Fascinating Facts about Windsor Castle
Fascinating Facts about Windsor Castle
Step back in time and discover the grandeur of Windsor Castle, a captivating blend of history and architectural brilliance, nestled amidst the charming English countryside. This majestic fortress, steeped in centuries of royal heritage, has been the residence of British monarchs for over 900 years, making it one of the most enduring symbols of the nation’s rich past.
Immerse yourself in the castle’s rich history and facts, and delve into the stories of the monarchs who once walked its hallowed halls.
Quick Facts about Windsor Castle
- Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ, England
- Total Area: 484,896 square feet (45,000 square meters)
- Construction Started and Finished: Construction began in the 11th century and has been ongoing ever since
- Architects: Various architects contributed to its design and renovations; Sir Jeffry Wyatville made significant contributions in the 19th century. Other architects being involved were Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, and Hugh May.
- Architectural Style: Primarily Norman and Gothic, with later additions reflecting various styles, including Tudor and Baroque.
- Materials that were used: Stone, including local chalk and Caen stone, brick, and wood
- Renowned for: Being an official residence of the British monarch, being one of the largest and oldest inhabited castles in the world, being the longest-occupied castle in Europe, and being the home of the Order of the Garter
- Special Events: Changing of the Guard, St George’s Chapel services, state banquets, royal weddings, and other official ceremonies
- Number of Visitors per Year: Around 1.5 million
11 Fun Facts about Windsor Castle
Explore intriguing details about Windsor Castle as we unveil captivating insights:
Haunted Castle
There are many legends and stories of ghosts haunting Windsor Castle. One of the most famous ghosts is said to be the ghost of Henry VIII, who is said to walk the corridors of the castle in search of his sixth wife, Anne Boleyn.
Buried Treasures
To safeguard priceless artifacts from potential wartime damage, the treasures of Windsor Castle, including the Crown Jewels, were secretly buried in a deep hole in the castle grounds during World War II. This clandestine operation ensured the preservation of these invaluable items.
Scene Of A Destructive Fire
In 1992, a fire broke out at Windsor Castle, causing significant damage to the chapel and the Queen’s private apartments. The castle was restored over the following years, and it has been open to the public ever since.
Second Most Visited Site
Windsor Castle is the second most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, after the British Museum.
The Kitchens
The castle’s kitchens are the oldest in the country. They were built in the 14th century and still contain original ovens and fireplaces. The kitchens can cook for up to 6,000 people at a time!
1,510 Rooms
The castle has 1,510 rooms, including 775 bedrooms, 188 bathrooms, 52 staircases, 11 courtyards, and 300 fireplaces to keep the castle warm in the days before central heating.
The World’s Largest Collection Of Doll’s Houses
The Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a miniature palace that was built for Queen Mary in 1924 and is home to the world’s largest collection of doll’s houses. It features a jaw-dropping detail; the windows are made of actual, historically significant diamonds, making them virtually bulletproof.
Home To The Queen’s Stamp Collection
Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of collecting stamps. She reportedly had a collection of over 600,000 stamps, which are stored in a special room at Windsor Castle.
Real Suit Of Armor For Canine Companions
In the Dog Cemetery on the castle grounds, you’ll find a touching tribute to the royal pets. One grave stands out; that of “Tip,” a favored corgi of King George VI, who was honored with a tiny suit of armor, showcasing the monarch’s deep affection for his canine companion.
Hidden Corridor
There is a secret passageway that runs from the private apartments to the State Apartments. It is reportedly used by the monarch to move around the castle without being seen by the public.
Secret Garden
There is a hidden garden at Windsor Castle that is only accessible to the monarch and her guests. The garden is reportedly full of rare and exotic plants.
