Windsor is dominated by its castle, built on a chalk hill, which for more than 900 years has served as the Royal Family's summer home.
Windsor Castle is one of the world's most beautiful residences and is also its largest inhabited castle. The royal flag flutters from the top of the Round Tower whenever the Queen stays in Windsor. When she is not here the state apartments can be viewed.
About a dozen monarchs have either added to Windsor Castle or altered it. The founding of the present site dates from the time of Edward III, after William the Conqueror had had the first castle built in 1078. Henry I, Henry II and Henry III had the castle strengthened by the addition of stone constructions and defensive fortifications. In 1189 the English barons laid siege to the castle and beat the Welsh troops of Prince John, the later King "John Lackland", who had to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 in nearby Runnymede.
Edward III, who was born in Windsor, had the old fortress torn down and through William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, had other fortifications and enlargements, including the Round Tower, carried out. Under Elizabeth I the north terrace was added. During the reign of Charles II the picturesque castle site was transformed into a comfortable castle home, which following rulers, however, used only seldom. Renewed restoration work using plans drawn up by the architect Sir Geoffrey Wyattville followed under George IV, William IV and Victoria.
The cost of repairing the damage caused by the great fire at the end of 1992 has been estimated at millions of pounds, with the work probably taking several years.
Curfew Tower, built in 1227, which incorporates some of the oldest masonry in Windsor castle. The front and the roof were rebuilt in 1863. Within the tower is part of a 13th century dungeon, with the beginning of an escape tunnel which was frustrated by the thickness of the walls. Straight ahead from the gateway are the Horseshoe Cloisters (restored 1871).
Home Park encloses Windsor Castle to the north and east. Inside the park stand Frogmore House and Mausoleum, in which Queen Victoria is buried together with Prince Albert. Great Park extends along the south side of the castle for 5.6mi/9km and has an impressive stock of red deer.
On the south side of the Lower Ward are the houses of the Military Knights of Windsor, who belong to The Most Noble Order of the Garter. The Horseshoe Cloisters (named after their shape) were built between 1479 and 1481 in the half-timbered style. Dean's Cloisters and Canons' Cloisters, the former homes of the dean and the canons, are also very picturesque.
Edward III established at Windsor Castle in 1348 The Most Noble Order of the Garter, the kingdom's highest order. Only 26 knights or ladies may belong to it, although their number can be added to by "extra knights". The order is thought to have been founded at a festival at which a lady of the court lost her garter. This resulted in much laughter and caused Edward to remark that shortly it would be an honor for his knights to receive such a garter. The Most Noble Order of the Garter was an attempt (following King Arthur's Round Table) at the end of the Middle Ages, when the knighthood was already in decline, to establish a select group of brave men and women, who would protect the knightly virtues. The order's insignia comprises on celebratory occasions a chain with the inscription "The George", and at certain events a ribbon with the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (Evil be (to him) who thinks evil of this), which men wear below their left knee and women on their left upper arm.
The Round Tower, surrounded on three sides by a deep moat, was originally built by Henry II, and raised to twice its height by Wyattville in 1830. The climb up to a 79ft/24m-high viewing platform is rewarded by a marvelous panoramic view.
The Savill Garden is located on the edge of Windsor Great Park. It contains a wide variety of plant material in a natural setting. Shrubs, Alpine meadows and a formal garden of roses and herbaceous plants are only some of the points of interest in the Savill Garden. The Valley Gardens have a wide variety of flowering plants that bloom throughout the year.
Address: Savill Garden & Valley Gardens, The Great Park, Windsor SL4 2HT, England
Hours:
March 1 to October 31: 10am-6pm
November 1 to February 28: 10am-4:30pm
Always closed on: Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Gardens open all year around, from dawn until dusk.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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The palace grounds at Windsor Castle.
Grounds of Windsor Castle.
Details at Windsor Castle.
Exterior view of Windsor Castle.
The lush gardens of Windsor Castle.
