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Waterloo Chamber | Celebrating the Battle of Waterloo

One of Windsor Castle’s most impressive highlights, the Waterloo Chamber was built between 1830 and 1831 to commemorate the Allied victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Commissioned by King George IV, the room is adorned with portraits of key figures, including monarchs, military leaders, and statesmen from Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria, serving as a grand celebration of military triumph.

Where is it located?

The Waterloo Chamber is part of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle.

How to access?

Access to the Waterloo Chamber is included with all Windsor Castle tickets. No additional ticket is required.

Things to know before booking Waterloo Chamber tickets

  • Ticketed entry: Entry to the Waterloo Chamber is included in your Windsor Castle ticket.
  • Check state apartment availability: The State Apartments, which include the Waterloo Chamber, may occasionally close for official events. Be sure to check the official Windsor Castle website on the day of your visit to confirm they will be open.
  • Accessibility: Step-free access is available via a lift from the North Terrace. Ramped access is also provided at various points across the castle grounds, though some routes between rooms, such as the Inner Hall and State Entrance, include steps.
  • Timings: The chamber follows Windsor Castle’s opening hours, that is 10am to 5:15pm (March–October) and 10am to 4:15pm (November–February). Entry typically closes 30 minutes after the last admission.

Why visit the Waterloo Chamber

waterloo chamber
  • Historic significance: The Waterloo Chamber celebrates the Allied triumph over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, featuring portraits of key figures including monarchs and statesmen from Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria.
  • Construction: Commissioned by King George IV between 1830 and 1831, the chamber is part of the State Apartments and showcases the grandeur and ceremonial style of Windsor Castle.
  • Artistic highlights: The walls are adorned with large-scale portraits by Sir Thomas Lawrence, including paintings of the Duke of Wellington and allied commanders.
  • Cultural symbolism: Beyond its military commemoration, the room reflects diplomatic unity among European allies and serves as a lasting testament to 19th-century British royal pageantry.
  • Unique fact: The Waterloo Chamber was specifically designed to host large state gatherings and to honour the Duke of Wellington’s leadership, making it both a historical and ceremonial centrepiece within the castle.

Historical and cultural significance of the Waterloo Chamber

The Waterloo Chamber is a space where history, art, and royal tradition converge. Historically, it was commissioned by King George IV to commemorate the Allied victory over Napoleon, with portraits of key figures by Sir Thomas Lawrence celebrating military triumph and diplomatic unity.

Over the centuries, the room has also adapted to host grand state events, musical performances, and special exhibitions, demonstrating its versatility and enduring relevance. Today, it remains more than just a gallery of historic portraits; the Waterloo Chamber is a living ceremonial space, hosting the annual Garter Day luncheon, investitures, and occasional cultural events, standing as a proud symbol of Britain’s royal heritage.

What can you see inside the Waterloo Chamber?

waterloo chamber

Portraits of Allied forces

The Waterloo Chamber proudly displays portraits of the Allied leaders who secured victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Commissioned by George IV, Sir Thomas Lawrence painted 28 full- and half-length portraits, including the Duke of Wellington, Tsar Alexander I of Russia and Emperor Francis I of Austria, all lining the walls of the chamber.

waterloo chamber

Classical design and detailing

Designed by Sir Jeffry Wyatville, the chamber showcases a more classical style in its proportions and detailing, offering a contrast to the Gothic Revival elements found elsewhere in the castle. Some of the highlights you just shouldn’t miss include the pierced and fretted timber ceiling, panelled walls adorned with Grinling Gibbons carvings, and the five cut-glass chandeliers commissioned by Prince Albert.

​Inside Windsor Castle

Popular artworks inside the Waterloo Chamber

Statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback in front of a neoclassical building.
Statue of Emperor Alexander I in front of a yellow building.
Equestrian statue of Emperor Francis I surrounded by trees.
Engraving of Frederick William III with detailed facial features.
Engraving of Field-Marshal Karl Philip Prince of Schwarzenberg in military attire.
Statue of Armand-Emmanuel, Duke of Richelieu, in historical attire.
Equestrian statue in front of Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum at sunset.
Engraving of General Viscount Hill in military uniform with medals.
Medal depicting Napoleon and Marie Louise's marriage.
Marble plaque with inscription of Pope Pius VII on a brick wall.
Engraving of Charles X of France in military uniform.
Engraving of William IV with detailed facial features and period attire.
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Duke of Wellington (Arthur Wellesley)

Led Britain’s Peninsular campaign with decisive victories at Salamanca and Vitoria, and as commander of the Anglo-allied army secured Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo in 1815.

Tsar Alexander I of Russia

As Emperor, he presided over Russia’s resistance to the 1812 French invasion and was a principal monarch of the coalition whose campaigns helped dismantle Napoleonic power in Europe.

Emperor Francis I of Austria

As Austria’s sovereign during the wars of 1813–14, he provided the political backing and resources for the Austrian armies that were central to the coalition victories that forced Napoleon’s abdication.

King Frederick William III of Prussia

After Prussia’s early defeats he presided over military reform and mobilisation; Prussian forces, reorganised and led by commanders such as Blücher, were decisive in the 1813–15 campaigns and at Waterloo.

Field-Marshal Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg

Commanded the principal allied army in the German campaign of 1813 and at Leipzig, playing a leading role in the coalition’s largest engagement against Napoleon.

Armand-Emmanuel, Duke of Richelieu

A key statesman of the Bourbon Restoration, he served twice as prime minister and helped stabilise France politically and diplomatically after Napoleon’s fall.

Archduke Charles of Austria

One of Austria’s most able commanders, he halted Napoleon at Aspern-Essling in 1809 and later influenced Austrian military reform and coalition strategy against French dominance.

General Viscount Hill

A trusted Wellington subordinate, he won distinction in the Peninsular War and commanded troops effectively at Waterloo and in several critical actions throughout the campaigns.

Napoleon II (Duke of Reichstadt)

The son of Napoleon I who never ruled or commanded armies; his significance is largely symbolic as a dynastic heir during the turbulent post-Napoleonic period.

Pope Pius VII

Imprisoned by Napoleon, he later presided over the restoration of the papacy’s temporal authority and symbolised the moral and religious revival across Europe after Napoleonic upheaval.

Charles X of France

As the last Bourbon king, his conservative policies after 1824 provoked the 1830 July Revolution and illustrated the fragile nature of restored monarchies in post-Napoleonic Europe.

William IV of Great Britain

A former Royal Navy officer who later reigned as king (1830–1837); his inclusion in later royal displays reflects his status as contemporary monarch rather than battlefield command in the Napoleonic wars.

Architecture and design highlights of the Waterloo Chamber

Windsor Castle interior with ornate ceiling, red carpet, and historical busts.

Timber ceiling

The Waterloo Chamber’s timber roof is one of its most distinctive architectural features. Designed to resemble the hull of a Royal Navy ship, the ceiling uses joined beams to create a sense of refinement. This ship-hull motif adds depth while reflecting early 19th-century neoclassical design trends. If you glance upward, you might feel like you’re standing beneath a majestic vessel in dry dock!

Waterloo Chamber in Windsor Castle with portraits and ornate ceiling.

Clerestory and natural light

Instead of relying on side windows, natural light streams in through a raised central section of the timber ceiling, forming a clerestory. This architectural choice illuminates the chamber, and emphasises the height of the roof. Walk into the room and notice how the sunlight seems to lift the entire space, creating a serene atmosphere.

Windsor Castle interior with ornate wood paneling and historical portraits.

Wood panelling and carvings

The walls are clad in rich, dark brown wood panelling, enriched with elaborate carvings of fruit, flowers, and swags by Grinling Gibbons. These carvings are integrated seamlessly with the panelling, providing both visual texture and a sense of opulence. Pause and run your eyes over the intricate details, and you can almost imagine the hands that crafted each delicate swirl and flourish.

Joie Chandelier crystal detail with light reflections.

Chandeliers

Yet another highlight of the chamber is the five large crystal and gilt chandeliers hanging from the raised timber roof, arranged along the length of the room. Their sparkling light draws the eye upward, emphasizing the exquisite craftsmanship above. Step beneath them, and it’s easy to feel as though you’ve entered a room still alive with royal ceremonies.

Windsor Castle interior with ornate chandeliers, tapestries, and gilded decor.

Flooring

The Waterloo Chamber features one of the largest single-piece handmade carpets in the world. While primarily decorative, its scale and pattern were carefully chosen to complement the vertical lines of the ceiling and panelling, inviting all who enter to imagine the footsteps of dignitaries and monarchs across two centuries of royal history.

​Windsor Castle's architecture

Know before you visit the Waterloo Chamber

waterloo chamber

Windsor Castle

  • Closed days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • Opening hours:
    • November 1 to February 29: 10am to 4:15pm
    • March 1 to October 31: 10am to 5:15pm
  • Waterloo Chamber: Entry closes 30 minutes before the castle’s closing time.
    • Nov–Feb: Last entry at 3:45pm
    • Mar–Oct: Last entry at 4:45pm
Windsor Castle timings

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1QF, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By bus: 702, 703
    Nearest stop: Parish Church (Stop J)
  • By train: GWR, South Western Railway
    Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central
  • By car: Via A4 and M4
    Nearest parking: Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road
  • By guided tour: Evan Evans Tours
    Nearest stop: Windsor Castle
Directions to Windsor Castle
waterloo chamber
  • Strollers and buggies are not permitted inside the Waterloo Chamber. However, baby carriers are allowed and can be used inside the chamber.
  • Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not allowed inside the State Apartments, which include the Waterloo Chamber. Smaller bags, such as handbags or small shoulder bags, are permitted, although they may be subject to security checks.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Waterloo Chamber. This rule also applies to other areas of the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
  • No food or drinks are allowed inside the Waterloo Chamber. However, you can use the cafés located on the castle grounds to purchase refreshments before or after your visit.
  • Pets are not allowed within Windsor Castle, but registered assistance animals are welcome and may accompany their owners inside the castle.
Guards in red uniforms marching with instruments in front of Windsor Castle.
  • Time your visit with the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony: Plan to visit the Waterloo Chamber just before or after the Changing the Guard at Windsor, which usually takes place around 11am, for a quieter experience.
  • Take time to admire the ceiling: Many visitors focus on the grand portraits but overlook the ceiling’s intricate plasterwork from George IV’s era. Step to the center and look up to admire the clerestory roof, shaped like the hull of a Royal Navy ship
  • Ask a warden about wartime repairs: During World War II, Thomas Lawrence’s portraits were removed and replaced with pantomime paintings for Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Some wardens even know where these playful artworks remain hidden behind the grand portraits
  • Visit later in the day for golden light: The Chamber has tall windows, so late afternoon (post 3pm) sunlight on sunny days pours in and illuminates the portraits beautifully, creating a much more atmospheric experience than the flat midday light.

Frequently asked questions about the Waterloo Chamber

Do I need a separate ticket to enter the Waterloo Chamber?

No extra ticket is needed! Your Windsor Castle entry ticket includes access to the Waterloo Chamber.

Is the Waterloo Chamber wheelchair accessible?

Yes! While there are some steps, there is a lift from the North Terrace and ramped access from several areas on the castle grounds, making it friendly for those with mobility needs.

How long should I plan to spend at the Waterloo Chamber?

Plan for at least 30–40 minutes to fully soak in the art, architecture, and incredible atmosphere. You might want even longer if you love history!

Can I visit just the Waterloo Chamber without touring Windsor Castle?

No, the Waterloo Chamber is part of the Windsor Castle experience and cannot be visited separately.

Is the Waterloo Chamber suitable for kids?

Definitely! The portraits and grand architecture can spark young imaginations. Sharing the story of the princesses staging pantomimes here during WWII makes it even more magical for young visitors.

Do I need to visit the Waterloo Chamber on my trip to Windsor Castle?

Yes! The Waterloo Chamber is one of the highlights of Windsor Castle, showcasing historic portraits and magnificent interiors that you won’t want to miss.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?

It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, you can sometimes purchase them on the day if availability allows.

Are there any restrictions on photography or filming inside the Waterloo Chamber?

Yes, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Waterloo Chamber.

Is there a dress code requirement for visiting the Waterloo Chamber?

There is no strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended as a sign of respect for the historic and ceremonial space.

What additional sub-attractions are included in the Windsor Castle tickets?

Your ticket also covers access to the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the castle grounds, among other highlights.

What is the best time to visit the Waterloo Chamber?

The best time of day to visit is in the morning (around 10am) or in the afternoon (post 3pm) when the castle is less crowded and you can enjoy the Waterloo Chamber more peacefully. The best time of the year to visit varies based on the experience you are looking for so make sure you plan your visit accordingly!

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