WINDSOR CASTLE HISTORY
About Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century to protect London’s western approach. Initially a wooden, motte-and-bailey structure, it was later rebuilt in stone, becoming a grand fortress. Since the time of Henry I, who ruled from 1100-1135, it has been used by the reigning monarch and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. Throughout the Middle Ages, the castle was a favorite home for English kings like Edward III, who expanded it into a government center and royal entertainment venue.
During the Tudor period, monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I used the castle for important diplomatic and cultural events. During the English Civil War, it served as a headquarters and prison for the Parliamentarians, and in World War II, it was used as a safe retreat. Today, Windsor Castle remains an active royal residence, a venue for state ceremonies, and one of Britain’s main tourist attractions.
The birth of a medieval masterpiece
Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror after the Norman conquest of 1066 as part of a defensive circle of castles around London. Strategically positioned near the River Thames and Windsor Forest in Berkshire, it controlled access to the capital and served as a royal hunting ground. Construction began around 1070 and took 16 years to complete. Designed as a wooden fortress on a hill, it resembled other Norman fortifications, displaying Norman power and protecting London’s western approach, making it an ideal location for a royal residence.
The transformation into a palace
Windsor Castle was not originally used as a royal residence, as early Norman kings preferred Edward the Confessor’s palace in Old Windsor. Henry I was the first to use Windsor Castle as a residence in 1110, and his grandson, Henry II, turned it into a palace by the late 12th century. He constructed two types of royal living areas: a public one in the Lower Ward for official duties and a private one in the Upper Ward for himself. Initially, the castle had wooden walls, but Henry II replaced them with stone to strengthen the structure. In 1170, he also rebuilt the central fortified Norman Tower into what is now known as the Round Tower.
From fortress to royal residence
Windsor Castle was besieged during the First Barons’ War in 1216 but was successfully defended. After the siege, repairs and upgrades were made, and Henry III significantly strengthened its defensive structure.
Henry III made Windsor his favorite residence, investing heavily in improvements. Between 1240 and 1263, he built a luxurious palace in the Upper Ward for Queen Eleanor and their children, added royal apartments, and constructed the grand Lady Chapel in the Lower Ward. He also improved the Great Hall with a new kitchen and covered walkway. These updates divided the castle into a private Upper Ward and a public Lower Ward. Following this period, little new construction occurred, and the Great Hall, destroyed by fire in 1296, was not rebuilt.
Gothic transformation in the 14th century
Edward III was born at Windsor Castle and transformed it from a military fortress into a grand Gothic palace during his reign. From the 1350s until he died in 1377, Edward focused on the castle’s major reconstruction, which started in 1357 under William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. The renovations included the construction of three new courts in the Upper Ward, a new gatehouse, and luxurious royal apartments for Edward and his queen, Phillipa of Hainault. In 1348, Edward founded the Garter Service, a ceremonial event of the Order of the Garter. While Edward did not see the project completed, his grandson, Richard II, continued the efforts after becoming king in 1377. The architectural style and features from this period lasted well into the 17th century, with only minor changes by successors.
15th century politics and power
Windsor Castle became a royal residence during the Middle Ages and remained important throughout the 15th century despite political unrest. Henry IV ascended to the throne and took the castle in 1399 after deposing Richard II. In 1417, Henry V hosted a major diplomatic event at the castle, welcoming the Holy Roman Emperor.
Windsor Castle’s role diminished during the Wars of the Roses (1455–1485) as political tensions escalated. Henry VI became king as an infant, but growing tensions between the Lancastrians and Yorkists reduced the castle’s use for major royal events, including the Garter ceremonies. Edward IV began building St George’s Chapel in 1475 to demonstrate his dynasty’s strength. Richard III briefly occupied the castle before his defeat in 1485 and interred Henry VI’s body there to attract pilgrims.
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Windsor Castle Small-Group Guided Tour
Discover the historic town of Windsor and explore 11th-century Windsor Castle on our small group guided tour. Walk through the home of the British royal family and the largest continuously occupied castle in the world. Learn the interesting stories about the royal family from your guide. Tour the State Apartments and see the royal art collection. Explore the famous St George's Chapel, a Gothic architectural masterpiece and royal wedding venue.
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Windsor Castle Private Tour
Visit Windsor and explore Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest castle still in use. See the lavish State Apartments and St George's Chapel, a wedding venue for many royals and a burial place for kings and queens. Learn about its royal history with a private guide. Explore the prehistoric Stonehenge and learn about the secrets of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a comfortable trip with hotel pickup and drop-off, tailored to your pace, for a VIP Windsor Castle experience.
The Tudor legacy
Henry VII hosted events like the 1488 Garter feast at Windsor Castle, completed the roof of St George’s Chapel, and remodeled parts of the palace. Henry VIII enjoyed Windsor for sports and music, held Garter Feasts, and used it during the 1536 Pilgrimage of Grace and plague outbreaks. He rebuilt the gateway, added a tennis court, and began work on the Lady Chapel, which remained unfinished when he died in 1547. Edward VI disliked Windsor, referring to it as “a prison” due to its lack of gardens. He simplified Garter ceremonies and used it as a refuge in 1549. Mary I expanded buildings like the Knights of Windsor quarters. Elizabeth I used Windsor as a safe haven, upgrading the terrace, refitting the chapel, adding a park bridge, and building new rooms. She also added a gallery, which was later converted into the Royal Library.
A royal revival in the 17th century
In the 17th century, Windsor Castle underwent significant changes under different monarchs. James I used it for hunting and socializing, though space was limited. Charles I made small improvements but lost the castle during the Civil War. After that, Parliament looted valuables and used it as a prison. Charles was imprisoned there and buried in St George’s Chapel in 1649. During the Interregnum, squatters damaged the castle. After 1660, Charles II restored Windsor, adding luxurious baroque-style State Apartments and rebuilding parts like the North Terrace. William III planned renovations but died before they could begin. Queen Anne enjoyed Windsor, started a garden project, and began the Royal Ascot procession tradition. These changes blended Windsor’s medieval heritage with the Baroque style.
Windsor Castle in the 18th century
The 18th century saw significant changes at Windsor Castle. George I and George II, preferring other residences, largely neglected it, leading some Upper Ward apartments to be used as “grace and favor” homes and turning the castle into a tourist spot by the 1740s. However, George III, who ascended the throne in 1760 and disliked Hampton Court, chose to revive Windsor. He moved into the Upper Lodge (later Queen’s Lodge) and initiated renovations, initially allowing informal public access but later restricting it. Under the guidance of architect James Wyatt, George III converted the Upper Ward into a Gothic-style palace, preserved historical rooms, and introduced the Grand Stairs. He also redecorated and relocated royal collections to Windsor. His illness in 1810 paused the construction activities by 1811.
Gothic revival under George IV
George IV became king in 1820 and began a major renovation of Windsor Castle. Architect Jeffry Wyatville redesigned it in Gothic and other styles, raising the Round Tower, remodeling the Upper Ward, and creating new State Apartments. The project was mainly completed by 1840.
After George IV’s death, his successor, William IV, completed the Grand Staircase by 1832 and added new areas like the Waterloo Chamber and an enlarged St George’s Hall. The furnishings were in the French Empire style, provided by Morel & Seddon. These renovations were completed before George IV moved in at the end of 1828.
Windsor Castle in the Victorian age
During Queen Victoria’s reign, Windsor Castle required a few changes due to the previous renovations of George IV. However, Victoria added a private chapel at St George’s Hall, rebuilt the Grand Staircase, and completed the Royal Mews and riding school in the 1840s. In 1866, she converted the Inner Hall into a smaller State Entrance and used it as a storeroom, which later became a display area. Victoria and Prince Albert made Windsor their main home. Though Victoria initially called it “dull,” she used it for state events. After Albert died in 1861, she maintained a long mourning period at the castle, earning her the nickname “Widow of Windsor.” Later, plays and operas were held at the castle. The castle remained cold and dimly lit, but improvements like piped water and the introduction of electrical power were made. Victoria also improved the area with new farms, planted trees on the Long Walk, and rerouted roads to create the private Home Park while keeping other areas accessible to the public.
Modernization and restoration
In the 20th century, Windsor Castle saw many changes. Edward VII modernized it with electric lighting, heating, and telephones. George V continued these updates, and Queen Mary added new furniture and a famous Dolls’ House. During World War I, the royal family changed their name to the House of Windsor.
Edward VIII spent little time at Windsor, and George VI revived the Garter Service. Windsor was prepared for attacks during World War II, with staff moved for safety, windows blacked out, and art removed. The royal family stayed there secretly for protection.
After the war, Windsor was restored, and in 1952, Elizabeth II made it her weekend home. However, the Upper Ward had deteriorated by the early 1990s, and a repair project began.
Fire at Windsor Castle
On November 20, 1992, a fire erupted and caused extensive damage to Windsor Castle, including St George’s Hall, the Grand Reception Room, and the State Apartments. It led to a large-scale restoration project to repair the damage and preserve the castle’s heritage. Repairs began immediately, led by The Duke of Edinburgh. Badly damaged areas were redesigned in modern Gothic style, while others were restored to their George IV-era look. The restoration was completed in five years.
Royal home, state venue, and tourist attraction
Windsor Castle is part of the Crown Estate and owned by Charles III. It is managed by the Royal Household and is the largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the royal home for centuries, with about 500 people living and working there. Queen Elizabeth II used it as both a royal residence and a major tourist attraction. Many improvements were made during her reign, including restoring parts of the castle and adding hydroelectric power. The original entrance hall was restored in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queen and Prince Philip stayed at Windsor, where Prince Philip passed away there in 2021.
In 2021, an intruder tried to break into the castle but was arrested. In 2023, Windsor hosted its first open-air Coronation Concert for King Charles III. In November 2024, security was breached on the castle estate, raising concerns.
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Access to castle & St George's Chapel
Windsor Castle Online Discount Ticket
Visit Windsor Castle, the world's oldest castle still occupied today, and discover centuries of history. With this ticket, you can explore the State Apartments and see royal treasures and art masterpieces. Enjoy a self-guided tour of St George's Chapel with a multimedia guide available in multiple languages. Walk through the extensive lawns surrounding the castle and enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic royal residence. Your ticket is valid for one whole day, giving you enough time to explore at your own pace!
Half day tour
Windsor Castle Entry Ticket with Tour and Transportation
Escape central London on a half-day tour to Windsor. Travel in comfort on a luxury bus to the historic town of Windsor. Visit Windsor Castle, an official residence of King Charles III, with a Skip-the-Line ticket and a multimedia guide. Learn about the castle's history, explore its grounds, and visit the famous St George's Chapel to see its impressive architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to London.