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Contents
Detailed History of Windsor Castle | Timeline, Events, and More
Windsor Castle, an iconic royal residence in Windsor, Berkshire, is the oldest and largest inhabited castle, steeped in history and architectural grandeur. The castle encompasses many buildings, including the opulent State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and beautiful gardens. Its architectural grandeur showcases a blend of styles, from medieval fortification to Gothic and Baroque influences.
As a testament to its outstanding universal value, Windsor Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, recognizing its significance as a royal residence and its contribution to human culture. It stands as a symbol of British heritage, attracting visitors from all around.
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Windsor Castle history explained
1070: William the Conqueror
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, William the Conqueror recognized the location's strategic importance, establishing a wooden fortress. This marked the humble beginnings of what would become one of British Royalty's most enduring symbols. The fortress was strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the Thames, offering a vantage point for defense and control of the region.
1165-1179: Henry II
Recognizing the need for a more substantial and fortified structure, Henry II embarked on an ambitious project to replace the wooden fortress with a formidable stone stronghold. The stone castle's sturdy walls and defensive features, including towers and battlements, would fortify the site against potential threats and serve as a symbol of royal power and authority.
1240-1263: Henry III
The stone walls of Windsor Castle were further reinforced under Henry III. He also invested heavily, building a luxurious palace for his queen and their children. He also built the Lady Chapel, often compared to Sainte-Chapelle in Paris for its size and grandiosity. Unlike previous expansions, Henry's decorations had religious overtones, with the Upper and Lower Wards presented as private and public faces of the monarch.
1344-1377: Edward III
During the reign of Edward III, Windsor Castle underwent an expansion project that elevated it to a grand royal residence. The project encompassed the addition of buildings and architectural elements, including the magnificent State Apartments. These opulent living quarters featured luxurious chambers, reception halls, and private apartments fit for royal residents and their guests.
1475: Edward IV
During the reign of Edward IV, the visionary monarch commissioned the construction of St. George's Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle. The construction of St. George's Chapel began in 1475 and spanned several decades. The chapel embodies the craftsmanship of the late Gothic style, boasting intricate stonework, soaring vaulted ceilings, and magnificent stained glass windows.
1629-1642: Charles I
An art connoisseur, Charles I paid a great deal of attention to the aesthetics of the castle and spent efforts into beautifying it. The chapel gallery was improved in a Mannerist style and a baroque gold service was added to the St George's Chapel. The Upper Ward fountain was replaced by a classical statue. These renovations came to a stop when the castle was taken over by John Venn during the English Civil War and valuables were looted.
1668: Charles II
Before the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, squatters had taken over the castle. However, Charles II attempted to bring the castle back to its former glory. He reordered repairs on Windsor Castle, imitating French design and the Louis XIV style. The castle was also expanded to hold a court, without a King's Council chambers, setting the precedent for the next 25 years.
1760: George III
By the 1740s, wealthy tourists could pay to see the Windsor Castle as the rooms deteriorated. This trend was reversed by George III, taking to renovating the castle and the surrounding gardens. The exteriors in the Upper Ward were transformed into a Gothic palace, restyled with new battlements and turrets. New paintings were bought and collections from other royal houses were also moved to the palace.
1824-1840: George IV
George IV reintroduced the French Rococo style to England. The terraces were closed off for privacy and the Upper Ward exteriors were remodeled to their current state. The Round Tower was raised to appear more dramatic and many State Apartments were rebuilt. More towers were added and the Charles II statue was moved from the Upper Ward. Modern commentators often criticize these changes against the previous design of Windsor Castle.
1901: Edward VII
As soon as Edward VII come to power, he set about modernizing Windsor Castle. He introduced electric lights, heating, telephone lines, and automobile garages. He found Windsor cluttered and personally was on a mission to declutter and redecorate the castle. Under his reign, the marathon was run from Windsor Castle in the 1908 Olympics.
1910: George V
George V continued the modernization processes of his predecessor Edward VII. His wife, Queen Mary of Teck reacquired furniture lost or sold from the castle. She also had a mini dollhouse commissioned that was designed by Edwin Lutyens, consisting of over 1500 contributions from artists and craftspeople, books, electricity, running water, and functioning lifts. George also renamed the royal family the House of Windsor in 1917.
1992: Elizabeth II
After Elizabeth II came to the throne, Windsor Castle was her preferred weekend retreat. However, much of the castle had deteriorated. A fire in 1992 that lasted 15 hours destroyed most of the castle. Renovations were funded by opening the Buckingham Palace at selected times. The restoration process was completed in 1997, making Windsor Castle more modern and discarding much of its previous appearances.
Windsor Castle today
Today, Windsor Castle is a remarkable testament to British heritage and serves as an active royal residence. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle globally. A favorite for Elizabeth II until her death, the estate was passed on to King Charles III. However, King Charles and Camilla have resided at Clarence House since their wedding in 2005, and Windsor Castle is currently unoccupied by the royals.
With its prestigious role as a ceremonial and State residence, the castle hosts official events, receptions, and royal ceremonies. Windsor Castle's rich history, panoramic views, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive royal experience.
Inside Windsor CastleFrequently asked questions about Windsor Castle's history
Is Windsor Castle older than Buckingham Palace?
Buckingham Palace is just over 300 years old after it was built in 1703. Windsor Castle, on the other hand, is over 900 years old! The original wooden castle was built by William the Conqueror sometime in 1070 following the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Did the royal family get their name from Windsor Castle?
Yes. The British Royal family were originally named Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. However, fearing they would be associated with the Germans during World War I, King George V relinquished the German name and adopted the castle's name, and the House of Windsor came into being in 1917.
How many monarchs have lived at Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle has been home to 39 monarchs since it was built in the 11th century. Today, it is the oldest and the largest occupied castle in the world. Windsor Castle was Elizabeth II's favorite weekend retreat for most of her reign and was her primary residence from 2011 until her death.
What important events have taken place at Windsor Castle recently?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2018. Prince Philip passed away at Windsor Castle at age 99 in 2021, making him the longest-living male member of the British royal family. Elizabeth II was also laid to rest at St George's Chapel in 2022.
Where is the Windsor Castle?
The official address of Windsor Castle is Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom. It is approximately 72 kilometers from London and easily accessible by train. Follow these directions on Maps. You can also book a day trip from London to Windsor Castle to save you the hassle of arranging your transport to and from the castle.
How much does it cost to visit the Windsor Castle?
Standard Windsor Castle tickets start at £30. This includes entry to the castle, the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Semi-State Rooms, and a multilingual multimedia guide. A guided tour of Windsor Castle, though more expensive, would ensure a more immersive experience with afternoon tea and British pasties. However, a day trip from London to Windsor Castle would cost you £79 to £159 depending on the attractions and facilities included with the ticket.
