Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is one of the oldest and largest inhabited castles in the world. It has been a royal residence for over 900 years and is steeped in history and secrets. From hidden passageways to ghostly residents, this castle holds many intriguing stories waiting to be discovered.
History and Use as a Fortress and Royal Residence
- Built by William the Conqueror: Windsor Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century as a fortress to oversee a strategic part of the River Thames and to help protect Norman dominance around London.
- First Royal Resident: The first monarch to live in Windsor Castle was Henry I in 1110. His grandson, Henry II, replaced the wooden structure with stone.
- 39 Monarchs: Windsor Castle has been the home of 39 British monarchs, including William IV, Edward IV, Charles I, and Elizabeth II.
Lesser-Known Secrets
- Secret Passageway: The castle has a secret passageway that leads directly to the Inner Hall. A wooden trapdoor leads to a stone staircase that was used to escape from the castle in the 1200s.
- Hidden Tunnels: Beneath the castle’s foundations, a network of tunnels weaves its way through the earth. Some of these passageways serve practical purposes, while others are rumored to have been used for escape or espionage.
- Lost Library: In 1702, a fire swept through the castle, engulfing the library in flames. Rumors persist that some volumes miraculously survived the inferno and remain hidden within the castle’s depths.
- Ghostly Residents: Windsor Castle is said to be haunted by the ghosts of past monarchs and ill-fated individuals, including Queen Elizabeth I.
- Hidden Chambers: Numerous hidden chambers are rumored to exist within the vast expanse of Windsor Castle, some of which may conceal treasures, artifacts, or secret meeting places.
- The Round Tower: The Round Tower has puzzled historians and visitors alike, with its exact purpose and function being the subject of much debate.
- The Queen’s Private Apartments: While the State Apartments are open to the public, the Queen’s private living spaces remain off-limits, leaving many to wonder about the secrets that unfold behind those closed doors.
Unique Features and Hidden Aspects
- St. George’s Chapel: The chapel is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in England and can seat up to 800 people. It has been the site of many royal weddings.
- The Great Kitchen: The Great Kitchen at Windsor is the oldest working kitchen in the country, serving dishes since the days of Edward III around 1360.
- 300 Fireplaces: The castle has 300 fireplaces, each under the care of the King’s fendersmith.
- 450 Clocks: The castle’s watch curator is responsible for the maintenance of all historical timepieces, including many with obsolete and highly complex mechanisms.
- Changing of the Guard: Windsor Castle has a Changing of the Guard ceremony, similar to Buckingham Palace, which takes place at 11 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- The Long Walk: The Long Walk is nearly three miles long and marks the eastern edge of the town of Windsor. It is planted with 1,652 trees, 9 meters apart.
World War II and the Royal Family
- Royal Family in the Dungeons: During World War II, the Royal Family, including Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, slept in the dungeons of Windsor Castle for safety.
- Adjustments During the War: The castle underwent significant changes during the war, including the removal of chandeliers, the blacking out of windows, and the reinforcement of bedrooms.
Visiting Windsor Castle
- Opening Hours: Windsor Castle is open to visitors from 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM from March to October and from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM from November to February.
- Tickets: Tickets can be booked online through the Royal Collection Trust website, with prices varying depending on the time of year and type of ticket.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, which provide a deeper understanding of the castle’s history and secrets.
References
- Tripoto. (n.d.). Windsor Castle and its secrets. Retrieved from https://www.tripoto.com/canada/trips/windsor-castle-and-its-secrets-3a74a1fec201672f1
- Anderson Tours. (2023). Uncovering the Mysteries of Windsor Castle: 7 Secrets you didn’t know about Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://andersontours.co.uk/uncovering-the-mysteries-of-windsor-castle/
- Tootbus. (n.d.). Windsor Castle Facts: top 10 interesting facts. Retrieved from https://www.tootbus.com/en/london/inspiration/windsor-castle-facts-top-10-interesting-facts
- Golden Tours. (n.d.). Who Lived at Windsor Castle? Secrets of the Royal Residence. Retrieved from https://www.goldentours.com/travelblog/who-lived-at-windsor-castle
- Reader’s Digest. (2024). 17 Wild Secrets You Never Knew About Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rd.com/list/secrets-windsor-castle/.