Windsor Castle: Re-establishing Norman Dominance in London
I cannot begin to express how amazing it was to see Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and biggest perpetually maintained stronghold. This is not just an exalted portrait of bastions and turrets, but it is also one of the Queen’s primary palaces. When you see the Royal Standard swaying across the Round Tower, you know she is back. Because the Queen was at home at the time of my visit, I was unable to see the estate’s opulent apartments and staterooms. However, when we observed the Change of Guard ritual, our guide gave us some interesting facts.
Windsor Castle is the official location for royal meetings and significant state events. It is in Berkshire, about 30 minutes from downtown London. I could tell this weekend house of Queen Elizabeth II was a regal ensemble of 11th-century rich architecture and obvious Norman emotions even just a fleeting glance at its imposing exteriors. This castle was pitched by King William during the Norman invasion and is now the world’s most inhabited castle, with 500 people living and working within its walls.
Five years after his heroic invasion of England, King William ordered the construction of a sand and wood castle across the Thames River. In 1170, his great-grandson Henry II rebuilt Windsor Castle in stone. Following then, a succession of sovereigns left their mark on this massive structure. While Edward III added Gothic influences, Charles II added baroque emulation, and George IV had his artisans ensure Windsor’s character as that of a mediaeval palace. On days when the Queen is not present, guided tours carry visitors around the castle precincts, which are divided into the lower, middle, and upper wards.
During this trip, you’ll also get access to complimentary audio tours of luxurious state residences, chapels, and other areas that are normally off-limits. This extensive castle, which has undergone the aforesaid reconstructions has over a thousand rooms in various architectural styles. However, photography is not allowed in the State Apartments or St. George Chapel. The prevalence of the natural stones used in this castle includes Silica or Quartz, which ensures that Windsor sparkles when the sun rotates around it.
Architects put a lot of attention into building weatherproof and attack-proof castles back in the day, which is why they are still standing today. They finished the project by adding prolonged pathways, a trail of lovely trees, and gigantic gardens to the castle. Windsor Castle, which has housed over thirty-nine kings since its creation, has held royal history in its arms. Here is a list of some of the most essential places you should see while you’re here.
Table of Contents
State Apartments
A grand staircase flanked by antique armour leads to the State Apartments, which exude majesty with their ornate facades, paintings, and chandeliers. The Kings and Queens Rooms consist of ten luxurious chambers created by Charles II. Royal portraits and paintings by Bruegel, Gainsborough, Hans Holbein, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck may be found in these halls.
Riches and relics bestowed or earned from the British Empire are on display in the Grand Vestibule, which is led by Queen Victoria’s statue. St George Hall, located behind the State Apartments, still hosts state dinners beneath a high-rise ceiling adorned with painted Knights of the Garter shields.
Inner Hall
George IV created The Inner Hall in the 1820s as a receiving sphere for formal guests and chiefs of state. This Hall was closed down by Queen Victoria in 1866, and its entrance was barred by a stone wall. For over 150 years, the Hall was mostly utilised as storage. Inner Hall was reopened to the public in 2019.
Layers of paint were peeled away during the renovation of this Hall, revealing the ornate regal ceiling by stuccoist Francis Bernasconi. Stone artefacts believed to be buildings erected by Henry I about 1110 are on exhibit. The guest entrance is linked to the State Entrance Hall and provides an ever-changing view of the Long Walk.
St George’s Chapel
St George’s Chapel is a stunning Gothic structure. This chapel was nominated for the Order of the Garter by Edward IV in 1475. Along with Westminster Abbey, St George’s Chapel acts as a royal tomb.
In 2018, it was here that Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Henry VIII and Charles I are buried in the chapel under the magnificently carved 15th-century Quire, while the Queen’s father George VI and mother Queen Elizabeth are buried in an adjacent chapel. On Sundays, St George’s Chapel is closed. Except on Wednesdays, you may attend choir at 5.15 p.m. on all other days.
Queen Mary’s Dolls House
As you approach the State Apartments, make a pit stop at the Queen Mary’s Doll House to see the incredible miniature creations. Sir Edwin Lutyens created and completed this collection in 1924, with extraordinary ‘attention to detail.’ Electric lighting, flush toilets, tiny crown treasures, wine vault, silver tableware, and a squadron of six garage vehicles are all included in the setup.
Albert Memorial Chapel
The Albert Memorial Chapel, dedicated to Edward, was the Order of the Garter’s holy place of worship until St George’s Chapel became the official chapel in 1240. When Prince Albert died in Windsor Castle in 1861, Queen Victoria had the chapel demolished and rebuilt as a tribute to her husband.
The shaft was thereupon issued an exquisite vaulted ceiling with Italian gold mosaic parts from Venice. Even though the chapel has a colossal homage to Prince Albert, he is cremated with Queen Victoria at Windsor Great Park’s Royal Mausoleum. Prince Leopold, their youngest son, is buried here.
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a distinguished performance of a military band clad in crimson uniforms and bearskin hats that left me speechless. The march is backed with victorious songs and plenty of foot-stamping. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11 a.m., this ritual brings big crowds to Windsor Castle. To avoid standing in line, get your tickets online.
A free 30-minute guided tour is provided upon arrival! The Changing of the Guards event is scheduled by the British Army. You won’t be able to bring food or beverages inside, so you’ll have to stash them in a hidden bag. If you are thirsty, go to the Courtyard Shop at the entry and get some bottled water.
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