Everything Under Sky: World's Biggest House

World's Biggest House

Introduction to Windsor Castle

Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Windsor Castle is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch.

Most of the Kings and Queens of England have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. The castle’s history and that of the British monarchy are inextricably linked. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years

Windsor Castle Layout

Over its 1,000-year history, the design of Windsor Castle has changed and evolved according to the times, tastes, requirements and finances of successive Monarchs. Nevertheless, the positions of the main features have remained largely fixed and the modern plan below is a useful guide to locations. The castle today, for example, remains centred on the motte or artificial hill (”A” on the plan) on which William the Conqueror built the first wooden castle.

A: The round tower
B: The Upper Ward, The Quadrangle (as this courtyard is known)
C: The State Apartments
D: Private Apartments, overlooking the East terrace
E: South Wing, overlooking The Long Walk
F: Lower Ward
G: St George’s Chapel
H: Horseshoe Cloister
K: King Henry VIII Gate (principal entrance)
L: The Long Walk
M: Norman Gate
N: North Terrace
O: Edward III Tower
T: The Curfew Tower

Windsor Castle Pictures