A Right Royal Residence

Surrounded by thousands of acres of splendid gardens and open parkland, it was proclaimed by Samuel Pepys in 1666 to be “the most romantique castle that is in the world”! Her majesty uses the castle as both a family weekend retreat and as a Royal residence when more formal events take place involving politicians and public figures.

William the Conqueror built the original structure of timber and earth fortifications in the 1070s following his invasion of England. This fortress commanded a highly strategic position on a steep hill overlooking the River Thames constituting part of a ring of castles constructed around London, with the White Tower at its heart and only one day’s march away. By the end of the 12th century Henry II had rebuilt the castle in stone and added the Round Tower, most of the outer stone walls and the Royal apartments. Subsequent monarchs continued to extend the buildings to include such wonders as the immense George’s Hall used by the Knights of the Order of the Garter (Britain’s highest order of chivalry), St. George’s Chapel which is not only one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Western Europe, but also houses the remains of ten British kings, and further extravagant State Apartments containing murals and ceiling paintings by Antonio Verrio, wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and works of art by many famous artists.

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Windsor Castle was a great favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and in 1845, during Queen Victoria’s reign, the State apartments were first opened to public view. So great was their love of the castle that upon Prince Albert’s death his body was laid to rest in an impressive mausoleum built at Frogmore in Windsor Home Park. Windsor became home for the young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret during the dark years of World War II where they no doubt enjoyed the delights of Queen Mary’s Doll’s House which took 1500 craftsmen three years to perfect and is equipped with running water, electricity and working lifts!

On 20 November 1992, the Queen’s 45th wedding anniversary, fire broke out in the north-east of the Castle and quickly spread, damaging or destroying over 100 rooms. 15 hours and one-and-a-half million gallons of water later, the fire was extinguished. It took 5 years and £37 million to restore the building to its former splendour. With its sumptuous surroundings, acres of unspoilt countryside and dramatic history, Windsor Castle is a Right Royal Residence that must be visited to be believed.

By Jan Maytum
Photo: britainonview

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