Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has served as a royal palace and fortress for over 900 years.

William the Conqueror chose the site for Windsor Castle, high above the River Thames, to guard the western approach to London.

Originally, the castle was built as a motte-and-bailey, with three wards surrounding a central keep.

The walls were initially made of timber, but in the late twelfth century, Henry the Second began replacing them with stone.

The original Norman keep was rebuilt as the Round Tower in 1170, and the entire outer perimeter was renewed over the following 60 years.

It was Edward the Third who left the greatest impression on Windsor in the fourteenth century.

Long walk alley to Windsor castle
Credit: ID 113253216 @ Mistervlad | Dreamstime.com

He spent 50,000 pounds in the process, more than any other medieval English king spent on a single building.

Windsor Castle continued to be a favored royal residence under the Tudors.

Since Edward had already transformed the building into a proper royal residence, Henry the Seventh and Henry the Eighth made no substantial changes to the palace.

Scenic view of Windsor Castle
Credit: ID 25141015 @ Martin Applegate | Dreamstime.com

Queen Elizabeth the First enjoyed spending time at Windsor, using it increasingly for diplomatic engagements.

Charles the Second modernized the royal apartments, which by 1684 became the grandest baroque State Apartments in England.

The monarch most closely associated with the castle's appearance today is George the Fourth.

He furnished the State Apartments in a grand manner and added his own private living quarters, which are among the most richly decorated interiors in the palace.

To achieve a more impressive exterior, he increased the height of the Round Tower and added additional towers and battlements.

Windsor Castle, the Round Tower and battlements
Credit: ID 553422 @ Breck | Dreamstime.com

George the Fourth's restoration was so comprehensive that little had to be done by his successor, Queen Victoria.

During the First World War, the historic estate inspired the naming of the Royal House of Windsor, the current reigning house of the United Kingdom.

Queen Elizabeth the Second grew up in Windsor and remained deeply connected to its grounds.

Horse Carriage in front of Windsor Castle
Credit: ID 8368757 @ Patrickwang | Dreamstime.com

Today, the castle is the official residence of His Majesty The King.

Windsor Castle and gardens
Credit: ID 32218504 @ Gary718 | Dreamstime.com

The palace has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years.

Enchanted Evening at Windsor Castle
Credit: ID 351295558 @ Chonmapoom Phaisri | Dreamstime.com

As early as the reign of Elizabeth the First, high officials and noblemen are known to have been shown around the State Apartments.

Queen Victoria was the first to introduce tickets for visitors and tours organized by staff specifically employed.

Today, nearly one and a half million people visit the place each year, enjoying its history, imposing design, and great works of art.

Full Moon over Windsor Castle
Credit: ID 280355165 @ Drredding | Dreamstime.com

The State Apartments are considered one of the most exquisite interiors in England.

Windsor Castle, State Apartments
Credit: Shutterstock.com

These spaces are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens.

Windsor Castle, Throne room
Credit: Shutterstock.com

The ceremonial rooms are the main State Apartments used today by the Royal Family to host official visits or awards ceremonies.

One of the most striking ceremonial rooms is the Grand Reception Room, once used as the main ballroom.

George the Fourth gave the State Apartments a new grand entrance and added the colossal Waterloo Chamber to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815.

Windsor Castle, Waterloo chamber
Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Semi-State Rooms are the private apartments created for George the Fourth.

They contain the magnificent Crimson Drawing Room, one of the most elaborate and expensive interior decoration schemes ever carried out in England.

The historic rooms were built by Charles the Second, who was setting out to rival the achievements of his cousin, Louis the Fourteenth, at Versailles.

Windsor Castle, one of the bedrooms
Credit: Shutterstock.com

St George's Hall is a grand ceremonial hall that has been the venue for many significant events over the centuries.

St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle
Credit: Shutterstock.com

Besides the State Apartments, Windsor offers many other spectacular highlights.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House is the largest and most famous dolls' house in the world.

Windsor Castle, Queen Mary's Dolls' house
Credit: ID 339566701 @ Mistervlad | Dreamstime.com

No detail was forgotten, from the royal setting of the saloon and dining room to a fully stocked wine cellar and a garden.

The house even includes electricity, running water, and working lifts.

St George's Chapel, on the palace grounds, is one of England's finest examples of Gothic architecture.

Windsor Castle, St. George`s Chapel
Credit: ID 90423784 @ Bgsa30 | Dreamstime.com

Constructed during the reign of Edward the Fourth, the Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward the Third.

Windsor Castle, St. George`s Chapel - panoramiv view
Credit: ID 124985757 @ Tose | Dreamstime.com

Within the Chapel are the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth the Second, George the Sixth, Henry the Eight, and Charles the First.

Windsor Castle, St. George's Chapel interior
Credit: Shutterstock.com

On the outside, visitors can admire the Round Tower, which is Windsor Castle's most distinctive feature, and the Norman Gate, an impressive entrance designed to withstand attacks.

Round Tower of Windsor Castle in spring
Credit: ID 351740736 @ Mistervlad | Dreamstime.com

Changing the Guard is a vibrant display of British tradition performed by the Royal Guards, who have fulfilled this duty since 1660.

Royal Guard in Windsor Castle
Credit: ID 45949841 @ Aagjedejong | Dreamstime.com

Windsor Castle, the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle, stands as a majestic symbol of British royalty, where centuries of history meet timeless grandeur.