10 Fascinating Facts about Windsor Castle
If there’s a prize going for both the oldest and biggest still lived in castle in the world, Windsor would win it hands down! Yep, this historic jewel and official Royal Residence has witnessed near enough 1,000 years of British history. And perhaps goes without saying that this iconic building has been somewhat fresh in our thoughts today with the recent passing of the Duke of Edinburgh as well as the 2018 Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. So as we continue on and explore these 10 interesting facts about Windsor Castle perhaps keep them in mind when you pay a visit to this grand historical residence.
Looking for helpful tips before venturing off to the Castle? Then make sure to have a look at our handy 7 Things to Know Before Your Visit to Windsor Castle. You can also browse our tickets and tours of Windsor Castle here!
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1. Weekend Royal Residence
Ordinarily, this grand castle is the place where Her Majesty the Queen (Elizabeth II) would frequent a lot of her weekends.
2. A Dolls’ House with Electricity and Running Water
Yes, you heard right, a dolls’ house fully kitted out with plumbing and electricity. Kind of cool, right? It is known as ‘Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House’ and is claimed by the Royal Collection Trust to be “the most famous and beautiful dolls’ house in the world”.
The extravagant and incredibly intricate gift was made in 1921 for Queen Mary and meticulously displays and captures life in Edwardian England with its tiny objects right down to a Colman’s Mustard tin! You can see the sheer craftsmanship of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House on display at Windsor Castle today.
3. The 1992 Fire
Perhaps when you think of historic fires, you expect them to have taken place a long time ago? Well, the pretty recent fire at Windsor Castle in 1992 began in Queen Victoria’s Private Chapel and ravished the building with room casualties equalling 115 with 9 staterooms included in that total.
But all was not lost! Phew! Not only were members of staff able to save artwork from the Royal Collection in time, but the Royal Library came out unscathed by the fire. And here is the cool thing too! Turns out that due to some ‘rewiring work’ that was happening at the time a lot of the collection had been taken down prior to the fire. Wowee!
4. Henry VIII’s Armour
Suited up! If you’re a big fan of knights and chivalry then there is plenty for you to see in the Royal Collection. But there is a particularly interesting suit of armour that belonged to one very famous and tutor monarch, Henry VIII.
See what this British Monarch would have looked like battle-ready as well as the suits extra additions for jousting tournaments. A man who in his younger days was known for being very sporty. So, this may be less of a fact, but is worth noting as a fantastic thing to see!
5. St George’s Chapel the Burial Spot of 10 Former Monarchs
If you haven’t been to St George’s Chapel, you may recognise it from recent Royal events as the place of the late Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral and Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding.
This grand place of worship with its vaulted ceilings and gothic style architecture is also the burial spot of 10 former monarchs including the likes of Henry VIII and Charles I and more recently the Duke of Edinburgh temporarily in George III’s vault.
6. Founded by William the Conqueror
Did we mention already that Windsor Castle was the oldest and biggest inhabited castles in the world? Well, that’s because this Castle dates all the way back to William the Conqueror! Does that name ring any bells? Work began on the royal residence around about 1070. And what was one of the key selling points of this old property? Its proximity to a ‘Saxon hunting’ ground.
Fun fact: Just an extra fact to throw in there! Any idea of what the Castle walls were first built out of? The answer is…Wood!
7. Any Guesses to How Many Monarchs Have Passed Through Here?
Let’s give you some time to think…Any more ideas? Well, if you said 39, you would be correct. All in all this long-standing castle has been a residence for quite a few British Monarchs, right?
8. Windsor Castle is Located in the County of Berkshire
A simple, but worthwhile fact indeed. Windsor Castle is located in the county of Berkshire and is not far away from the nation’s capital of London. It is also a great place for walking!
9. The First Tourist Guide
A tourist spot back in the day. Windsor Castle, believe it or not, produced its first visitor guide back in 1742! However, ticketed entry was not yet introduced until 1837, during the reign of Queen Victoria. But where would you go to grab hold of your tickets? Well, you either had to stop by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office or another option would be to bob into a specific ‘London Bookseller’.
10. Takes the Prize for the Oldest Working Kitchen in the Country
You may not have thought of this one. It’s true that Windsor Castle is home to the ‘oldest working kitchen’ in the UK. How old is old you may ask? Well, we are talking about going back to the days of the 14th century. Who was the monarch then? Edward III. Would you fancy trying out some of its dishes from across the centuries?
So there you have our 10 fascinating facts about Windsor Castle that will be great to keep in mind when you get the chance to visit. So, are you ready to plan your trip to Windsor Castle? Then you make want to make sure you take note of our 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Windsor Castle.
Want to get those tickets booked? Click here to book your Windsor Castle ticket with an audio tour for £23.50pp.
Can only make a half-day trip from London, but really want to do a tour of the castle? Don’t sweat it! We have a half-day tour option including guide and transport from London for £55.
