Windsor Castle is a fascinating and historic royal residence that has captured the imagination of children and adults alike. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, it boasts a rich history, unique features, and a captivating story that is sure to delight young visitors. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 fun facts about Windsor Castle that will make your kids’ visit even more exciting and memorable.
The Oldest Inhabited Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, with a history that spans nearly 1,000 years. The castle was first built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has been a family home for kings and queens ever since. Today, it is owned by King Charles III in right of the Crown, making it a living, breathing piece of history.
A Royal Residence
Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for over 1,000 years, serving as a family home for countless monarchs throughout the centuries. From William the Conqueror to King Charles III, the castle has witnessed the comings and goings of countless royals, each leaving their mark on this iconic landmark.
Changing of the Guard
One of the most popular attractions at Windsor Castle is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily when the Queen is in residence. This elaborate and ceremonial event features marching soldiers, a brass band, and a lot of pomp and circumstance, making it a must-see for kids visiting the castle.
The Long Walk
The Long Walk is a nearly three-mile-long tree-lined avenue that leads up to the castle’s main entrance. Introduced by Charles II, the Long Walk offers visitors stunning views of the castle and its grounds, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a fun game of “I Spy.”
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Inside the castle, visitors can marvel at the incredible Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a magical miniature palace built for Queen Mary in the 1920s. This intricate and detailed dolls’ house features running water, flushing toilets, and working electricity, making it a fascinating attraction for kids and adults alike.
St George’s Chapel
Windsor Castle is also home to the beautiful St George’s Chapel, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that has served as the burial ground for 10 of England’s kings, including Henry VIII and his favorite wife, Jane Seymour. The chapel is also where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in 2018.
Royal Hunting Grounds
The castle is situated near Windsor Great Park, a vast royal hunting preserve that was previously used by Saxon kings. Today, the park is open to the public, offering a great opportunity for kids to explore the natural beauty and history of the area.
Fireplaces and Clocks
Windsor Castle is a truly unique and fascinating place, with over 300 fireplaces and more than 450 clocks scattered throughout its various rooms and corridors. These impressive numbers give a sense of the castle’s sheer size and the attention to detail that has gone into its design and maintenance over the centuries.
A Functioning Royal Home
As of 2006, around 500 people were living and working at Windsor Castle, making it a functioning royal home and a small town in itself. This fact highlights the castle’s continued importance as a living, breathing part of the British monarchy and a testament to its enduring legacy.
Burial Ground for Royalty
In addition to its many other claims to fame, Windsor Castle is also the burial ground for 10 of England’s kings, including the infamous Henry VIII and his beloved third wife, Jane Seymour. This adds an extra layer of history and significance to the castle, making it a truly unique and captivating destination for kids and history buffs alike.
These 10 fun facts about Windsor Castle provide a glimpse into the rich history, unique features, and enduring significance of this iconic royal residence. Whether your kids are fascinated by history, architecture, or the pageantry of the British monarchy, a visit to Windsor Castle is sure to be a memorable and engaging experience.
References:
– https://kids.kiddle.co/Windsor_Castle
– https://suitcasesandsandcastles.com/windsor-castle-for-kids/
– https://www.history.co.uk/articles/10-little-known-facts-about-windsor-castle
– https://kidskonnect.com/castles/windsor-castle/