When Was Windsor Castle Built? Amazing Royal Castle Facts Unveiled!

Windsor Castle, one of the many royal palaces, is majestically situated above the Thames River. Windsor Castle belongs to the British monarchy and is a rich chronicle of English heritage that has gracefully stood tall for over a millennium.

Windsor Castle is one of the three royal palaces owned by the British monarchy in which the King of England resides; the others include Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

William the Conqueror began this royal legacy by crafting a wooden fortress that later evolved into an astonishing stone marvel.

Through the reigns of a range of monarchs, each adding their unique touch, the royal palace has been transformed into a magnificent blend of history and opulence. The grand kitchens, ornate chambers, and winding Long Walk driveway tell their own story.

Comprised of private apartments and stately rooms, it's a living tapestry of thrilling the British monarchy's history! Windsor Castle's got plenty of secrets and stories to share!

Windsor Castle: Key Facts About The Royal Home

A beloved royal residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor castle is perched above the River Thames and stands as a living testament to over a thousand years of British history. William the Conquerer, a medieval English king, spent 16 years constructing the castle.

From a prison during tumultuous times, to a splendid Gothic palace, the castle echoes the footsteps of royalty. Whether it's the grand kitchen or the majestic Long Walk, every stone of Windsor Castle whispers tales of grandeur and timeless elegance.

• In its more than 1,000-year legacy, this extraordinary castle has been home to over 39 British monarchs and has even played host to a few prisoners in the mid-17th century. It was built to secure the Western approach to London.
• Old Windsor, a predecessor to Windsor Castle was a significant site for Anglo-Saxon kings in the time of Edward the Confessor. It is located 3 mi (4.8 km) away from New Windsor.
• Great Park is a large area spanning over 4,800 ac (1,940 ha). It is connected to Windsor Castle and has a popular Saxon hunting ground. Today, Great Park is open to the public and offers a diverse array of landscapes, including formal gardens, ancient woodland, and open grassland.
• The grandson of William, King Henry II transformed the palace by building two sets of private apartments in the castle. One was built for himself and the other was built as a state official residence.
• The royal family cherished the castle for years and domestic quarters were built as well. In the 14th century, the castle got a major uplifting during the reign of King Edward III, who introduced the Order of the Garter. The grand kitchen was also built, which accommodated the grand events conducted by him. Thus, the palace was used both for business and private matters.
• The palace was captured during the English Civil War and it was made the political headquarters in the mid-17th century. Several British royalists were held prisoners, including King Charles I during the Civil War.
• Windsor Castle has an extensive art collection with portraits from Sir William Beechey to pieces by Lorenzo Lotto.
• Windsor has remained a sanctuary for the royal family. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret took refuge at the castle during the Second World War, an example of the integral role Windsor continues to play in the life of royal family members.
• During the global COVID-19 pandemic, both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip isolated at Windsor in private royal apartments.

Building The British Royal Family Home

With a history as rich and expansive as its sprawling grounds, Windsor Castle has stood as a symbol of British royalty for nearly a millennium. From defensive fortification to the royal residence, the luxurious palace is a tapestry woven with artistry and the serene resting place of ten British monarchs.

Windsor Castle is a symbol of British royalty; the castle's purpose shifted over time from a defensive fortification to a lavish royal residence, reflecting the story of England itself!

• Modifications in 1110-1154 include Henry I building private apartments, and Henry II rebuilding the royal residence with intricate designs and royal apartments. Henry III added grand private chapels and massive stone walls to the lower ward.
• In 1377, Edward III initiated a transformation adding a Gothic style to the castle, reconstructing the upper ward under the guidance of the Bishop of Winchester, and founding the Order of the Garter.
• During the late 14th-15th century, Richard II continued Edward III's work. Edward IV began constructing St George's Chapel. Henry VII and Henry VIII added to the state apartments and upper ward.
• Queen Victoria and her husband were buried in the Royal Mausoleum, Frogmore. This was a break from tradition as monarchs were typically buried in St George's Chapel or at Westminster Abbey.
• During Queen Victoria's reign, there was a keen interest in the castle, leading to several modifications and additions. Queen Victoria's private chapel was one of these enhancements. Unlike the grander St George's Chapel, which is used for state occasions and is known as the chosen burial ground for many British monarchs, the Victoria Private Chapel was intended for the private use of the royal family.
• Elizabethan & Georgian Contributions include the Royal Library and a long gallery. King George III added dining and music rooms to the upper ward.
• In 1820, George IV increased the round tower's height and added more towers, reshaping the castle's exterior.
• During the Victorian Era, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made significant contributions, including building the Waterloo Chamber and enjoying many years of their marriage in the castle.
• The Albert Memorial Chapel is located within Windsor Castle's grounds, adjacent to St George's Chapel. It was originally constructed during the reign of Henry VII and served as a royal mausoleum. Later, it was transformed into a memorial chapel dedicated to Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, after he died in 1861. Queen Victoria commissioned the restoration, turning it into a fitting tribute to her late husband, filled with ornate decorations and intricate designs.
• Kings and queens have added their flair and transformed it into a stunning Gothic palace, complete with a grand kitchen fit for feasts, and even a two-and-a-half-mile driveway known as the Long Walk.

When Was The Darkroom Built?

The reign of Queen Victoria was not just a time of elegance and grandeur; it was also a period of transformation for the magnificent Windsor Castle. The darkroom was built in 1854 due to the royal family's fascination with photography.

• Many changes took place during the reign of Queen Victoria and she took a deep interest in the remodeling of Windsor Castle. A darkroom was built in this Castle during her reign in the year 1854.
• Prince Albert and Queen Victoria built the darkroom in the castle due to their keen interest in photography. All the light-sensitive photographic films were printed and processed in this room.
• The largest room in this entire castle was St. George's Chapel, which is the chosen burial ground of many British monarchs.
• Queen Victoria cherished this castle and the most remarkable build of her reign was the private chapel. The total land area covered by this castle is about 13 ac (5 ha); this increases to a massive 5,000 ac (2,023 ha) with Windsor Great Park and the Home Park included.

The Windsor Castle Fire

Unfortunately, much of the royal family and collection of photographs was destroyed due to a sudden fire that took place in the year 1992. The first fire broke out and lasted for about 15 hours and caused immense damage to the upper and middle ward parts of the castle walls.

The ceilings of St George's Hall caught fire along with the Grand Reception Room.

Most of the royal paintings were also damaged, but fortunately, the Royal Library was saved. The Duke of Edinburgh engaged a restoration team and carried out this project, and funds were gathered from the Royal Collection Trust.

• Windsor Castle, one of the most iconic royal residences in the United Kingdom, suffered a significant fire on November 20, 1992. The blaze began in the Queen's Private Chapel when a spotlight ignited a curtain near the altar. The fire quickly spread through the castle, fuelled by old timber and windy conditions.
• Over 200 firefighters battled the flames, which took them 15 hours to extinguish. Despite their efforts, nine principal state rooms and over 100 other rooms were damaged or destroyed, including significant parts of St. George's Hall.
• The most damaged part, that is St George's Hall was reconstructed with a gothic style, the trend set by George IV. Other areas were restored to the condition left by George IV.
• The fire led to widespread public debate about who should fund the restoration, as the cost was estimated at approximately $60 million at that time. Ultimately, the decision was made to open the residence to the public to help raise the necessary funds.
• The restoration process became an opportunity to repair the damage and update and improve some areas of the castle. Skilled artisans worked meticulously to recreate intricate details and preserve the historical integrity of the castle. Windsor Castle continued to be restored over the following five years and was considered a triumph of modern conservation techniques.
• There is an enormous responsibility of maintaining this historic gem; this falls to the Castle Keeper at Windsor, who is responsible for the security and upkeep of the palace, ensuring its grandeur is preserved for future generations. The position embodies a crucial connection between Windsor Castle's storied past and its present.
• The Windsor Castle fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the grandest and most historic structures. It also stands as a symbol of resilience and the ability to rebuild and renew, mirroring the castle's own long and storied history.

Is Windsor Castle Bigger than Buckingham Palace?

Best known for its most extravagantly baroque interiors, like the crimson drawing room and grand reception, Windsor Castle is the largest and the oldest castle in the world. It covers more land area than Buckingham Palace and is the longest-occupied castle built in Europe.

• There are about 775 rooms in Buckingham Palace, while Windsor Castle comprises more than 1,000 rooms and 78 bathrooms.
• Buckingham Palace was the official residence of the Queen, whereas Windsor Castle served as a vacation spot for Queen Victoria.
• Members of the public are not allowed to stay inside the castle but can visit for two to three hours upon permission. The Royal Court resides here from April to June.

Has Windsor Castle been attacked?

Over the centuries, this remarkable castle didn't just stand idly as a symbol of royalty; it actively defended itself from attacks.

From the relentless two-month siege during the Baron's War in 1215 to political upheavals in the 1400s, Windsor's strength never wavered. With arrows flying, stones hurtling, and boiling water splashing from its round tower to ward off intruders, Windsor has seen it all.

Today, a vigilant military presence continues to guard the former Windsor Castle's front, a nod to its resilient past and a testament to its enduring might.

• Windsor Castle was attacked several times in the past. Each time it defended itself from the attack of the intruders, owing to its strong built and large concrete walls.
• During the Baron's War in the year 1215, Windsor Castle was continuously attacked for about two months or even more. Again Windsor was attacked in the 1400s when King Henry IV removed Richard II from the royal office. Every time, the castle survived the attacks due to its strength.
• In the earlier days, boiling water, stones, and arrows were thrown from the round tower of this castle to ward off intruders. Even now, there is a tight military presence in the round tower, who keeps a watch throughout the day and night to ensure the royal family's safety.

From the strategic location near the Thames River, originally chosen for securing the western approach to London, to the present day, Windsor Castle has evolved into a stunning Gothic palace, playing host to numerous British monarchs.

In more recent years, this castle has witnessed the presence of many notable figures. Prince Philip's engagement with various ceremonies and the younger generation of royals like Prince William and Prince Harry have used the castle as a backdrop for key life events, further embedding the castle in the contemporary royal narrative.

With its keepers' diligent care, the castle stands as a testament to the enduring allure and significance of Britain's monarchical history.