Windsor Castle Historical Facts and Pictures

William the Conqueror built the Royal Residence of Windsor Castle in Berkshire in 11th century after the Norman Conquest in England. Initially designed to protect from the Norman forces the castle was a motte and bailey.  A royal palace was included by Henry III during the mid 13^th century. The castle transformed into a grand structure during the reign of Edward III, which stood until the end of Tudor period. The present structure of the castle is based on the reconstruction made by George III and George IV, which incorporates Gothic, Baroque and Rococo furnishings.

Windsor Castle Map

Windsor Castle

The North Entrance of Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle Entrance

Architecture and Design

Occupying more than 13 acres of land the castle blends the features of a small town, a fortification and a palace. Noted for its great architecture and modern Gothic features the castle contains 3 wards and an encircling central mound.

Windsor Castle Pictures

The middle ward, occupying a 50-meter high motte with a surrounding bailey is the heart of the castle. The motte inhabits a keep, known as the Round Tower, at the top.

Windsor Castle Images

The upper ward consists of a number of important buildings along with the state apartments lying in the north side. The ward also comprises the King George IV Gate and private royal apartments in the south. The Edward III tower resides in the southwestern corner of the area.

Windsor Castle St George’s Chapel Inside

Windsor Castle St George’s Chapel

Lying beneath the Round Tower, the medieval-designed Lower Ward comprises the St. Georges Chapel, the spiritual center of the Order of the Knights of the Garter. This large chapel exemplifies ornate wooden choir stalls.

Windsor Castle St George’s Hall

Interior of Windsor Castle

The interior of the castle was mostly designed in the early nineteenth century by Wyattville. The rooms are integrated with sublime artwork and matching furnishings, displaying the architectural style of the period. Wyattville’s famously Rococo style designed rooms display the fluid and playful aspects of the mid-eighteenth century artistic movement.  Some rooms demonstrate the blend of Gothic, Classical and Rococo designs along with Jacobethan elements.

Carved Unicorn Inside Windsor Castle

Curfew Tower of Windsor Castle

Equestrian Statue of Charles II of Windsor Castle

Queen Victoria Statue Windsor Castle

The Grand Staircase of Windsor Castle

Now a popular tourist attraction and a preferred weekend home for Queen Elizabeth II, the castle was a military headquarter during the tumultuous period of English civil war and a refuge for the royal members during World War II. The castle was largely reconstructed after a massive fire accident occurred in 1992, November 20.

Windsor Castle Crimson Drawing Room Inside

Windsor Castle Inside

Windsor Castle Norman Gate

Windsor Castle Photos