue for ceremonial and state occasions.

History

The site's strategic importance, overlooking the River Thames and an old Saxon hunting ground, was recognized by William the Conqueror, who built a motte-and-bailey fortress here around 1070. Henry II began replacing the wooden palisades with stone walls in the 12th century, notably constructing the iconic Round Tower on the original motte. Significant expansions occurred under Edward III, who transformed it into a Gothic palace and founded the Order of the Garter there in 1348. The Wars of the Roses saw the castle serve as a key military base, while Henry VIII and Elizabeth I made extensive use of it as a court and diplomatic centre. Following the English Civil War, Charles II extensively remodelled the interior in Baroque style, and after a period of neglect, major renovations were undertaken for George IV by architect Jeffry Wyatville in the 1820s, giving the castle its largely symmetrical silhouette seen today. A devastating fire in 1992, which began in the Private Chapel, severely damaged the State Apartments and St George's Hall, leading to a major five-year restoration programme funded by opening Buckingham Palace to the public.

Architecture and grounds

The castle's architecture is a palimpsest of styles from medieval to modern Gothic Revival. The complex is divided into three distinct wards: the Lower Ward houses St George's Chapel, the final resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII, Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother; the Middle Ward is dominated by the Round Tower atop the original Norman motte; and the Upper Ward contains the private royal apartments and the sumptuous State Apartments. Notable rooms include the Grand Reception Room, the Waterloo Chamber (commemorating the Battle of Waterloo), and the Crimson Drawing Room. The extensive grounds include the manicured East Terrace Garden and the sweeping, tree-lined Long Walk leading into the Great Park, part of a larger ancient hunting forest. The estate also encompasses the adjacent Home Park, which contains the royal burial ground at Frogmore.

Royal residence and use

As an official residence of the sovereign, the castle is a working palace and a key venue for state and ceremonial functions. It hosts the annual Garter Day ceremony for the Order of the Garter in St George's Chapel and the traditional Royal Maundy service. It served as the primary wartime refuge for King George VI and the future Queen Elizabeth II during the Blitz in World War II. In modern times, it was the preferred weekend retreat of Queen Elizabeth II, who spent most of her private weekends there and hosted numerous foreign dignitaries, including Ronald Reagan and Nelson Mandela. Major family events have been held within its walls, including the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle and the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Castle in art and culture

Windsor Castle has been depicted by countless artists, most famously in the numerous idyllic views painted by Canaletto during the 18th century. It features prominently in the works of William Shakespeare, particularly in the historical plays *The Merry Wives of Windsor* and *Henry VI, Part 3*. The castle and its grounds have provided a backdrop for many films and television series, including *The King's Speech* and the Netflix series *The Crown*. Its image is globally recognized, featuring on currency, stamps, and as a symbol of the British monarchy, deeply embedded in the national consciousness through events like the televised Christmas broadcast and the annual Windsor Horse Show.

Governance and staff

The castle is part of the Occupied Royal Palaces Estate, held in trust by the sovereign and managed by the Royal Household. Day-to-day operations and maintenance are overseen by the Royal Collection Trust, which also manages public openings and the care of the vast Royal Collection of art and furnishings displayed within. The military association is strong, with the Household Division providing the King's Guard, and the castle is the headquarters of the Military Knights of Windsor. Senior staff include the resident Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle, a historic office, and the Dean of Windsor, who is responsible for the ecclesiastical life of St George's Chapel.

Category:Royal residences in the United Kingdom Category:Castles in Berkshire Category:Tourist attractions in Berkshire