Windsor, Berkshire - Home of Royalty for 1000 Years
Windsor is an ancient town dominated by its famous castle, home of the Queen. There are quaint and interesting buildings, a Victorian railway station, the River Thames, Eton College, England's most famous public school and much else to bring visitors to the town.
Contents
- 3 Day Weather Forecast for Windsor & Eton
- Map of Windsor & Eton from Google
- The River Thames in Windsor and Eton
- Photos of Windsor
- Windsor Town Centre
- Photos of Windsor Town Centre
- Windsor Castle - History
- Vid of the Great Fire at Windsor Castle
- Windsor Castle Photos
- Visitor Attractions in Windsor Castle
- See Windsor Castle
- More Photos of the Castle
- Windsor Castle Souvenirs
- Royal Windsor Horse Show
- Eton
- Photos of Eton
- See Eton
- Legoland, Windsor
- Death at Windsor Castle: Her Majesty Investigates by C.C. Benison
- Add Your Favourite Books About Windsor
- Add Your Favourite Site on an English Town
- Blog Posts about Windsor from Google
- Do you have memories of visiting Windsor or Eton?
3 Day Weather Forecast for Windsor & Eton
From bbc.co.uk / BBC Weather
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMap of Windsor & Eton from Google
The River Thames in Windsor and Eton
Photos of Windsor
Windsor Town Centre

Back of Guard, Windsor Castle
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Windsor is a shopper's paradise with designer stores, boutiques, department stores and many small specialist shops.
If you want to see a real Victorian railway station, visit Windsor Station in the town centre, just across the road from the castle. Although still a working station with a line to Reading, there are also exclusive boutiques and attractive cafés.
Building of the distinctive Windsor Guildhall, in fact the the Town Hall, started in 1687. It was designed by Sir Thomas Fitz and, after his death, was completed by Sir Christopher Wren. It is built on arches and a corn market was held within them. Look at the top of the internal columns that supposedly support the building above and you will see that there is actually a space between them and the ceiling. Legend has it that the town's councillors were worried the building would collapse if it was unsupported. Sir Christopher Wren, it is said, deliberately installed columns that did not touch the structure above to prove that he was correct and the building did not need extra support. As it is still standing, over 300 years later, I think we can conclude that he was right.
It was here in April 2005 that Prince Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles followed by a blessing in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. You can see the Guildhall in the High Street, very close to the Castle.
Photos of Windsor Town Centre
Windsor Castle - History

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Windsor Castle
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Originally, there was a Saxon palace at Old Windsor but William the Conquerer decided to build a castle on top of a hill overlooking the river about two miles away. By 1086 the castle was listed in the Domesday Book. Since then it has continued to play its part in the history of the country.
At nearby Runnymede, in June 1215, King John, who is said to have loved the castle above all others, put his seal to the Magna Carta. Although the barons, who had forced this on him, were principally concerned with their own interests, Magna Carta enshrined, for the first time, a citizen's rights before the law. The 39th article stated:
"No free man shall be arrested or imprisoned or dispossessed or outlawed or harmed in any way save by the lawful judgement of his equals under the law of the land. Justice will not be sold to any man nor will it be refused or delayed."
The castle continued in royal use. Edward III made it his principal residence, building the Round Tower in 1348 and making alterations in other parts of the castle. As well as the residence of the Kings of England, Windsor Castle was used for keeping eminent prisoners, for example, David Bruce, King of Scotland, and John, King of France in the 14th century. During the Civil War, the castle was held by Parliament and many of its treasures were melted down. The Parliamentarians also used the castle for prisoners including the most famous of all, Charles I, kept here just before his execution and returned to the castle in his coffin.

The King's Audience Chamber, Windsor Castle Giclee Print
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After the Restoration, Charles II did much work to restore it to its former glory as it had deteriorated badly in the years of the Commonwealth (Cromwell's time). The Sovereign Apartments were rebuilt and redesigned in lavish style with wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and twenty ceiling paintings by Antonio Verrio, only three of which survived George IV's redecoration unfortunately.
George III was the first king to die at Windsor Castle. He was the monarch who suffered from porphyria which made people think he was mad. One of these 'mad' episodes occurred in the grounds of the castle when he stopped the carriage he was in and got out to shake an oak tree's branch, thinking he was shaking the hand of the King of Prussia.
George IV made many great changes to the castle including restoring its medieval splendour using the architect Jeffry Wyatville. Although some of Wyatville's work, particularly Gothic additions and alterations to the Upper and Middle Wards, have not been greatly admired, he did bring a sense of unity to the castle.
One of the more recent dramatic episode's in the castle's long history occurred in 1992 when 0n 20 November 1992, a fire which began in the Queen's private chapel and spread quickly. The fire lasted for 15 hours during which time it had destroyed nine of the principal state rooms, and severely damaged over 100 more-in all the larger part of the upper ward.
After the fire, government and perhaps the Royal Family appeared to assume restoration would be paid for by the government, ie from general taxation. This provoked a furious debate with public opinion coming down firmly against this plan, particularly because Royalty did not pay tax at that time. In fact, 70% of the cost, 37 billion pounds, was raised by opening Buckingham Palace to the public.
The restoration has been very successful and the difference between old and new is now hard to distinguish although some of the most damaged rooms were completely redesigned to bring them up to date.
It is the world's biggest inhabited castle and the oldest to be continuously occupied. The home of the monarch for 900 years, today, Windsor Castle is one of the Queen's three official residences.
"Is there not something brutally unfair about the fact
that it is estimated that at least £60 million will be paid out by taxpayers to the richest woman in Britain to repair one of her homes without any contribution from herself, when only 400 yards away from another of her homes, Buckingham palace, people have to live in cardboard boxes and pensioners will die this winter from hypothermia?"
Said by Dennis Skinner MP, in the House of Commons, Parliament
Vid of the Great Fire at Windsor Castle
The Great Fire of Windsor Castle
LWT's Special coverage of the 1992 Windsor Castle Fire
Runtime: 13:55
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Windsor Castle Photos
Visitor Attractions in Windsor Castle

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Edward Prince of Wales Weds Alexandra of Denmark in St. George's Chapel Windsor Castle Giclee Print
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Some areas of the castle are open to the public:
* The magnificent State Apartments (only when the Queen is not in residence). They contain superb furniture, paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Holbein, tapestries, porcelain, armour and sculpture. More beautiful art may be found in the Drawings Gallery where a variety of work from the Royal Library is shown.
* Queen Mary's Doll's House, a perfect little mansion designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, on the scale of 1 to 12 of normal size.
* St George's Chapel, finished in the early 16th century, is a building of particular note with a magnificent perpendicular structure displaying fine fan vaulting. As the chapel for the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348, the choir contains stalls and brasses of Garter Knights. There are also many royal tombs including those of Henry VIII, Charles I and Edward VII. More recently, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were buried here too.
*Also nearby is the Albert Memorial Chapel, originally built by King Henry VII but now used to commemorate Queen Victoria's beloved Albert.

Prince Philip of England Drives a Coach Toward Toward the Long Walk, Windsor Castle, England
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There are other areas of the castles open to visitors including:
* Exhibition of the Queen's Presents
* Exhibition of Royal Carriages
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle, this ceremony takes place daily, except Sunday, at 11am between April to June, the rest of the year, it only occurs on alternate days.
In the Home Park of Windsor Castle stands Frogmore House, also open to the public at certain times (check before visiting). Built in the latter part of the 17th century, it was the home of Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent. Now it has been restored and many of the original contents returned.
See Windsor Castle
More Photos of the Castle
Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Show Jumping Photographic Print
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It began during the Second World War in 1943 as a means of raising money in the Wings for Victory campaign. It was just one of many events held in Windsor during the campaign and the town raised nearly £400,000 that year to buy aircraft for the RAF (Royal Air Force).
At this time it was called the Windsor Horse and Dog Show but the young Princess Elizabeth (now Queen) and her sister Princess Margaret took part in the first show as competitors. In fact, Princess Elizabeth won the horse and dogcart event at the first show. Since then, the Queen's daughter, Princess Anne (now the Princess Royal) has competed in the show jumping and the Duke of Edinburgh (the Queen's husband) has competed in the carriage driving events which he has won on a number of occasions.
When it started the show was a one day event but now it covers four days. It takes place annually in May and tickets go on sale in November. During the four days there are many classes of show jumping, carriage driving and dressage. The show climaxes at the end of the final day with the famous Musical Drive of The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
"The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton,"
said by the Duke of Wellington.
Eton

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Eton School Room, from "History of Eton College" Giclee Print
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Statue of Henry VI, the Founder, and Lupton's Tower, Eton College, Berkshire, England, UK Photographic Print
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Some of present buildings have survived from the 15th century including the kitchen, College Hall and part of the cloisters. The impressive Lupton's Tower was built in 1520. One of its most striking 15th century buildings is the chapel. Its wall paintings took eight years to complete but were whitewashed over in the mid 16th century and were only rediscovered in 1847 and cleaned and restored in 1923.
While in the area, visit Dorney Court, about 2 miles north west of Eton, a beautiful rose-pink, 15th century manor house, described by Country Life as one of the finest Tudor manor houses in England. Built in 1440, successive owners have resisted the urge to drastically alter this lovely house. It was given to Sir James Palmer by Elizabeth I and has remained in the same family ever since. The Palmer family kept strong links with royalty for Sir Roger Palmer stayed loyal to Charles II before the Restoration and was made Earl of Castlemaine afterwards. The King was also close to Sir Roger's wife, Barbara, who was his mistress for 10 years and bore him several children.
Photos of Eton
See Eton
A Tour of Eton College
A brief tour of Eton College, Berkshire England - best viewed at smallest size
Runtime: 3:50
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Legoland, Windsor

Legoland, Windsor, Miniland at night, all constructed from Lego bricks.
By courtesy of Legoland, copyright © 2008 The LEGO Group
Legoland stands on the site of the former Windsor Safari Park which went into receivership in 1992. That same year Lego choose the 150 acre site for the first Legoland outside of Denmark. Planning, construction, landscaping and other preparations take four years and it opens in 1996 having used an incredible 25 million Lego bricks to construct the model buildings and other structures.

The Jungle Coaster
By courtesy of Legoland, copyright © 2008 The LEGO Group
A visit to the park offers children a unique educational adventure. Lego like to call it 'Discovery Based Education' and Legoland combines all the elements of an exciting theme park with a total learning experience. The park offers a series of Active Learning Programmes, all of which are National Curriculum relevant and especially designed to support the learning needs of children aged 3 to 13 years old.
Above all, though, Legoland is fun - it has over 50 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools.
New for 2008, guests can explore the brand new Land of the Vikings, featuring the park's biggest and wettest ride to date, the Vikings' River Splash. Another exciting addition is the Longboat Invader that defies guests to test their sea worthiness as they sway back and forth on a Viking Longboat that sits on a 'U-shaped' track and rotates in two directions.
Death at Windsor Castle: Her Majesty Investigates by C.C. Benison
Buy this book from Amazon.comCanadian Jane Bee is working as a housemaid in the royal household in this third novel in the series featuring Jane partnering the Queen to solve mysteries.
During Ascot Week, when the Royal Family are at Windsor, royal curator, Roger Pettibon, is murdered in the Throne Room of Windsor Castle. As Pettibon had many enemies the Queen and Jane investigate the crime together.
Add Your Favourite Books About Windsor
Add your favourite books about Windsor or Eton to this list or vote more the more already on it.
Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen by Darren McGrady
Darren McGrady began working for the Royal Family more...1 point
Darren McGrady began working for the Royal Family as a pastry chef and quickly moved up the ranks to serve as Diana's personal chef until her death in 1997. Here he presents many of the recipes he served the Royals, and Diana in particular. Filled with artifacts, personal notes, photographs and never-before-seen memorabilia, this is much more than a cookbook. It is an opportunity to see how the Royals really live and to eat the exact recipes that graced the tables of Windsor, Balmoral, Kensingto...
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Blog Posts about Windsor from Google
- Danny's Little Taste of Texas, South Windsor, CT
- I have this link for a list of exhibitors: http://www.thebige.com/fair/fair_be_a_exhibitor.html Danny's Little Texas: 19 Oakland Road, South Windsor, CT (860) 436 -1232 ~ ltot@ltot.necoxmail.com Monday-Saturday 11am - 9pm Sunday 12pm ...
- Danny's Little Taste of Texas, South Windsor, CT
- That's saying a lot.... just wondering what you are comparing it to? (And), was it ribs, brisket or what, that is so good? What the heck is the Big E?
- Danny's Little Taste of Texas, South Windsor, CT
- It's a casual sit down place. I find it to be uneven, but worthwhile. I've had some terriffic food there but some not so good as well.
Do you have memories of visiting Windsor or Eton?
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bbug
Another great lens. Posted September 08, 2008 |
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Dad-The-Lad
Excellent info Stazjia. Am planning a trip to WIndsor in 3 weeks time so very useful. Posted June 23, 2008 |
| poddys
Great lens, 5***** I love Windsor, used to live 20 miles away. There are some great picnic spots on the river. Posted June 16, 2008 |
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capybara
A very nice Lens %* and welcome to Travelmania group! Posted June 14, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
Very nice lens. Welcome to All Things Travel. Posted June 13, 2008 |
Go Back To:
- 3 Day Weather Forecast for Windsor & Eton
- Map of Windsor & Eton from Google
- The River Thames in Windsor and Eton
- Photos of Windsor
- Windsor Town Centre
- Photos of Windsor Town Centre
- Windsor Castle - History
- "Is there not something brutally unfair about the fact
- Vid of the Great Fire at Windsor Castle
- Windsor Castle Photos
- Visitor Attractions in Windsor Castle
- See Windsor Castle
- More Photos of the Castle
- Windsor Castle Souvenirs
- Royal Windsor Horse Show
- "The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton,"
- Eton
- Photos of Eton
- See Eton
- Legoland, Windsor
- Death at Windsor Castle: Her Majesty Investigates by C.C. Benison
- Add Your Favourite Books About Windsor
- Add Your Favourite Site on an English Town
- Blog Posts about Windsor from Google
- Do you have memories of visiting Windsor or Eton?







































