Windsor Castle - the residence of the royal family

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

England is famous for its huge number of completely unique old castles. Many of them are still inhabited. But the most famous, largest and oldest is Windsor Castle - the main residence of the English royal family for a very long time.

The structure was erected on top of an artificial hill and at first was a fortification of wooden structures. Over the centuries, the famous Windsor Castle has been rebuilt many times. Almost all the rulers changed its appearance, but the round hill created by William remained untouched. The fortress, located thirty kilometers from the capital of the country - London - and not far from the magnificent Thames embankment, was an important Norman site.

In 1170, King Henry the Second built stone buildings on this territory for the first time, which were almost completely destroyed by Edward the Third, who was born here. He erected a new round castle in the center of the fortress. The main building of its construction has survived to this day, although with significant changes. At the end of the fourteenth century (1461-1483), duringDuring the reign of Edward the Fourth, the construction of the main church of the castle was started, which was completed by King Henry the Eighth. He is buried on the grounds of the famous castle with nine other English monarchs.

Windsor Castle keeps many secrets from the history of Great Britain. In times of civil

War in England The famous Oliver Cromwell's troops conquered the fortress and used it as their headquarters. The defeated Charles the First was taken into custody in the castle. He was executed and buried here in 1648.

The monarchy was restored in 1660. Almost immediately, Windsor Castle begins to experience one of the largest renovations in its history. In an effort to create a kind of Versailles castle in France, Charles II laid out many beautiful shady alleys on the territory of the complex.

After the death of Charles II, for unknown reasons, the following monarchs preferred to live in other castles and palaces in England. Only during the reign of George the Fourth was the restoration of the castle begun. The architects of the king did the impossible - they turned the ancient castle into a stunning Gothic palace, which is perfectly preserved today. The height of the towers was significantly increased, original decorative elements were added, which successfully combined buildings of different styles and eras.

Today, Windsor Castle is still the main residence of the royal family, but most of it is open to tourists.

Visitors can watch the solemn changeguard of honor that guards the castle. The sight is truly mesmerizing! Undoubtedly, Windsor Castle (photo can be seen below) is the greatest monument of history, culture, architecture of England. In addition, its majestic halls contain the most valuable exhibits of paintings, antique furniture, and unique decorative ceiling designs are amazing.