Windsor Castle has been the home of 39 British monarchs, each leaving their mark on the castle’s history and architecture. As a Castles Touring Enthusiast, this blog post will take you on a captivating journey through the lives and legacies of the Windsor Castle Monarchs.
Who Was the First King to Use Windsor Castle as a Residence?
The first monarch to live at Windsor Castle was Henry I, who moved in around 1110. His grandson, Henry II, made significant renovations, replacing the wooden structure with stone and converting the castle into a palace.
Monarchs Who Have Made Significant Changes to Windsor Castle
Several monarchs have left their indelible mark on Windsor Castle over the centuries:
Henry II
Henry II replaced the wooden structure with stone and converted the castle into a palace, transforming it from a military fortification into a grand royal residence.
Edward III
Between 1327 and 1377, Edward III spent a staggering £50,000 on transforming Windsor Castle “from a military fortification into a gothic palace,” showcasing his ambition and architectural vision.
King George IV
In the 1800s, King George IV undertook a comprehensive restoration of Windsor Castle, giving it a more imposing and majestic appearance. His restoration work was so extensive that his successors made little change to the building.
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria spent the majority of her time at Windsor Castle, making it her principal palace. She and her husband, Prince Albert, had a deep affection for the castle, and their influence can still be seen in its interiors and grounds.
Monarchs Buried at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the final resting place of 11 monarchs:
| Monarch | Reign |
|---|---|
| Edward IV | 1461-1483 |
| Henry VI | 1422-1461, 1470-1471 |
| Henry VIII | 1509-1547 |
| Charles I | 1625-1649 |
| George III | 1760-1820 |
| George IV | 1820-1830 |
| William IV | 1830-1837 |
| Edward VII | 1901-1910 |
| George V | 1910-1936 |
| George VI | 1936-1952 |
| Elizabeth II | 1952-2022 |
Other Notable Monarchs Associated with Windsor Castle
While not all monarchs are buried at Windsor Castle, several other notable figures have strong connections to the castle:
- William the Conqueror: Built Windsor Castle around 1070, establishing it as a strategic royal residence.
- Charles I: Was held at Windsor under arrest before his execution during the English Civil War.
- Charles II: Established Windsor as his principal country residence after the restoration of the monarchy.
- George VI: Raised his daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, at Windsor Castle.
Current Status
Today, Windsor Castle remains a significant royal residence and a popular tourist destination, open to visitors year-round. The castle’s rich history and architectural grandeur continue to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the lives and legacies of the Windsor Castle Monarchs.
Reference:
– Windsor Castle – Official Website
– History of Windsor Castle – Historic Royal Palaces
– List of Monarchs of England and the United Kingdom – Wikipedia