The History of Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, a stunning royal property in Berkshire, England, was built as a defensive base by William the Conqueror in 1070. The Castle wasn’t actually occupied residentially until around 1110 when King Henry I took the throne.
The Castle has been enlarged and restructured by a number of monarchs over time. Henry II and Henry III were the first kings to invest in expanding Windsor Castle, but it was Edward III who had the greatest impact on the structure and use of the Castle and its grounds during the 1300s. Most notably, Windsor Castle became the centre of court and government and become the seat of the King’s newly founded Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry which is still alive and well today.
Subsequent monarchs used Windsor Castle in a variety of ways. Henry VIII, Charles II, George IV and Queen Victoria used the Castle as their primary residence whereas Edward VI and James I used the Castle for other purposes such as simplified Garter ceremonies and base for hunting.
George VI, Elizabeth II, and Princess Margaret lived at Royal Lodge in the Windsor Great Park during George VI’s reign. Elizabeth II also resided at Windsor Castle regularly throughout her own reign. The current King, Charles III, resides at Clarence House, but is the rightful owner of Windsor Castle as per his sovereignty.
The Current Inhabitants of Windsor Castle
Though the monarch does not reside at Windsor Castle, a number of other individuals live and work within the Castle grounds, including:
- the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle;
- the Dean of Windsor;
- Canons and other staff who run the College of St George;
- the Military Knights of Windsor;
- the Superintendent of Windsor Castle and his staff;
- the Housekeeper and her staff;
- Soldiers who mount a permanent military guard in the Castle.
Other Uses of Windsor Castle
As well as being a domestic home to a wide range of people, Windsor Castle also has a number of other uses, including:
Investitures
Investitures are formal ceremonies where honours recipients receive medals from the Royal Family in the Grand Reception Room.
Audiences
Audience is the term given to define the King’s private meetings. Most notably, the King holds a weekly Audience with the Prime Minister at the Castle.
Receptions
Held in St George’s Hall, receptions are gatherings which are used to celebrate achievements, coordinate charity events and discuss significant causes.
Worship
St George’s Chapel is a Royal Peculiar and an active centre for worship, governed by the Dean and Canons of Windsor. It is open every day to the general public.
