Description of the attraction
The main attraction of the small town of Windsor near London is, without a doubt, Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British monarchs.
Its ancient history, whimsical architecture and magnificent interiors attract thousands of tourists and make the castle a true British treasure.
History of Windsor Castle
The castle has an ancient and eventful history. The first fortifications at Windsor on the Thames were built by William the Conqueror immediately after his arrival in England. The first Norman kings preferred the palace in Old Windsor, a few kilometers from the modern castle. But from the beginning of the XII century, this particular castle became the royal residence - and this castle remained inhabited for the longest time in Europe. Since then, almost each of the English and British kings have completed and strengthened the castle. For quite a long time - until the middle of the 17th century - the castle performed defensive functions.
At the beginning of the 19th century, under King George IV, the revival of the castle began. The luxurious court of George IV becomes cramped in both Carlton House and Brighton Pavilion, and the king turns his gaze on Windsor Castle. The castle reaches its true heyday under Queen Victoria, becoming a symbol of the British monarchy. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert make Windsor their permanent residence. The heads of many states come here on official visits. In the 20th century, the palace remains one of the main royal residences.
Royal family residence
During the First World War, anti-German sentiment intensified in Great Britain, and George V changed the family name of the dynasty, at the same time renouncing all German titles. Instead of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the ruling British monarchy becomes Windsor, according to the name of the castle. The reigning Queen Elizabeth II is also very fond of Windsor Castle and spends a lot of time there.
Windsor Castle is a contentedly complex complex of buildings, towers and walls. Over its thousand-year history, it has been rebuilt, expanded and strengthened many times. The center of the castle is the Round Tower, built on a mound built during the reign of William the Conqueror. On both sides of the tower are the so-called Upper and Lower Chambers. On the territory of the Upper Chambers there are premises for official receptions and residential royal apartments, and the famous Chapel of St. George - on the territory of the Lower Chambers. Adjacent to the castle, Windsor Park is one of the oldest deciduous forests in Europe.
On a note
- Location: Windsor, West Berkshire
- How to get there: By train from London from Waterloo and Paddington stations to Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside stations. Buses # 700, 701, 702 from Buckingham Palace Road, # 77 from Heathrow Airport.
- Official website: www.windsor.gov.uk
- Opening hours: from March to October 09.45-17.15 (entrance until 16.00), from November to February 09.45-16.15 (entrance until 15.00). May be closed due to government admission.
- Tickets: adults - £ 14.8, for children 5-17 years old - £ 8.5, family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) - 38.1 £, for children under 5 years old - free.
