Welcome to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle was built nearly 1000 years ago and is a proper fortress. It withstood a two month siege during the Barons War in the 1200s. When visiting be sure to look for the murder holes in the Norman Gate archway. Soldiers attacking the gate could be shot through these holes or had boiling oil and stones dropped on them.

The Queen lives at Windsor Castle which is said to be her favourite London residence. You can tell when she is home by looking at the flag pole above the famous Round Tower – the Royal Standard is raised as soon as she gets there and lowered once she leaves to be replaced by the Union Jack.

 In 2005 Prince Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles in the registry office in the town of Windsor. The ceremony was followed by a blessing in St George’s Chapel and party in St George’s Hall, both of which can be visited in Windsor Castle.

St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle is the spiritual home of the Order of The Garter. Created in 1348 by Edward III it is England’s oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry. Its 24 members are chosen personally by the monarch for services rendered.

Ten Kings are buried in Windsor Castle. Having been executed for treason in 1649 Charles I wasn’t allowed a state funeral. Parliament ordered that he be buried without “pomp or noise”. His body rests in Henry VIII’s burial vault in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.