Windsor castle towers above the town on a chalk cliff overlooking the River Thames. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and has been one of the principal residences of the sovereign of England since William the Conqueror (1027-87) built it. Much of the present day structure, however dates from the 19th century.
There are several buildings to visit within the castle complex. St George’s Chapel begun in 1475 by Edward IV and completed in 1529, is a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Ten monarchs are buried here. In the northwest chapel the monument to Princess Charlotte (who died 1817 in childbirth) shows her ascending to heaven with an angel carrying her stillborn child. The chapel’s fan-vaulted ceiling is particularly beautiful, as are the elaborate 15th-century choir stalls covered in vignettes and surmounted by banners of the 26 Knights of the Garter, whose installation has taken place here since 1348.
Half day london tour included to Windsor tour, please visit our half day London tour page.
