Windsor is located in Berkshire, England. It covers about 5.1 hectares and is the biggest inhabited castle in the world.
Windsor Castle, the official home of Her Majesty The Queen, is also home to famous fine art and the Royal Library. So, if you are planning to visit the castle, the following are things you need to know:
It is About 900 Years Old
When William the Conqueror came to England, he established a series of bailey and motte castles to develop a strong seat of power and subjugate the Anglo-Saxons. Starting in Dover, he traveled from the coast, where William constructed the Tower of London. Windsor Castle was also built among the nine defensive castles in the ring around London. Each was about 25 miles away from London, remaining a day’s march.
Windsor is the Largest Inhabited Castle
With an amazing 1,000 rooms, the castle has been in occupation for about 900 years. From Queen Victoria to Henry VII, most of the best-known monarchs of England have graced about 39 rooms. From Queen Victoria to Henry VII, most of England’s most famous monarchs have graced about 39 rooms. William the Conqueror was the one who chose this spot, as it was above the River Thames and situated conveniently beside the Saxon hunting ground.
More than 250 Fireplaces
There are more than 250 fireplaces throughout Windsor Castle’s rooms, usually 1,000. Gary Jones, the castle’s fendersmith, keeps the fireplaces in good condition.
This job has also stayed in one family for generations, with Gary Jones having inherited the responsibility from Robert, his dad, in 1984.
Although mod-cons similar to central heating may have been used to regulate the temperatures in the castle, crackling and a roaring fire are atmospheric.
There are Nearly 400 Clocks
And then again, this is one man’s work to be in charge of all clocks. The castle’s horological conservator is liable for maintaining every historic timepiece.
Most of them have highly complex and outdated mechanisms. So they require skills to keep them ticking over.
The busiest weekends of the conservator are when those clocks change. It takes the conservator about 15 hours to move clocks forward in spring.
However, moving all the clocks back is more time-consuming. The conservator must wind them for around 22 hours instead of returning one.
Spectacular Doll’s House
It is already too much to create Barbie’s Dream House and make it look like a dodgy Airbnb. This doll house in Windsor was constructed for Queen Mary by about 1,500 artisans.
The house included flush toilets, a completely stocked 1200-piece wine cellar with a miniature, lifts, electricity, and running water, to name a few.
Final Touches!
The castle, including the Upper Ward, Lower Ward, and Middle Ward with Round Tower, covers about 13 acres. If you include Windsor Great Park and Home Park, the compound will cover approximately 5,000 acres. So when you visit the castle, take your time to see the changing of the guard for a stirring show.
