The Windsor Castle staircase, located in the Upper Ward, is an architectural masterpiece that has played a significant role in the history of the royal residence. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, this grand staircase was created by renowned British architect James Wyatt, serving as a symbol of power and grandeur for numerous monarchs and dignitaries throughout the centuries.
Architectural Style
The staircase in the Upper Ward of Windsor Castle is designed in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. This style is characterized by the use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate stonework, all of which are prominent features of the staircase.
Designer
The staircase was designed by James Wyatt, a renowned British architect who worked extensively on Windsor Castle during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wyatt’s design replaced the old King’s Stairs and Queen’s Stairs, creating a single, grand staircase that accessed both the King’s and Queen’s Apartments.
Significance
The staircase is significant not only for its architectural beauty but also for its historical importance. It has been used by numerous monarchs and dignitaries throughout the centuries, serving as a symbol of power and grandeur. Additionally, the staircase has been featured in various artistic works, including watercolors by Charles Wild and engravings by W. I. Bennett, which were published in William Henry Pyne’s “History of the Royal Residences”.
Cost and Timings
The exact cost of the staircase’s construction is not readily available. However, it is known that James Wyatt’s work on Windsor Castle during the late 18th and early 19th centuries involved significant renovations and additions, which would have included the staircase. The staircase was likely constructed over a period of several years, with the exact timings not specified.
Directory and Hours
Windsor Castle is open to the public and can be visited year-round. The castle’s opening hours vary depending on the time of year and other events, but generally, it is open from 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM from April to October and from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM from November to March.
Rates and Value
The admission prices for Windsor Castle vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket. A standard adult ticket costs around £26.50, while a family ticket costs around £73.50. The value of the staircase lies not only in its historical significance but also in its architectural beauty, making it a must-see attraction for visitors to the castle.
Other Details
In addition to the grand staircase, Windsor Castle also has a private staircase, known as the “Sovereign’s Private Stairs,” which leads from the King’s quarters to the outside world. This staircase was revealed in declassified security plans from the 1960s. Furthermore, Windsor Castle has a network of hidden passages and tunnels, including a secret escape tunnel that was shown in a BBC documentary in 2011.
References
- Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Windsor Castle: The Staircase. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/collection/922097/windsor-castle-the-staircase
- Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Grand Staircase, Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/collection/2935680/grand-staircase-windsor-castle
- Metro. (2023, July 23). Security plans at Windsor Castle reveal King’s secret staircase to tunnels. Retrieved from https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/23/security-plans-at-windsor-castle-reveal-kings-secret-staircase-19149356/
- Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). The Grand Staircase, Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/collection/2100856/the-grand-staircase-windsor-castle
- Ursus Books. (n.d.). Staircase, Windsor Castle. The History of the Royal Residences. Retrieved from https://www.ursusbooks.com/pages/books/152455/w-h-pyne-pyne/staircase-windsor-castle-the-history-of-the-royal-residences
- Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). Plan Your Visit. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle.