Windsor Castle Private Guided Tours from London

Windsor Castle has been the family home to the British monarchy for over 900 years and is one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite residences, in which she chooses to spend most of her private weekends. The castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, built by William the Conqueror following his successful invasion in 1066, and is a must see for anyone who is a fan of history and royalty.

Royalty

From William the Conqueror onwards Windsor Castle has been favoured as a residence by all the different Royal Families of England and Great Britain for almost 1000 years. Even the Lord Protector himself, Oliver Cromwell, following the English Civil War, used the castle as one of his official residences.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent much of their time at Windsor Castle, and it was there that Prince Albert died in 1861. He was buried by his doting wife in a specially constructed mausoleum at Frogmore, within Home Park at Windsor.

In fact, St George’s Chapel now houses the burial sites of 10 British monarchs: Edward IV, Henry VI, Henry VIII, Charles I, George III, George IV, William IV, Edward VII, George V and George VI.

Architecture

Windsor Castle, because of its age and the number of changes made to it over the years due to fortification, necessity or design, is a beautiful and eclectic mixture of architectural styles. When touring the castle you will find evidence of Gothic, Victorian and Georgian architecture amongst others.

The castle grounds cover approximately 52,609 square metres comprising the palace itself, a fortification and a small town. Notable features to see are: The Round Tower, The Quadrangle, The Upper, Middle and Lower Wards, St George’s Chapel, The State Apartments, King Henry VIII Gate, Edward III Tower as well as many more magnificent areas.