The history of Windsor Castle is really the history of Britain itself.

A wooden fortress was erected at the site by William the Conqueror between 1070 and 1086 AD.

Legend has it that there had been a Celtic camp at this site long ago where King Arthur lived.

Subsequent rulers rebuilt the fortress in stone, adding on to the structure and erecting a protective wall, but at the heart of the castle is the motte or artificial hill upon which William the Conqueror laid his foundations.

The castle narrowly escaped destruction after the Civil War and was eventually used as the home base for Oliver Cromwell’s army and as a prison for prominent Royalists during that time.

Windsor Castle fell into some disrepair during the 1700s, but by 1820 King George VI embarked on a complete plan of remodelling, restoration, and new construction that turned Windsor Castle into the iconic symbol that we know today.

Following the death of her husband Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria lived mainly at Windsor Castle, wishing to mourn her loss in a bit more private surroundings than those afforded by Buckingham Palace.

A terrible fire took place at Windsor Castle in 1992 which destroyed over 100 rooms.

Luckily, most of the rooms were empty so little was lost and an award-winning restoration of the premises was completed in 1997.

Today, Windsor Castle is one of Queen Elizabeth’s primary residences and she frequently spends her weekends there.

She also hosts State Visits and banquets at Windsor Castle.

There is a chapel on site that holds daily services that are open to all and within this chapel are the tombs of 10 sovereigns.

The castle is open most days to visitors and one of the most popular things to see is Queen Mary’s Doll House, arguably the most famous doll house in the world.

Another very popular event is the guided tour of the Great Kitchen.

The history of Windsor Castle makes it a fascinating place to come for a visit.

Visiting Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, Windsor and Maidenhead, SL4 1NJ

Telephone: 020 7766 7304

Opening Times

Mar to Oct 9.45am5.45pm, Nov to Feb 9.45am-4.15am (last admission 1 hour 15 mins before closing) | Check with venue for closed days

Ticket Prices

£14.80 (Adults), £13.30 (Concs), £8.50 (Under 17s), Free (Under 5s)

Photo courtesy: gailf548

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