WINDSOR CASTLE
Berkshire
Well, where does one begin to describe Windsor Castle...the largest occupied Castle in the whole World!
Perhaps one of the most remarkable things is that despite its size and grandeur Windsor Castle (as any Castle hunter will tell you) is still the perfect example of a motte and bailey Castle. It started out its life when William I built a motte with two baileys on top of the hill overlooking the Thames. Windsor is one town that truly does owe its existence to its Castle! The motte, although dwarfed by the Round Shell Keep built on it by Henry II (see above) is in fact 50 feet tall. Henry also added the curtain walls which have basically dictated the shape of the various other buildings which surround the Keep today.
Henry's Castle wasn't finished when Prince Louis arrived in 1216 to assist the Barons' Revolt against King John. Windsor and Dover were the only two Castles not to fall to Louis' forces.
However, this was the last action Windsor saw (at least until 1992's catastrophic fire). Subsequent monarchs added to the fortifications and then began adding embellishments, such as St. George's Chapel which was commenced in 1472 by Edward IV and completed by Henry VIII. It was Henry VIII too who rebuilt the Gatehouse by which most visitors enter the Castle, around 1510.
Charles II, who had a great fondness for Windsor, made many changes as did George IV and his architect Sir Jeffry Wyattville who remodelled Windsor in more or less the manner it stands in today. Some would say their work is magnificent, others a crime against history. Whatever the case it doesn't stop Windsor being - perhaps - the most impressive and distinctive building in the whole of Britain.
The Castle, Staterooms and other buildings are open throughout most of the year and are well worth a visit.
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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and
Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2001
