Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs. Located in the county of Berkshire, England, it serves not only as a royal residence but also as a powerful symbol of British heritage. It is a working palace, used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions, and was the favorite weekend home of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A Royal Home for 1,000 Years
The castle's history is a timeline of the British monarchy.
The Fortress (11th - 12th Century)
Construction began around 1070. William the Conqueror chose the site high above the River Thames to guard the western approach to London. It started as a timber motte-and-bailey castle. Henry II rebuilt the walls in stone and constructed the first version of the Round Tower.
The Palace (14th - 19th Century)
Edward III, born at Windsor, turned the fortress into a gothic palace in the 14th century, spending a fortune to create a headquarters for his new Order of the Garter. Later, Charles II modernized the interiors with baroque splendor to rival Versailles. George IV added the iconic height to the Round Tower and created the distinct skyline we see today.
St George's Chapel
Within the castle precincts lies St George's Chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world, established in 1348. The Garter Knights, chosen personally by the Monarch, still meet here every June for Garter Day.
The chapel is also a royal mausoleum. It contains the tombs of ten monarchs, including:
- Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour.
- Charles I (beheaded during the Civil War).
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who are buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her parents.
The Order of the Garter Ceremony
Each year in June, the castle hosts the spectacular Garter Day procession. The King and the Knights of the Garter put on their grand velvet robes and plumed hats and process through the castle grounds to St George's Chapel. It is one of the most colorful and traditional ceremonies in the British royal calendar, dating back to the medieval tournaments of Edward III.
The State Apartments
Visitors can explore the State Apartments, which are used for ceremonial and state occasions. They are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection.
- The Waterloo Chamber: Created to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon, the walls are lined with portraits of the monarchs, soldiers, and statesmen who contributed to the victory.
- The King's Dining Room: A baroque masterpiece with a ceiling painting by Antonio Verrio depicting a banquet of the gods.
- The Semi-State Rooms: These were the private apartments created for George IV. They are particularly opulent, featuring rich decoration and gilding. Note that these rooms are only open during the winter months (October to March).
Queen Mary's Dolls' House
A marvel of miniature engineering, Queen Mary's Dolls' House was built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, consort of King George V. Designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an aristocratic home. It is not a toy, but a work of art. It features working electricity, running hot and cold water, flushing toilets, and a library filled with tiny books written specially by famous authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling.
The Fire of 1992
On November 20, 1992—part of what the Queen famously called her "Annus Horribilis"—a massive fire broke out in the Queen's Private Chapel. A faulty spotlight ignited a curtain, and the blaze quickly spread, destroying 115 rooms, including the magnificent St George's Hall.
The restoration took five years and cost £36.5 million. It was hailed as a triumph of craftsmanship. St George's Hall was restored with a new hammer-beam roof made from sustainable English oak, designed to look medieval but using modern techniques.
Frogmore House
Located in the private Home Park near the castle is Frogmore House. This white, Georgian country house has been a favorite retreat for royal women, including Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria's mother. It is known for its beautiful gardens and the Royal Mausoleum, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are buried. Frogmore House is only open to the public on select days in the summer, usually for charity, making it a rare and special site to visit for true royal enthusiasts.
The Castle Guards
Windsor Castle is guarded by the Foot Guards of the Household Division, easily recognizable by their red tunics and bearskin caps. Unlike museum guards, these are fully operational soldiers. The Changing of the Guard ceremony offers a fantastic display of British military precision and music, usually taking place at 11:00 am (check the schedule). Seeing the guards march up the High Street and into the castle is a highlight for many visitors.
Visitor Tips
- The Long Walk: For a breathtaking view of the castle, take a stroll down the Long Walk, a 2.6-mile (4.2 km) tree-lined avenue that leads straight to the castle gates. You might see deer in the Great Park.
- Castle Flag: Look at the flag flying from the Round Tower. If it is the Royal Standard, the King is in residence. If it is the Union Jack, he is not.
- Security: Airport-style security is in place. Avoid bringing large bags or sharp objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the castle open every day?
- Generally yes, but as a working royal palace, it can close at short notice for state events. St George's Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays as it is used for services.
- Can I see the King?
- It is unlikely, but the King does use the castle frequently, especially on weekends. If you see the Royal Standard flying, he is there.
- How do I get there from London?
- Take the train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (55 mins) or from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (change at Slough, 30 mins).