St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle

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From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

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What is St George's Chapel?

St George's Chapel is a jewel of architectural splendor, royal heritage, and spiritual significance! Built in the 1400s, it has witnessed centuries of royal weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies.

As one of England's finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, an architectural style that developed in England in the Late Middle Ages, St George's Chapel captivates visitors with its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and majestic stained glass windows. The chapel's exterior, with its imposing towers and elegant facade, commands attention and reverence from all who behold it.

St George's Chapel is also more than just its architectural beauty. Kings, queens, and royal family members are buried here, including Henry VIII and even the recent Queen Elizabeth II. St George's Chapel is a living testament to the enduring traditions of the Order of the Garter, Britain's oldest and most prestigious chivalric order.

St George's Chapel | Quick facts

Official name: St George's Chapel
Year of opening: 1511
Function: Place of worship

Why visit St George's Chapel

Architectural masterpiece: St George's Chapel's stunning architecture is a sight to behold, showcasing intricate Perpendicular Gothic design and impressive craftsmanship.
Royal burials: The chapel is a burial place of many monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and the late Queen Elizabeth II, adding a sense of regal grandeur to your visit.
Wedding bells for royals: If you love a good royal wedding, this chapel has seen its fair share. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot here in 2018, which drew worldwide attention.
Service at a royal chapel: St George's Chapel is still an active place of worship, hosting regular services and events. Experiencing a service within its hallowed walls can be a deeply moving and spiritual experience.

St George’s Chapel service hours

Services at St George’s Chapel are open to the public on:

Monday to Saturday:
Holy Communion: 8am
Evensong: 5:15pm (On Wednesdays)
Sunday:
Holy Communion: 8:30am
Sung Mattins: 10:45am
Sung Eucharist: 12pm
Evensong: 5:15pm

St George's Chapel highlights

Gothic architecture

St. George’s Chapel features stunning Perpendicular Gothic architecture, characterized by its high ceilings with fancy arches, walls covered in detailed carvings, and stained-glass windows that look like works of art. The architecture itself is a testament to the skill and artistry of medieval craftsmen.

Quire

Admire the beautifully carved wooden seats in the choir section, where the Knights of the Garter sit during the annual Garter Service. The quire is carved with tons of detail, like heraldic stall plates and fan vaulting, and it even has knights' coats of arms on it.

Stained glass windows

The giant stained-glass windows are colorful storyboards showing scenes from the Bible, important saints, and other religious motifs. The colorful glasswork adds to the chapel's spiritual atmosphere and provides a glimpse into medieval religious art.

Chapter House

Right next to the chapel is the octagonal room called the Chapter House, the meeting room for the Knights of the Garter. This room features a high, arched ceiling decorated with the knights' symbols and a big pillar in the center. It's where the Garter have their ceremonies, gatherings, and important discussions!

Nave

Walk down the main aisle of the chapel called the Nave. As you make your way towards the altar, keep an eye out for all the memorials, plaques, and artwork on the walls. These commemorate past kings, queens, and other notable people connected to the chapel's history.

Organ

The chapel's massive organ is renowned for its powerful sound and exquisite craftsmanship. It is often used during services, concerts, royal weddings, and funerals, including Prince Philip’s funeral, adding a musical dimension to the overall experience.

Choir screen

Check out the intricate screen that separates the choir area from the main aisle. It's ornate, with all sorts of carvings and delicate details. It serves as a visual barrier while allowing the sounds of the choir to resonate throughout the chapel during services.

Cloisters

Tucked around the chapel, you'll find these peaceful walkways called cloisters. They're like little courtyards with pretty arches and beautiful architectural details. It's a perfect spot to relax after exploring the chapel and enjoy some quiet time with a view of the Windsor Castle grounds.

Plan your visit to St George's Chapel

Timings: 10am to 4pm

Sunday: Only open for worship

Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

Best time to visit: If you plan to attend a service, attend the Holy Communion at 8am or the Evensong at 5:15pm. If not, plan to visit before 11am or after 3pm to avoid crowds.

If you prefer a more peaceful visit, aim for a visit between October and February. Be warned that it can get a bit brisk out there! May to September is when the weather shines (literally and figuratively) but expect more company.

Best time to visit

Address: 2 The Cloisters, Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK

St George's Chapel is tucked in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle. The castle itself sits on a high spot overlooking the River Thames, about 21 miles west of central London.

Getting to St George's Chapel

Wheelchairs: The chapel is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available. Wheelchairs are also available for loan on-site, although availability may vary.
Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance. These spaces are conveniently located to minimize the distance required to reach the chapel.
Toilets: Accessible restroom facilities equipped with grab bars and other accessibility features are available within Windsor Castle.
Guide dogs: Service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome inside St George's Chapel and throughout Windsor Castle.
Listening devices: The chapel offers assistive listening devices for visitors with hearing impairments, allowing them to better hear guided tours, audio presentations, or services.
Staff assistance: The staff at Windsor Castle are trained to assist visitors with disabilities and can provide guidance and support as needed.

History of St George's Chapel

During the reign of Edward IV, the monarch commissioned the construction of St George's Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle. Construction 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. A baroque gold service was added to the chapel during the reign of Charles I.

Detailed history

Architecture and design of St George's Chapel

Built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, St George's Chapel showcases the intricate Perpendicular Gothic style. Highlights include the remarkable 15th-century choir stalls, which were further embellished by Henry Emlyn in the 1700s. The chapel seamlessly blends these historical layers, featuring a striking Victorian door and staircase used for significant ceremonies. The east window is also Victorian with stained glass, but another oriel window on the north side is even older. Historians claim this chapel is one of England's best examples of Gothic architecture.

More about architecture

Frequently Asked Questions about St George's Chapel

Can I visit St George's Chapel with Windsor Castle tickets?

Yes, a standard Windsor Castle ticket provides entry to St George's Chapel. The ticket also provides access to the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, the Round Tower, the China Museum, and Queen Mary's Doll's House.

Can I attend a service at St George’s Chapel?

Yes, you can attend a service at the chapel for free. You do not need to buy a ticket. Arrive at the King Henry VIII Gate (the visitor exit) 15 minutes before the service begins.

Is there music at all the services?

The Chapel Choir normally sings 6 days a week and does not sing on Wednesdays.

Is photography allowed at St George's Chapel?

No, photography or recording of any kind is not allowed inside St George's Chapel or the State Apartments. However, you are free to take photographs outside the castle premises.

Is there a cafe at St George’s Chapel?

No, there is no cafe. However, feel free to visit the Undercroft Cafe at Windsor Castle near the State Apartments during opening hours.

Is St George's Chapel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, St George's Chapel is wheelchair accessible, provided the wheelchairs are compatible with lifts. You can also reach out to the staff at Windsor Castle for any assistance as they are trained to help visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair entry to the chapel is through the North Door, and ramps are available.

Is there a dress code for visiting St George's Chapel?

No, there is no mandatory dress code to be followed inside St George's Chapel. However, since this is a place of worship, it is expected to wear modest clothes and avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, or tank tops.

Are there any restrooms available at St George’s Chapel?

There are no restrooms in the chapel. However, you can make use of the facilities in the Windsor Castle North Terrace and cafe during the castle opening hours.

Can I get married at St George's Chapel?

No. Only knights, Windsor Castle residents, College of St George residents, and members of the royal family can get married at St George’s Chapel, with the King’s permission.