Just 20 miles west of the famous Buckingham Palace, the Windsor Castle stands. With more than 1,000 rooms, Windsor is considered the oldest and largest castle in the world currently inhabited. It is also home to some of the most valuable British Royal Collection. Walking down the floor of the castle while admiring the beautiful paintings hung on its stoned walls is a dream for many people. If you are a huge fan of everything royal, digging deeper into what you can find in this royal residence favored by the Queen and her family will be fantastic.
How It’s Started
The history of Windsor Castle as a royal residence can be dated back to the Saxon era. During this time, Windsor Forest was the favorite place for the Saxon kings to go hunting. The strategic location of the forest (above River Thames) cemented the importance of this region for Saxon kings. William the Conqueror began to build Windsor Castle after defeating the last king of Saxon in 1070. The build of Windsor Castle itself was completed 16 years later.
Windsor Castle as the First Residence
Castle was used as a primary residence by Henry I. His successor, Henry II, then enlarged the castle and built it extensively between 1165 and 1179. It was Edward III who spent a lot of resources to convert the castle from a military fortress to a residential place fit for royals. The famous St. George’s Chapel – only ranks below Westminster Abbey – was completely built on the grounds of Windsor Castle in 1528. Aside from the chapel, there are also Frogmore House, Royal Lodge, Home Park, and Windsor Park that you can find in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Home of Some World’s Finest Arts
George IV turned Windsor Castle into a lavish royal residence soon after he was enthroned. The king created a grand entrance along with the staircase in the castle that led to the State Apartments. George IV also filled the castle with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Rubens. Not only that but the interior of the castle is also loaded with pieces by Vulliamy, Knapton, Knapton, and other world-class artists. One thing that you shouldn’t skip when visiting the Castle is the impressive Queen Mary’s Doll House.
Queen’s Easter Court
Until today, the Castle remains the official royal residence of the British monarch. Every time Queen Elizabeth II is in residence, there will be standard flies from the Round Tower of Windsor Castle. It is widely known that the Queen and her late husband, Prince Phillip, spend most of their private weekends at Windsor. She also takes the castle up as her official residence from March to April (during Easter).
Just like other official royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle is owned by the Crown. It means that the ownership of the castle is by the British monarch related to her position as the queen of England.
Windsor Castle’s Net Worth
Today, the Castle is estimated to be worth around $236 million. Covering 13 acres of area, the castle consists of over 1,000 rooms and 300 fireplaces. It requires more than 600 staff to manage the castle and Royal Collection kept inside. Among these large numbers of rooms available in Windsor Castle, 52 rooms are for royal and guest bedrooms. Meanwhile, 188 rooms are used for staff bedrooms. It also boasts 92 offices, 19 staterooms, and 78 bathrooms.
