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WindsorCastle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is an official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent State Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Rubens, Holbein, Breugal and Van Dyck. The State Apartments are decorated formal rooms still used for state and official functions. • Windsor Castle is less than an hour by train from central London.
Windsor Castle was first built by William the Conqueror, following his invasion of England in 1006. The original structure was built from timber with earth fortifications. The Castle held an obvious strategic position on a steep hill overlooking the River Thames, and was part of a ring of castles around London, with the Tower of London, one day’s march away, at its heart.
The Castle was later rebuilt in stone, and grew in importance over the years. Henry II constructed the Round Tower and the original stone outer wall. Following the English Civil War, the Castle’s primary role became that of a royal palace. The Castle has remained largely unchanged since the early nineteenth century, apart from the restoration work following the fire. • The Fire of Windsor Castle took place on 20. November 1992. The Castle was renovated, and was re – opened in 1997 after five years of work. The cost of renovation was £ 37 million.
St George’s Chapel, within the Castle Precincts is one ofthe most ecclesiastical buildings in England. It was started in 1475 by Edward IV and was completed fifty years later by Henry VIII. It ranks among the finest examples of late medieval architecture – perpendicular gothic – in the UK. Ten monarchs are buried in the Chapel, including Henry VIII with his wife Jane Seymour. The Chapel is the Chapel of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain’s highest Order of Chivalry. The Order was founded by Edward III in 1348 and the Garter Knights are selected by the Queen. The Ceremony of the Garter takes place on 14th June 1999, and is attended by the Garter Knights, the Queen and members of the Royal Family.
The River Thames is of course the reason for the existence of the Castle and hence the town of Windsor. The river is probably the best place to view the Castle, and from here it is possible to appreciate its strategic site.
