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Contents
Detailed History of Windsor Castle | Timeline, Events, and More
Windsor Castle tickets and tours
Windsor Castle history explained
1070: William the Conqueror
After William the Conqueror conquered England in 1066, he knew Windsor was a prime spot for defense and keeping the region under his control. So he picked this site on a hill overlooking the River Thames and built a wooden fort there. It wasn't much to look at then, but since then, it has become a symbol of the British Royal Family.
1165-1179: Henry II
The old wooden fort William the Conqueror built just wasn't strategic anymore. King Henry II decided it was time for an upgrade. He launched a huge project to swap the fort out for a strong stone castle with thick walls, towers, and battlements lining the top to keep intruders out and show off how powerful and authoritative the royals were.
1240-1263: Henry III
King Henry III took those already strong stone walls and reinforced them! But that wasn't all. This king was all about luxury – he built a luxurious palace for his queen and children. He even built the Lady Chapel, a grand chapel similar to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in size and extravagance, filled with religious overtones. Henry separated the castle into a private area for his family in the Upper Ward and a public face for everyone else in the Lower Ward.
1344-1377: Edward III
Edward III wasn't content with just a regular castle. He decided to turn Windsor Castle into a royal palace fit for a king (and queen). This expansion project encompassed adding new buildings and fancy architectural elements, including the now-famous State Apartments! These were luxurious living spaces with grand halls, fancy bedrooms, and private apartments for the royals and guests.
1475: Edward IV
During the reign of Edward IV, the visionary monarch decided Windsor Castle needed its very own chapel. So, in 1475, he commissioned the construction of St George's Chapel. It took them decades to finish, but the chapel embodied the craftsmanship of the late Gothic style, boasting impressive works of art, intricate stonework, soaring vaulted ceilings, and magnificent stained glass windows.
1629-1642: Charles I
Charles I, unlike previous kings, was a bit of an art connoisseur. He wanted Windsor Castle to look stunning! The chapel gallery was improved in a Mannerist style and even added a baroque gold service to St George's Chapel. He replaced the old fountain in the Upper Ward with a new classical statue. These renovations came to a stop when John Venn took over the castle during the English Civil War and many of the valuables in the chapel and the castle were looted.
1668: Charles II
Before the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, squatters had even moved in for a while. Luckily, when Charles II became king, he decided to bring the castle to its former glory. Looking to France for inspiration, he ordered repairs on the castle, imitating the Louis XIV style. He even made the castle bigger to fit a royal court, without a King’s Council chambers. This court set the precedent for the next 25 years!
1760: George III
By the 1740s, Windsor Castle was no longer the picture of royal grandeur. Sovereigns preferred other palaces and the apartments were given to privileged royals' guests. George III reversed this trend. The exteriors of the Upper Ward got a Gothic transformation, complete with new battlements and turrets. He even got new paintings, including nearly 200 paintings by Venetian artist Canaletto. He also brought over collections from other royal palaces: drawings by Raphael and Michelangelo, and the Albani collection in Rome which included works by Domenichino and the Carracci.
1824-1840: George IV
George IV loved luxury and reintroduced the French Rococo style to England. He even closed off terraces for more privacy. The outside of Upper Ward was remodeled to look like it does today. He even raised the Round Tower to make it appear dramatic. Many of the State Apartments were rebuilt. He wasn't shy about adding more towers, and King Charles II's statue was moved from the Upper Ward. Interestingly, some critics today dislike these drastic changes, expressing it as vandalism of May’s designs.
1901: Edward VII
When Edward VII became the king, he was against the cluttered, old-fashioned aesthetic of the castle. So, he got to work modernizing Windsor Castle with electric lights, heating, telephone lines, and even garages for automobiles! He gave all the rooms a makeover, decluttering and redecorating everything. During his time, Windsor Castle was the starting point for the 1908 Olympics marathon.
1910: George V
George V continued the modernization processes of his predecessor Edward VII. Queen Mary of Teck, his wife, tracked down furniture that used to belong there that was either lost or sold and reacquired them. She even built an incredible mini dollhouse, complete with working lights, running water, and a functional elevator! Over 1,500 artists and craftspeople helped create it. Fun fact: In 1917, George V changed the royal family name to the House of Windsor!
1992-1997: Elizabeth II
When Queen Elizabeth II became queen, Windsor Castle became her favorite weekend getaway spot. However, much of the castle had deteriorated. Then, disaster struck in 1992 with a massive fire that raged for 15 hours and destroyed much of the castle. They devised an idea to pay for the repairs: open up Buckingham Palace to tourists at selected times. They were able to completely restore Windsor Castle by 1997, making it more modern and discarding much of its previous appearances.
Windsor Castle today
Today, Windsor Castle is a giant monument to British history, and still a place where the royals live (sometimes)! It's the oldest and biggest inhabited castle in the entire world. Queen Elizabeth II loved spending weekends there until she passed away in 2022. The estate was passed to King Charles III under the Crown, but he and Queen Camilla continue to live at Clarence House since they married in 2005, and Windsor Castle is currently unoccupied by the royals.
Even though royals aren't always living there anymore, Windsor Castle is still used as a ceremonial and State residence for official events, receptions hosting important guests, and royal ceremonies. Windsor Castle's rich history, panoramic views, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive royal experience. If you're ever in England, it's definitely a place you should check out!
Inside Windsor CastleFrequently Asked Questions about Windsor Castle's history
Is Windsor Castle older than Buckingham Palace?
Buckingham Palace is just over 300 years old after it was built in 1703. Windsor Castle, on the other hand, is over 900 years old! The original wooden castle was built by William the Conqueror sometime in 1070 following the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Did the royal family get their name from Windsor Castle?
Yes, the British Royal family was originally named Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. However, fearing they would be associated with the Germans during World War I, King George V relinquished the German name and adopted the castle's name, and the House of Windsor came into being in 1917.
How many monarchs have lived at Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle has been home to 39 monarchs since it was built in the 11th century. Today, it is the oldest and the largest occupied castle in the world. Windsor Castle was late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite weekend retreat for most of her reign and was her primary residence from 2011 until her death.
What important events have taken place at Windsor Castle recently?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2018. Prince Philip passed away at Windsor Castle at age 99 in 2021, making him the longest-living male member of the British royal family. Elizabeth II was also laid to rest at St George's Chapel in 2022.
Where is Windsor Castle?
The official address of Windsor Castle is Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom. It is approximately 72 kilometers from London and easily accessible by train. Follow these directions on Maps. You can also book a day trip from London to Windsor Castle to save you the hassle of arranging your transport to and from the castle.
How much does it cost to visit Windsor Castle?
Standard Windsor Castle tickets start at £30. This includes entry to the castle, the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Semi-State Rooms, and a multilingual multimedia guide. Though more expensive, a guided tour of Windsor Castle would ensure a more immersive experience with afternoon tea and British pasties. However, a day trip from London to Windsor Castle would cost you £79 to £159 depending on the attractions and facilities included with the ticket.
