ForewordForeword

I have chosen this subject because I have been fascinated by fairy tales since I was a child. Another reason that influenced my choice is my passion for tourism and I believe that my research in this domain will help me a lot in the future. Every castle you will explore in my project will provide you with a new and fascinating experience: each castle has a unique character,owing to the extent of its preservation – whether it is still in livable condition or completely ruinous – its history, its location and its singular architecture.Not only do they offer tourists the chance to climb spiralling stairways to the tops of the battlements,but castles also offer secretive passageways,unusual decoration, breathtakingly spectacular views and the chance to relive the past. In my opinion, even if you are an adult,or still a young person, you should never forget the world of fairy tales,and so castles are the living proof that you can always travel in this unique and unforgettable world.

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IntroductionIntroduction

Medieval castles were a symbol of wealth and power and were often the center of historic battles and Medieval sieges. Britain is strewn with ruins of castles, rubble from the centuries of her existence. Castles are tangible relics of a remarkable past, a lengthy heritage etched in stone, as well as with the blood and sweat of those who built, labored, fought, and died in their shadow. Ruins stir up in us a profound awareness of those past lives. Castles have a timelessness that is awe-inspiring. That they have endured centuries of warfare and the effects of weather is a testimony to the creativity and power of their medieval owners. Today are many Preservation Organisations that protect the coastline,countryside and castles of Great Britain. The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty was formed in 1895 and is one of the largest conservation organisations in the world.The Trust owns thousands of properties throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland; including over two hundred mansion houses and gardens of outstanding interest and importance. The majority of these country houses contain collections of pictures, furniture, books, metalwork, ceramics and textiles that have remained in their historic context. Most of the houses have also important gardens attached to them, and the Trust also owns some important gardens not attached to a house.

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The properties include some of the most famous stately homes in the country and some of the key gardens in the history of British gardening.

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Chapter 1Chapter 1

1.1 History1.1 History

Castles were brought to Britain by William the Conqueror, when he invaded England from his homeland in France. Known as the Duke of Normandy, William invaded England in 1066 and, due to his victory in the Battle of Hastings, William was crowned the King of England, and became King William I. One of the most powerful ways for William to take control of his new kingdom, which included England, Scotland and Wales, was to have castles built throughout the land. At first, he ordered the construction of very simple castles, called motte and bailey castles. They consisted of an earthen mound, called a motte, topped by a tower (first built of wood, and soon rebuilt in stone to make the towers more sturdy). The bailey was a large area of land enclosed by a shorter mound, placed next to the motte. Inside the bailey were the main activities of the castle (workshops, stables and livestock, household activities, etc.), while the tower on the motte was used as the lord's residence and as an observation post. These earth and wood castles were not very sturdy, because the wood would rot fairly quickly and was easy for an enemy to burn. So, William the king ordered the construction of stone castles. Stone castles were much more sturdy, did not rot like wood, and also were much more able to withstand any attack by an invader. Over the centuries after William was king, other kings ordered elaborate castles to be built. Castles were not just used by the king. Most castles, in fact, were granted by a king to their most loyal subjects, knights or barons who fought valiantly in battle and supported their king. The king, starting with William the Conqueror, gave his loyal knights vast estates and permission to build castles. In return, he expected these men (most of whom were given the titles of earl or lord) to control their lands as the king's representative, to keep the local population from rebelling, and to force them to work and pay rent to the lord (who then passed it onto the king). Many of the people who lived in Britain before it was conquered did not like being controlled by the king's barons, and wanted to keep control of their own lands themselves. But that was not possible, because William and later kings (and queens) demanded they pay homage. Therefore, castles were built to establish the power of the king and his followers, and to keep the people from regaining control of their own lands.

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These first knights and barons, followers of William the Conqueror, were known as the Normans, and were a very powerful lot. They built castles almost everywhere in Britain, hundreds of which still survive. Stone castles were built for stability and to symbolize the power of the lords of the kingdom. Even if the king did not order a particular castle to be built for his use, he still retained the ability to seize any of his lords' castles if they displeased him or if the king had a special reason to want to use it.

1.2 Parts of a Castle1.2 Parts of a Castle

No two castles were alike, but they all had the basic same parts.

1.3 Castle Defenses1.3 Castle Defenses

The defenses for the castle consisted of many things, from the moat to battlements. As castle design advanced, so too did the defenses. An allure was the wall-walk along the top of a curtain wall. They were accessed by a wooden or stone stair parallel to the wall, or sometimes by a mural tower. Wall-walks were often paved with stone slabs. A later 13th century innovation was an overhanging allure. This developed into flying parapets and machicolations. Arrow loops, also known as arrow slits or bow loops, allowed defenders to fire their arrows from cover. There were several different styles, as illustrated below. Rare before 1190, they were normally just a simple vertical slot, less than two inches wide at the outside, and averaged between 3 to 12 feet in length.

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A drawbridge was a moveable wooden bridge that gapped the castle ditch or moat. It could be removed or raised to prevent easy entry into the castle. The earliest were removable. When the need came, the guards would withdraw the platform from its position, thus offering protection to the castle. In later development, the drawbridge had ropes and pulleys attached where the guards would haul up one end of the platform by pulling on the ropes. The gatehouse was the entrance to the castle containing at least one portcullis that could be raised or lowered. Often this part of the castle was the first to be rebuilt in stone. The conversion of the gatehouse into stone protected it from attack by fire, but also from other kinds of assault. Placing the gatehouse near a moat, keep, or other tower gave it added protection. Frequently, the protecting tower was built into the gatehouse, as at Pembroke, which is defended by adjoining towers. Gate-towers appeared in the late 12th century. The first gatehouses were small square towers, with doorways at the middle of the bottom storey. Gatehouses maintained their importance for centuries, even in later castles which were not much more than semi-fortified manor houses. Many have survived where all other traces of the castle have vanished. The keep, great tower, or donjon was a self-sufficient, last resort, place of refuge used during a siege. Most keeps were square or rectangular in shape, although there were round keeps. Some keeps were over 80 feet high and had walls over 17 feet thick. Machicolations were openings in the floor of a projecting parapet or platform along the wall or above an archway, through which defenders could drop or shoot missiles vertically on attackers below. Murder holes are openings in a floor through which the castle defenders could drop missles or liquids upon the attackers. Stones were the most often used missile. Boiling oil was not used, as it was a precious commodity to waste. More than likely, if any boiling liquid was used, it was water. Murder holes were most often located in the vaulting over the gate passage. The parapet was an embattled wall shielding the castle defenders on the wall-walk.

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1.4 Castle Curtain Walls1.4 Castle Curtain Walls

A curtain wall, or enclosing wall, of a castle bounded or enclosed the castle. Most often it was attached to the towers and gatehouse. There are examples of walls dividing or splitting a bailey into two wards, and this is called a cross-curtain. Some curtain walls would be built around the bailey of a motte castle. The early curtain walls were made of heavy timbers and are most often associated with motte and bailey castles. These walls were called Palisades. The timbers would be locked together with horizontal beams and braced or propped in the back. Sometimes, these were so very well constructed that they were not replaced with stone curtains for as long as a century after the castle was built. Curtain walls made of timbers were prone to decay in a very short time. They were also susceptible to fire, by attackers or by accident. Stone, much sturdier than wood, gradually replaced most of the timber curtain walls. One of the earliest stone curtain walls was at Richmond Castle, built in 1075. The average height of a curtain wall was about 30 feet. There are a few exceptions, such as at Framlingham Castle. The stone curtain wall there was 44 feet high, while Knareborough Castle's was 40 feet high. The width varied, but most were very thick. They ranged from 7 feet thick at Conisbrough Castle to 20 feet thick at Chepstow Castle. Dover Castle walls were 20 feet thick, while Duffield Castle walls were 18 feet thick. Fortified manors had thinner curtain walls, ranging from 3 feet to 7 feet thick. As siege engines improved, the curtain walls were built higher. This made the lower part, or the base of the curtain wall, vulnerable to breaching and undermining. This problem was solved by introducing hoarding, allures, and angle towers. Curtain walls were almost always battlemented and had a parapet near the top and inside of the wall. Curtain walls were a very important part of the castle defense. Once the wall was breached, the castle would surely fall to attackers.

Stone Wall Construction

The best way to start the construction of a castle wall was to dig down to the bedrock, then quarry it flat for the foundations. If solid bedrock was not available then laborers had little choice but to dig trenches wider than the width of the wall and fill them with rubble. The rubble would then be

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compacted. Another method would be to try and use an existing foundation to build the new wall. The walls could be made of rubble, framed with wood until the mortar had dried. The most common composition was a rubble core with ashlar facing. The ashlar would be fitted in horizontal rows called courses, which could also be supplemented by slate to keep everything nice and level. Once the walls got too high to reach then workers would erect scaffolding to assist in construction. They would place timber posts into holes or containers and then lash them together with rope. Then, the ends of the timber would be inserted into putlog holes built into the wall. After the scaffolding was built, stone and mortar and other materials would be lifted by pulleys, hoists, or by carrying them up a ramp. Once the wall was at its full height, it was levelled off and ready to receive the allure and parapet. Laborers would then build a stone staircase parallel to the wall to provide access to battlements. They would coat the finished wall with plaster and whitewash to protect the stone and mortar. Names like the White Tower (at the Tower of London) or White Castle derive from the presence of this plaster.

1.5 Castle Chapels1.5 Castle Chapels

Chapels were an important part of life in a castle and the central place for community gatherings. Castle keeps had chapels, but sometimes they were located in the bailey, or outer ward. Other places chapels could be located were in the castle towers and gate houses. Many castles had more than one chapel, and some were very large cathedral-type structures. Sometimes, the chapels were private and only used by the lord and his family, even when churches were located nearby. Decoration and furniture in castle chapels were just as ornate as any other chapel that was built separate from the castle. Most had stained glass windows and wall paintings. Often, the castle chapel was the only room in the castle that had carved and vaulted decoration. Altars, piscinas, and aumbries were built-in. Some had crypts and barrel-vaulted naves.

1.6 Castle Historic Gardens1.6 Castle Historic Gardens

Many castles have historic gardens. If you ever have a chance to visit one, never pass on it. You will come away with just one word. Magnificent. One of the most splendid and common type of garden you

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will see is called the knot garden. A knot garden was a feature of garden design from Tudor times.

1.7 Castle Furnishings1.7 Castle Furnishings Just as two castles were never built the same, so too were there never two castles furnished the same. A lot depended on the wealth of the lord. The great halls were painted and had tapestries hanging from the walls. The ceilings had corbels carved or painted. Maybe the floor would be covered with straw and scented with herbs. The huge fireplaces were painted and faced with carvings. The dishes used would be expensive and elaborate. Maybe silver or pewter pottery adorned the long table of the hall. The sleeping chambers had private oratories and large elaborate carved beds. Feather mattresses, silks, and quilts completed the luxury. Some beds probably had canopies and curtains. Of course, this is the way the lord and guests slept. The servants and workers, more than likely, had to sleep on the floor using their cloaks for covers. Some had straw that helped them to get a better night's sleep. The chapel was probably the most elaborately furnished, rich in ornaments, having glazed windows and colorful furniture. The kitchens would have had built-in facilities. Even with some of the most convenient of furnishings, life back then was crude compared to our modern day standards.

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Chapter 2Chapter 2

Buckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen's official residence, with 775 rooms. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. They are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. 

2.1 History2.1 History

George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to St James's Palace, where many court functions were held. Buckingham House became known as the Queen's House, and 14 of George III's 15 children were born there.

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In 1762 work began on remodelling the house to the King's requirements, to designs by Sir William Chambers, at a cost of £73,000.George IV, on his accession in 1820, decided to reconstruct the house into a pied-à-terre, using it for the same purpose as his father George III. As work progressed, and as late as the end of 1826, the King had a change of heart. With the assistance of his architect, John Nash, he set about transforming the house into a palace. Parliament agreed to a budget of £150,000, but the King pressed for £450,000 as a more realistic figure.Nash retained the main block but doubled its size by adding a new suite of rooms on the garden side facing west. Faced with mellow Bath stone, the external style reflected the French neo-classical influence favoured by George IV. The remodelled rooms are the State and semi-State Rooms, which remain virtually unchanged since Nash's time.Many of the pieces of furniture and works of art in these rooms were bought or made for Carlton House (George IV's London base when he was Prince of Wales), which was demolished in 1827. The north and south wings of Buckingham House were demolished and rebuilt on a larger scale with a triumphal arch - the Marble Arch - as the centrepiece of an enlarged courtyard, to commemorate the British victories at Trafalgar and Waterloo. By 1829 the costs had escalated to nearly half a million pounds. Nash's extravagance cost him his job, and on the death of George IV in 1830, his younger brother William IV took on Edward Blore to finish the work. The King never moved into the Palace. Indeed, when the Houses of Parliament were destroyed by fire in 1834, the King offered the Palace as a new home for Parliament, but the offer was declined.Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to take up residence in July 1837, just three weeks after her accession, and in June 1838 she was the first British sovereign to leave from Buckingham Palace for a Coronation. Her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 soon showed up the Palace's shortcomings. A serious problem for the newly married couple was the absence of any nurseries and too few bedrooms for visitors. The only solution was to move the Marble Arch - it now stands at the north-east corner of Hyde Park - and build a fourth wing, thereby creating a quadrangle.Blore, the architect in charge, created the East Front and, thanks largely to his builder, Thomas Cubitt, the costs were reduced from £150,000 to £106,000. The cost of the new wing was largely covered by the sale of George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton. Blore added an attic floor to the main block of the Palace and decorated it externally with marble friezes originally intended for Nash's Marble Arch. The work was completed in 1847.

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By the turn of the century the soft French stone used in Blore's East Front was showing signs of deterioration, largely due to London's notorious soot, and required replacing. In 1913 the decision was taken to reface the façade. Sir Aston Webb, with a number of large public buildings to his credit, was commissioned to create a new design. Webb chose Portland Stone, which took 12 months to prepare before building work could begin. When work did start it took 13 weeks to complete the refacing, a process that included removing the old stonework. The present forecourt of the Palace, where Changing the Guard takes place, was formed in 1911, as part of the Victoria Memorial scheme. The gates and railings were also completed in 1911; the North-Centre Gate is now the everyday entrance to the Palace, whilst the Central Gate is used for State occasions and the departure of the guard after Changing the Guard. The work was completed just before the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

2.2 Today2.2 Today

Besides being the official London residence of The Queen, Buckingham Palace is also the busy administrative headquarters of the Monarchy and has probably the most famous façade of any building in the world. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. In measurements, the building is 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the central quadrangle) and 24 metres high. The Palace is very much a working building and the centrepiece of Britain's constitutional monarchy. It houses the offices of those who support the day-to-day activities and duties of The Queen and The Duke

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of Edinburgh and their immediate family. The Palace is also the venue for great Royal ceremonies, State Visits and Investitures, all of which are organised by the Royal Household. Although Buckingham Palace is furnished and decorated with priceless works of art that form part of the Royal Collection, one of the major art collections in the world today, it is not an art gallery and nor is it a museum. Its State Rooms form the nucleus of the working Palace and are used regularly by The Queen and members of the Royal Family for official and State entertaining. More than 50,000 people visit the Palace each year as guests to banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and the Royal Garden Parties.For those who do receive an invitation to Buckingham Palace, the first step across the threshold is into the Grand Hall and up the curving marble stairs of the Grand Staircase. Portraits are still set in the walls, as they were by Queen Victoria.The Throne Room, sometimes used during Queen Victoria's reign for Court gatherings and as a second dancing room, is dominated by a proscenium arch supported by a pair of winged figures of 'victory' holding garlands above the 'chairs of state'. It is in the Throne Room that The Queen, on very special occasions like Jubilees, receives loyal addresses. Another use of the Throne Room has been for formal wedding photographs. George IV's original palace lacked a large room in which to entertain. Queen Victoria rectified that shortcoming by adding in 1853-5 what was, at the time of its construction, the largest room in London. At 36.6m long, 18m wide and 13.5m high, the Ballroom is the largest multi-purpose room in Buckingham Palace. It was opened in 1856 with a ball to celebrate the end of the Crimean War.It is along the East Gallery that The Queen and her State guests process to the Ballroom for the State Banquet normally held on the first day of the visit. Around 150 guests are invited and include members of the Royal Family, the government and other political leaders, High Commissioners and Ambassadors and prominent people who have trade or other associations with the visiting country.Today, it is used by The Queen for State banquets and other formal occasions such as the annual Diplomatic Reception attended by 1,500 guests. This is a very formal occasion during which The Queen will meet every head of mission accredited to the Court of St James's. For the diplomats it is perhaps the highlight of the annual diplomatic social calendar.

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The Ballroom has been used variously as a concert hall for memorial concerts and performances of the arts and it is the regular venue for Investitures of which there are usually 21 a year - nine in spring, two in the summer and ten in the autumn. At Investitures, The Queen (or The Prince of Wales as her representative) will meet recipients of British honours and give them their awards, including knighting those who have been awarded knighthoods.  From the Ballroom, the West Gallery, with its four Gobelin tapestries, leads into the first of the great rooms that overlook lawn and the formal gardens - setting for the annual Garden Parties introduced by Queen Victoria in 1868. The State Dining Room is one of the principal State Rooms on the West side of the Palace. Many distinguished people have dined in this room including the 24 holders of the Order of Merit as well as presidents and prime ministers.Before the Ballroom was added to the Palace in the 1850s, the first State Ball was held in the Blue Drawing Room in May 1838 as part of the celebrations leading up to Queen Victoria's Coronation.The Music Room was originally known as the Bow Drawing Room and is the centre of the suite of rooms on the Garden Front between the Blue and the White Drawing Rooms. Four Royal babies - The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York and Prince William - were all christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room. One of its more formal uses is during a State Visit when guests are presented to The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and the visiting Head of State or for receptions.The last of the suite of rooms overlooking the gardens on the principal floor is the White Drawing Room. Originally called the North Drawing Room, it is perhaps the grandest of all the State Rooms. The Room also serves as a Royal reception room for The Queen and members of the Royal Family to gather before State and official occasions.The Bow Room is familiar to the many thousands of guests to Royal Garden Parties who pass through it on their way to the garden. It was originally intended as a part of George IV's private apartments - to be the King's Library - but it was never fitted up as such. Instead, it has become another room for entertaining and is where The Queen holds the arrival lunch for a visiting Head of State at the start of a State visit.

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2.32.3 The Queen’s GalleryThe Queen’s Gallery

The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, the wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen for the Nation. Constructed forty years ago on the west front of Buckingham Palace out of the bomb-damaged ruins of the former private chapel, the Gallery has recently been redeveloped. It was reopened by The Queen on 21 May 2002 and is now open to the public on a daily basis.

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Chapter 3Chapter 3

Windsor Castle

The historic fortress of Windsor Castle,standing proud on its wooded The historic fortress of Windsor Castle,standing proud on its wooded chalk ridge,has been ‘home’ to The Queen and earlier sovereigns of chalk ridge,has been ‘home’ to The Queen and earlier sovereigns of England for over 900 years.The rooms in the Upper Ward,devastated by England for over 900 years.The rooms in the Upper Ward,devastated by fire on 20 november 1992,have been restored to their former glory,the fire on 20 november 1992,have been restored to their former glory,the work being completed on the Golden Weeding Anniversary of Her work being completed on the Golden Weeding Anniversary of Her Masjesty Queen and The Duke of Endiburgh.Windsor Castel’s mighty Masjesty Queen and The Duke of Endiburgh.Windsor Castel’s mighty Round Tower continues to stand sentinel over its royal apartaments and Round Tower continues to stand sentinel over its royal apartaments and chapels,girded by rugged stone walls and a medley of turrets,hard by the chapels,girded by rugged stone walls and a medley of turrets,hard by the nestling rugged stone walls and a medley of turrets,hard by the nestling nestling rugged stone walls and a medley of turrets,hard by the nestling town and tranquil river Thames.town and tranquil river Thames.

3.1 A Royal Residence for 900 years3.1 A Royal Residence for 900 years

Windsor Castle has belonged continuously to the sovereigns of Windsor Castle has belonged continuously to the sovereigns of England since the days of the Norman Conquest over 900 years ago and England since the days of the Norman Conquest over 900 years ago and its present occupant,Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,is a direct its present occupant,Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,is a direct descendant of its founder.It was not as a stone-walled castle but as a descendant of its founder.It was not as a stone-walled castle but as a typical Norman stronghold of earth and timber that it first existed,one of typical Norman stronghold of earth and timber that it first existed,one of many constructed by the forces of William the Conqueror to control the many constructed by the forces of William the Conqueror to control the country after his invasion of 1066.country after his invasion of 1066. The castle formed one of a ring of garrisons built to command the area The castle formed one of a ring of garrisons built to command the area around London,each a day’s march from its neighbours and from the around London,each a day’s march from its neighbours and from the centre.The site at Windsor was a strategic importance,because it centre.The site at Windsor was a strategic importance,because it

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dominated the Thames,then the main freight route into the interior.The dominated the Thames,then the main freight route into the interior.The fortifications erected upon it were made unusually long and narrow so as fortifications erected upon it were made unusually long and narrow so as to take advantage of a lengthy escarpament.to take advantage of a lengthy escarpament. The site was also on the edge of a vast tract of royal forest in which the The site was also on the edge of a vast tract of royal forest in which the Saxon kings had hunted for centuries,with a small hunting lodge four Saxon kings had hunted for centuries,with a small hunting lodge four miles downstream,in an ancient settlement called Windlesora.The miles downstream,in an ancient settlement called Windlesora.The Norman invaders enjoyed the hunt no less and named the new fortress Norman invaders enjoyed the hunt no less and named the new fortress after it.after it. Over the years Windsor became increasingly important as a royal Over the years Windsor became increasingly important as a royal residence.Henry I is recored as having his court here in 1110.residence.Henry I is recored as having his court here in 1110. It was more than 50 years later,during the reign of his grandson Henry It was more than 50 years later,during the reign of his grandson Henry II,before the occupants were able to enjoy the luxury of stone buildings.II,before the occupants were able to enjoy the luxury of stone buildings.Henry II built his domestic apartaments in the Lower Ward and those for Henry II built his domestic apartaments in the Lower Ward and those for ceremonial purposes in the Upper Ward.These were destroyed by fire a ceremonial purposes in the Upper Ward.These were destroyed by fire a little over a century later,and since then the Royal apartaments have been little over a century later,and since then the Royal apartaments have been confined to the Upper Ward of the castle.confined to the Upper Ward of the castle. Later in Henry’s reign a rebellion started by his two sons,Richard and Later in Henry’s reign a rebellion started by his two sons,Richard and John,forced the hing to strengthen the castle’s defences.The lower half of John,forced the hing to strengthen the castle’s defences.The lower half of the Round Tower probably dates from this time,as well as much of the the Round Tower probably dates from this time,as well as much of the Upper Ward,with its rectangular towers,and the walls around the Middle Upper Ward,with its rectangular towers,and the walls around the Middle and Lower Wards.and Lower Wards. The castle suffered two sieges during this perod.The most serous of The castle suffered two sieges during this perod.The most serous of these was the barons’ rebellion against the John in 1216 after he these was the barons’ rebellion against the John in 1216 after he persuaded the Pope to annual the Magna Carta,the charter which ever persuaded the Pope to annual the Magna Carta,the charter which ever since has affirmed the individual’s right to justice and liberty.The castle since has affirmed the individual’s right to justice and liberty.The castle came under heavy attack for three months and its walls were badly came under heavy attack for three months and its walls were badly damaged.damaged. Early in Henry III’s reign the damage to the castle was repaired,the Early in Henry III’s reign the damage to the castle was repaired,the perimeter wall completed and the circular towers added.On the domestic perimeter wall completed and the circular towers added.On the domestic side no fewer than four major reconstructions followed.The 1side no fewer than four major reconstructions followed.The 1stst,by Henry ,by Henry III in the 1240s,took 20 years and was the last word in luxury for the III in the 1240s,took 20 years and was the last word in luxury for the age ,but apart from a chapel,these building ings did not survive.age ,but apart from a chapel,these building ings did not survive. In 1348 king Edward III, inspired by the legends of King Arthur and the In 1348 king Edward III, inspired by the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,founded the Most Noble Order of the Knights of the Round Table,founded the Most Noble Order of the Garter,Britain’s highest order of chivalery.The new order,consisting of 26Garter,Britain’s highest order of chivalery.The new order,consisting of 26 Knights Companion,swore personal allegiance of the king and adopted StKnights Companion,swore personal allegiance of the king and adopted St George as their patron saint.The knights workshipped in Henry III’s George as their patron saint.The knights workshipped in Henry III’s existing chapel and spectacular new apartaments were built for their existing chapel and spectacular new apartaments were built for their use,including the original St George Hall,where the knights met on St use,including the original St George Hall,where the knights met on St George Day for their ceremonial banquet.The king also built extensive George Day for their ceremonial banquet.The king also built extensive quarters for the clergy.quarters for the clergy. It was Edward’s royal successor,Edward IV,who began the construction It was Edward’s royal successor,Edward IV,who began the construction of the present chapel of St George in 1475 as a setting worthy of the of the present chapel of St George in 1475 as a setting worthy of the

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order,but it was not until 50 years later,in the reign of Henry VIII,that thisorder,but it was not until 50 years later,in the reign of Henry VIII,that this masterpiece of late Perpendicular Gothic architecture was completed.St masterpiece of late Perpendicular Gothic architecture was completed.St George’s Chapel replaced its predecessor as the Chapel of the Order of George’s Chapel replaced its predecessor as the Chapel of the Order of the Garter and still provides a magnificent setting for the Garter service the Garter and still provides a magnificent setting for the Garter service today.today. More than a century later, when the Civil War broke out in 1642,King More than a century later, when the Civil War broke out in 1642,King Charles I fled to York,making no attempt to defend his stronghold.The Charles I fled to York,making no attempt to defend his stronghold.The castle fell into the hands of Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces.Theycastle fell into the hands of Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces.They stole plate and treasures from St George’s Chapel,evicted the dean and stole plate and treasures from St George’s Chapel,evicted the dean and canons from their houses and stabled their horses in the nave.The castle canons from their houses and stabled their horses in the nave.The castle became a gaol for Royalist prisoners.became a gaol for Royalist prisoners. Charles did not see his castle again until he was brought back to it as a Charles did not see his castle again until he was brought back to it as a prisoner.Leadears of the Parliamenttary army,including Cromwell,had prisoner.Leadears of the Parliamenttary army,including Cromwell,had met at Windsor and taken the fateful decision ‘that the king should be met at Windsor and taken the fateful decision ‘that the king should be prosecuted for his life as a criminal person’.The doomed king spent his prosecuted for his life as a criminal person’.The doomed king spent his last Christmas in captivity here,in 1648,shortly before his trial and last Christmas in captivity here,in 1648,shortly before his trial and execution.Charles’s body was brought back to the castle and buried in St execution.Charles’s body was brought back to the castle and buried in St George’s Chapel.The burial took place in silence as the Parliamentary George’s Chapel.The burial took place in silence as the Parliamentary authorities woul not allow the use of the funeral service prescribed in the authorities woul not allow the use of the funeral service prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer,and the location of the king’s tomb remained Book of Common Prayer,and the location of the king’s tomb remained unknown for over a century and a half.unknown for over a century and a half. After the Restoration, King Charles II commissioned the architect Hugh After the Restoration, King Charles II commissioned the architect Hugh May to replace the royal apartaments with a new palace in the fashionableMay to replace the royal apartaments with a new palace in the fashionable baroque style.The basic structure of this building survives in the present baroque style.The basic structure of this building survives in the present State Apartaments but a century and a half later a monarch came to the State Apartaments but a century and a half later a monarch came to the throne whose visions of grandeur eclipsed those of any of his throne whose visions of grandeur eclipsed those of any of his predecessors.predecessors. This was George IV,whose architect sir Jeffry Wyatville carried out the This was George IV,whose architect sir Jeffry Wyatville carried out the castle’s last and greatest reconstruction.Charles II’s elegant apartaments castle’s last and greatest reconstruction.Charles II’s elegant apartaments were retained with much of their original decoration but George IV built were retained with much of their original decoration but George IV built new private apartaments for himself on the other two sides of the Upper new private apartaments for himself on the other two sides of the Upper Ward.The larger rooms in the castle were remodelled for ceremonial Ward.The larger rooms in the castle were remodelled for ceremonial use.All the new work was dominated by the gothic style,the external use.All the new work was dominated by the gothic style,the external additions including an extra storey an the Round Tower,several additions including an extra storey an the Round Tower,several completely new towers,and a profusion of elaborate battlements,turrets completely new towers,and a profusion of elaborate battlements,turrets and towers,giving the castle its dramatic air of romantic medievalism.and towers,giving the castle its dramatic air of romantic medievalism. So successful was the design of this great reconstruction and so sound So successful was the design of this great reconstruction and so sound the workmanship that little alteration has been needed since.The basic the workmanship that little alteration has been needed since.The basic structure of the palace left to his succesors by George IV is much the structure of the palace left to his succesors by George IV is much the same as that used by Queen Elizabeth II today.same as that used by Queen Elizabeth II today.

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St George’s ChapelSt George’s Chapel

St George’s Chapel,one of the finest examples of the Perpendicular St George’s Chapel,one of the finest examples of the Perpendicular style of late gothic architecture,was founded in 1475 by King Edward IV style of late gothic architecture,was founded in 1475 by King Edward IV as the chapel of the Order of the Garter and completed 50 years later by as the chapel of the Order of the Garter and completed 50 years later by King Henry VIII.The chapel is in regular use on great ceremonial King Henry VIII.The chapel is in regular use on great ceremonial occasions and the most important of these is the service of the Order of occasions and the most important of these is the service of the Order of the Garter.This historic pageant takes place in early June when The the Garter.This historic pageant takes place in early June when The Queen and the 26 Knights Companion,attired in the robs of the Queen and the 26 Knights Companion,attired in the robs of the Order,walk in procession from the castle through the Norman Gate and Order,walk in procession from the castle through the Norman Gate and the Middle and Lower Wards,to enter the Great West Door of the Chapel the Middle and Lower Wards,to enter the Great West Door of the Chapel for the annual service.for the annual service. The Order,which was founded in 1348 by King Edward III,is Britain’s The Order,which was founded in 1348 by King Edward III,is Britain’s highest order of chivalry and is said to have its origin in a charming highest order of chivalry and is said to have its origin in a charming story.Tradition it that at a ball held to celebrate the capture of Calais in story.Tradition it that at a ball held to celebrate the capture of Calais in 1387 a lady’s garter fell to the ground.The king picked it up and,seeing 1387 a lady’s garter fell to the ground.The king picked it up and,seeing his courtiers smile,said,’Hoil soit qui mal y pense’-‘Shame on him who his courtiers smile,said,’Hoil soit qui mal y pense’-‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’.This words became the motto of the Order.thinks evil of it’.This words became the motto of the Order. The procession is led by the heralds,wearing richly embroidered scarlet The procession is led by the heralds,wearing richly embroidered scarlet coatees,black breeches and stockings and buckled court shoes.A tabard coatees,black breeches and stockings and buckled court shoes.A tabard embroidered with the royal arms is also worn and the heralds carry embroidered with the royal arms is also worn and the heralds carry ceremonial swords.The knights and heralds are joined in procession by ceremonial swords.The knights and heralds are joined in procession by the Military Knights of Windsor,who wear scarlet tunics with gold the Military Knights of Windsor,who wear scarlet tunics with gold epaulettes and plumed cocked hats.The Sovereign is attended by The epaulettes and plumed cocked hats.The Sovereign is attended by The Queen’s Bodyguard in gold and scarlet uniforms with white collar ruffs Queen’s Bodyguard in gold and scarlet uniforms with white collar ruffs and Tudor bonnets dating from 1552.They carry ceremonial and Tudor bonnets dating from 1552.They carry ceremonial pikestaffs.The route is lined by soldiers of the Household Cavalery and pikestaffs.The route is lined by soldiers of the Household Cavalery and the Guards Division.the Guards Division. The Knights include Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother,the Duke of The Knights include Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother,the Duke of Endinburgh,the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal.Their robes Endinburgh,the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal.Their robes consist of a blue velvet mantle(cloak) with white ribbons,a plumed velvet consist of a blue velvet mantle(cloak) with white ribbons,a plumed velvet cap,a scarlet sash embroidered with the badge of the Order,an enamelled cap,a scarlet sash embroidered with the badge of the Order,an enamelled collar of gold knots,Tudor roses and Garters with a pendant of St George collar of gold knots,Tudor roses and Garters with a pendant of St George and the Dragon(patron saint of England and of the Order) and the badge and the Dragon(patron saint of England and of the Order) and the badge itself – the Garter Star on a blue riband.The blue garter which gave the itself – the Garter Star on a blue riband.The blue garter which gave the Order its name is worn buckled below the left knee.This is embroidered Order its name is worn buckled below the left knee.This is embroidered with the motto of the Order.with the motto of the Order.

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3.2 The State Apartments3.2 The State Apartments

The Grand StaircaseThe Grand Staircase

The visitor enters the newly-refurbished State Apartaments via the The visitor enters the newly-refurbished State Apartaments via the imposing Grand Staircase.Originally a medieval herb garden,the site imposing Grand Staircase.Originally a medieval herb garden,the site remained an open courtyard until the 1820s,when it was enclosed by a remained an open courtyard until the 1820s,when it was enclosed by a staircase designed by Sir Jeffry Wyatville.This was replaced by the staircase designed by Sir Jeffry Wyatville.This was replaced by the present staircase,designed by the architect Anthony Salvin for Queen present staircase,designed by the architect Anthony Salvin for Queen Victoria,in 1866.The stairwell is dominated by a huge marble statue by Victoria,in 1866.The stairwell is dominated by a huge marble statue by Sir Francis Chantrey of King George IV,the monarch largely responsible Sir Francis Chantrey of King George IV,the monarch largely responsible for the present appearance of the castle.On either side of the landing at for the present appearance of the castle.On either side of the landing at the top of the staircase stand two small suits of armour,made for the sons the top of the staircase stand two small suits of armour,made for the sons of King James I.of King James I.

The Grand VestibuleThe Grand Vestibule

The next room is the Grand Vestibule.This room owes its strange shape The next room is the Grand Vestibule.This room owes its strange shape to the fact that it was designed as the landing for the erlier staircase.The to the fact that it was designed as the landing for the erlier staircase.The gothic vaulting was designed by James Wyatt(uncle of Sir Jeffry gothic vaulting was designed by James Wyatt(uncle of Sir Jeffry Wyatville) and the lantern and decorated ceiling can still be seen.The Wyatville) and the lantern and decorated ceiling can still be seen.The room is now used for the display of militaria.In the case to the left of the room is now used for the display of militaria.In the case to the left of the exit to the Grand Staircase are relics of Tipoo Sultan,King of exit to the Grand Staircase are relics of Tipoo Sultan,King of Mysore,including a gold tiger’s head which formed part of this Mysore,including a gold tiger’s head which formed part of this throne.The case on the opposite wall contains Napoleonic relics,includingthrone.The case on the opposite wall contains Napoleonic relics,including a sword used by Napoleon Bonaparte when First Consul and the bullet a sword used by Napoleon Bonaparte when First Consul and the bullet which killed Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.which killed Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The Waterloo ChamberThe Waterloo Chamber

The Waterloo Chamber is the outcome The Waterloo Chamber is the outcome of a grand scheme by King George IV to of a grand scheme by King George IV to commemorate the allied victory over commemorate the allied victory over Napoleon at Waterloo.The king’s architect Napoleon at Waterloo.The king’s architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville created the impressive Sir Jeffry Wyatville created the impressive banqueting hall with its remarkable banqueting hall with its remarkable clerestory to accommodate the series of clerestory to accommodate the series of paintings,by Sir Thomas Lawrence,of all paintings,by Sir Thomas Lawrence,of all

the monarchs,statesmen and soldiers who had played a part in Napoleon’sthe monarchs,statesmen and soldiers who had played a part in Napoleon’s defeat.The 38 paintings are dominated by the magnificent portrait of the defeat.The 38 paintings are dominated by the magnificent portrait of the victor of Waterloo,Arthur,Duke of Wellington,shouwn wearing the Ordervictor of Waterloo,Arthur,Duke of Wellington,shouwn wearing the Order of the Garter and holding the Sword of State.Behind 16 of them are now of the Garter and holding the Sword of State.Behind 16 of them are now reveald pantomime character cartoons.These were painted on wallpaper reveald pantomime character cartoons.These were painted on wallpaper

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in 1944 by a 15-years-old student,Claude Whatham,to accompany a in 1944 by a 15-years-old student,Claude Whatham,to accompany a pantomime devised and acted by The Queen(when Princess pantomime devised and acted by The Queen(when Princess Elizabeth),Princess Margaret and others in the castle community.Many ofElizabeth),Princess Margaret and others in the castle community.Many of the woodcarvings are by Grinling Gibbons.The huge carpet,reputed to be the woodcarvings are by Grinling Gibbons.The huge carpet,reputed to be the largest seamless carpet in Europe,was made for Queen Victoria at the largest seamless carpet in Europe,was made for Queen Victoria at Angra in India.The magnificient table seats up to 60 guests and is used Angra in India.The magnificient table seats up to 60 guests and is used for banquets held in the presence of The Queen on the occasion of State for banquets held in the presence of The Queen on the occasion of State Visits and the annual gathering of the Order of the Garter.Visits and the annual gathering of the Order of the Garter.

The Garter Throne RoomThe Garter Throne Room

The Garter Throne Room was constructed for King George IV by The Garter Throne Room was constructed for King George IV by Wyatville in one of the oldest parts of the castle,dating from the 12Wyatville in one of the oldest parts of the castle,dating from the 12 thth century.During the reign of King Charles II the far end of the room,wherecentury.During the reign of King Charles II the far end of the room,where the throne is situated,was a separate chamber where the king gave the throne is situated,was a separate chamber where the king gave audience.Today the Knights of the Garter assemble here in June,in the audience.Today the Knights of the Garter assemble here in June,in the presence of The Queen,to conduct their business,which includes the presence of The Queen,to conduct their business,which includes the investiture of new knights,before the procession through the castle investiture of new knights,before the procession through the castle precincts to St George’s Chapel for the annual service.Set into the walls precincts to St George’s Chapel for the annual service.Set into the walls are portraits of sovereigns in their Garter robes,from King George I to are portraits of sovereigns in their Garter robes,from King George I to Queen Victoria.Over the fireplace hangs the state portrait of Queen Queen Victoria.Over the fireplace hangs the state portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by James Gunn.The fine woodcarvings are by Grinling Elizabeth II by James Gunn.The fine woodcarvings are by Grinling Gibbons.Gibbons.The King’s Drawing RoomThe King’s Drawing Room

In the next room,The King’s Drawing Room,the pictures are all by In the next room,The King’s Drawing Room,the pictures are all by Rubens and his school.Over the fireplace is “The Holy Family”,flanked Rubens and his school.Over the fireplace is “The Holy Family”,flanked by a landscape depicting summer and a scene of peasants in a barn by a landscape depicting summer and a scene of peasants in a barn depicting winter.The equestrian portrait to the left of the entrance,after depicting winter.The equestrian portrait to the left of the entrance,after Rubens,is Philip II of Spain,who married Mary I of England in 1554.The Rubens,is Philip II of Spain,who married Mary I of England in 1554.The ceiling is decorated with the Order of the Garter Star and garter badges.It ceiling is decorated with the Order of the Garter Star and garter badges.It was in this room that the body of Kinfg George IV lay in state after his was in this room that the body of Kinfg George IV lay in state after his death in 1830.death in 1830.

The King’s State BedchamberThe King’s State Bedchamber

The King’s State Bedchamber became the principal bedroom of the The King’s State Bedchamber became the principal bedroom of the royal apartaments in the reign of King George IV.The initials of King royal apartaments in the reign of King George IV.The initials of King Charles II appear in the corners of the ceiling.The French 18Charles II appear in the corners of the ceiling.The French 18thth-century bed-century bed was placed here by Queen Victoria for the State Visit of Napoleon IIIwas placed here by Queen Victoria for the State Visit of Napoleon III ant ant the Empress Eugenie in 1855.The Empire style hangings are in the the Empress Eugenie in 1855.The Empire style hangings are in the Napoleonic colours of purple and green and the foot of the bed bears theirNapoleonic colours of purple and green and the foot of the bed bears their monograms.Around the walls hang a superb series of pictures of Venice monograms.Around the walls hang a superb series of pictures of Venice by Canaletto,part of a collection of 50paintings and 140 drawings by the by Canaletto,part of a collection of 50paintings and 140 drawings by the

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artist purchased by King George III in 1762 from Joseph Smith,British artist purchased by King George III in 1762 from Joseph Smith,British Consul in Venice.Consul in Venice.

The Queen’s Drawing RoomThe Queen’s Drawing Room

The Queen’s Drawing Room was 1The Queen’s Drawing Room was 1stst constructed by King Charles II for constructed by King Charles II for Queen Catherine of Braganza as her “withdrawing room” or private Queen Catherine of Braganza as her “withdrawing room” or private sitting room.After conversion it formed a drawing room for visitors.The sitting room.After conversion it formed a drawing room for visitors.The room is hung with fine portraits of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs.King room is hung with fine portraits of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs.King Henry VIII,King Edward VI,Queen Elizabeth I,Queen Mary and Sir Henry VIII,King Edward VI,Queen Elizabeth I,Queen Mary and Sir Henry Guildford are by or after Hans Holbein.The state portrait of King Henry Guildford are by or after Hans Holbein.The state portrait of King James I by Paul van Somer hangs on the left of the exit and on the right isJames I by Paul van Somer hangs on the left of the exit and on the right is his son King Charles I by Daniel Mytens.The painting over the fireplace his son King Charles I by Daniel Mytens.The painting over the fireplace depicts King James’s elder son,Henry,Prince of Wales(died in 1612)in a depicts King James’s elder son,Henry,Prince of Wales(died in 1612)in a hunting scene.hunting scene.

The King’s Dining RoomThe King’s Dining Room

The King’s Dining Room is one of three existing apartaments designed The King’s Dining Room is one of three existing apartaments designed in the baroque style by Hugh May for King Charles II in 1675-83.The in the baroque style by Hugh May for King Charles II in 1675-83.The room gas a magnificent ceiling painted by the Italian artist Antonio room gas a magnificent ceiling painted by the Italian artist Antonio Verrio and remarkable decorative carvings by the famous woodcarver Verrio and remarkable decorative carvings by the famous woodcarver Grinling Gibbons.Verrio’s painting,completed in 1678,is of a banquet of Grinling Gibbons.Verrio’s painting,completed in 1678,is of a banquet of the Gods,a theme echoed in the carvings,which show flowers,fruit,fish the Gods,a theme echoed in the carvings,which show flowers,fruit,fish and game.A portrait by Jacob Huysmans of King Charles II’s and game.A portrait by Jacob Huysmans of King Charles II’s queen,Catherine of Baraganza,hangs above the fireplace.On the left near queen,Catherine of Baraganza,hangs above the fireplace.On the left near the doorway stands a fine terracotta bust of King Charles himself.the doorway stands a fine terracotta bust of King Charles himself.

3.3 Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House3.3 Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House must be the most magnificent dolls’ house Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House must be the most magnificent dolls’ house in the world,an English country mansion in miniature.The house,designedin the world,an English country mansion in miniature.The house,designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens as a gift for Queen Mary,was by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens as a gift for Queen Mary,was intended to be a work of the finest English craftsmanship,a model of an intended to be a work of the finest English craftsmanship,a model of an early 20early 20thth-century royal residence perfect in every detail.-century royal residence perfect in every detail. Built on a scale of 1 to 12,the house is a miracle of scale and Built on a scale of 1 to 12,the house is a miracle of scale and accuracy.The fixtures and fittings are extremely up-to-date for a house of accuracy.The fixtures and fittings are extremely up-to-date for a house of its age.It has electric lighting,hot and cold running water,and fully-its age.It has electric lighting,hot and cold running water,and fully-operating lifts and doors locks.It boasts an electric vacuum cleaner,an operating lifts and doors locks.It boasts an electric vacuum cleaner,an electric iron and a Singer sewing-machine.The exterior of the electric iron and a Singer sewing-machine.The exterior of the house,decorated to resemble Portland stone,has sliding sash windows.house,decorated to resemble Portland stone,has sliding sash windows.The traditional Wine Cellar is stocked with famous vintages of The traditional Wine Cellar is stocked with famous vintages of champagne,claret and brandy.champagne,claret and brandy.

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The Library contains leather-bound volumes by many famous authours The Library contains leather-bound volumes by many famous authours and poets,among them Rudyard Kipling and A.E. Housman,and a large and poets,among them Rudyard Kipling and A.E. Housman,and a large collection of prints,watercolours and drawings by well-known artists.collection of prints,watercolours and drawings by well-known artists. The garage has six vintage motor-cars,including a Rolls Royce Silver The garage has six vintage motor-cars,including a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.and all the tools and equipment necessary for their Ghost.and all the tools and equipment necessary for their maintenance.The formal garden was designed by the great English maintenance.The formal garden was designed by the great English gardener Gertrude Jekyll.gardener Gertrude Jekyll. The house was finally completed in 1924 after three years’ painstaking The house was finally completed in 1924 after three years’ painstaking work,with 1,500 craftsmen,artists and authors contributing to Lutyens’ work,with 1,500 craftsmen,artists and authors contributing to Lutyens’ grand design.grand design.

3.4 Castle Ghost3.4 Castle Ghost

Queen Elizabeth I's ghost has been seen in the library.Queen Elizabeth I's ghost has been seen in the library.A young guard shot and killed himself and another guard on duty saw A young guard shot and killed himself and another guard on duty saw him afterwards.him afterwards.

3.5 The Castle Today3.5 The Castle Today

Windsor Castle’s idyllic setting within the 5,700acre Great Park and its Windsor Castle’s idyllic setting within the 5,700acre Great Park and its proximity to London(just 20miles)makes it an ideal weekend residence proximity to London(just 20miles)makes it an ideal weekend residence for The Queen.Here the Sovereign can spend some time off-duty,away for The Queen.Here the Sovereign can spend some time off-duty,away from the rigours of court life,with family and friends enjoying quiet from the rigours of court life,with family and friends enjoying quiet country pursuits in an informal atmosphere away from the public gaze. country pursuits in an informal atmosphere away from the public gaze. The Castle has been loved by The Queen since childhood.As a young The Castle has been loved by The Queen since childhood.As a young princess the Sovereign was evacuated here to safety with her sister princess the Sovereign was evacuated here to safety with her sister

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Princess Margaret when the bombs began to fall on London in 1940,and Princess Margaret when the bombs began to fall on London in 1940,and the princesses lives at Windsor throughout the Second World War.the princesses lives at Windsor throughout the Second World War. Nowdays the Royal Family come to Windsor Castle to enjoy outdoor Nowdays the Royal Family come to Windsor Castle to enjoy outdoor activities,such as riding,carriage-driving,polo and shooting in The Great activities,such as riding,carriage-driving,polo and shooting in The Great Park.Ascot week in June is greatly enjoyed,as well as the Royal Windsor Park.Ascot week in June is greatly enjoyed,as well as the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the traditional Garter procession and service.Horse Show and the traditional Garter procession and service. The Castle is also a setting for great ceremonial occasions such as state The Castle is also a setting for great ceremonial occasions such as state visits or the gatherings of the Knights of the Garter. visits or the gatherings of the Knights of the Garter.

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Chapter 4Chapter 4

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle on the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland is the private residence of The Queen. Beloved by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Balmoral Castle has remained a favourite residence for The Queen and her family during the summer holiday period in August and September. The Castle is located on the large Balmoral Estate, a working estate which aims to protect the environment while contributing to the local economy. The Estate grounds, gardens and the Castle Ballroom are open to visitors from the beginning of April to the end of July each year, under the management of the Balmoral Estate Office.

Chapter 5

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The Tower of London

Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress The Tower of London, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic monument in central London, England on the north bank of the River Thames. It is located within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and is separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. The Tower of London is often identified with the White Tower, the original stark square fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1078. However, the Tower as a whole is a complex of several buildings set within two parallel rings of defensive walls and a moat. The Tower's primary function was a fortress, a royal palace and a prison (particularly for high status and royal prisoners, such as the Princes in the Tower and the future Queen Elizabeth I). This last use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower" (meaning "imprisoned"). It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, a mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

5.1 History5.1 History

The Tower of London was founded in 1078, when William the Conqueror ordered the White Tower to be built inside the SE angle of the City walls, adjacent to the Thames. [1] This was as much to protect the Normans from the people of the City of London as to protect London from outside invaders. William ordered the Tower to be built of Caen stone, which he had specially imported from France, and appointed Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester as the architect. Some writers, such as Shakespeare in his play Richard III, have ascribed an earlier origin to the Tower of London and have stated that it

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was built by Julius Caesar. This supposed Roman origin is a myth, however, as is the story that the mortar used in its construction was tempered by the blood of beasts. In the 12th century, King Richard the Lionheart enclosed the White Tower with a curtain wall and had a moat dug around it filled with water from the Thames. The moat was not successful until Henry III, in the 13th century, employed a Dutch moat-building technique. This king greatly strengthened the curtain wall, breaking down the city wall to the east, to extend the circuit, despite the protests of the citizens of London and even supernatural warnings (if the contemporary monastic chronicler Matthew Paris is to be believed). Henry III transformed the Tower into a major royal residence and had palatial buildings constructed within the Inner Bailey. The fortification was completed by between 1275 and 1285 by Edward I who built the outer curtain wall, completely enclosing the inner wall and thus creating a concentric double defence. He filled in the pre-existing moat and built a new moat around the new outer wall. The Tower remained a royal residence until the time of Oliver Cromwell, who demolished the old palatial buildings.

5.2 Recent history5.2 Recent history

The military use of the Tower as a fortification, like that of other such castles, became obsolete with the introduction of artillery, and the moat was drained in 1830. However the Tower did serve as the headquarters of the Board of Ordnance until 1855, and the Tower was still occasionally used as a prison, even through both World Wars. In 1780, the Tower held its only American prisoner, former President of the Continental Congress, Henry Laurens. In World War I, eleven German spies were shot in the Tower. Irish rebel Roger Casement was imprisoned in the Tower during his trial on treason charges in 1916. The last execution, of German spy Josef Jakobs, took place during World War II. In the following year, Hitler's deputy, Rudolf Hess, was imprisoned in the tower for four days. During this time, RAF Wing Commander George Salaman was placed in the same cell undercover, impersonating a Luftwaffe officer, to spy on Hess. Although acting in a covert manner and not held as a true inmate, Salaman remains the last Englishman to be locked in the Tower of London. The tower was used as a prison for German prisoners of war throughout the conflict. Waterloo Barracks, the location of the Crown Jewels, remained in use as a base for the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) into the 1950s; during 1952, the Kray twins were briefly held there for failing to report for national service, making them among the last

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prisoners of the Tower;the last British citizen held for any length of time was the traitorous Army officer Norman Baillie-Stewart from 1933 to 1937. Although it is no longer a royal residence, the Tower officially remains a royal palace, and as such, maintains a permanent Guard: this is found by the unit forming the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace. Two sentries are maintained during the hours that the Tower is open, with one stationed outside the Jewel House and one outside the Queen's House. In 1974, there was a bomb explosion in the Mortar Room in the White tower leaving one person dead and 41 injured. No one claimed responsibility for the blast, however the police were investigating suspicions that the IRA was behind it.

5.3 Crown JewelsCrown Jewels

The Crown Jewels have been kept at the Tower of London since 1303, after they were stolen from Westminster Abbey. It is thought that most, if not all, were recovered shortly afterwards. After the coronation of Charles II, they were locked away and shown for a viewing fee paid to a custodian. However, this arrangement ended when Colonel Thomas Blood stole the Crown Jewels after having bound and gagged the custodian. Thereafter, the Crown Jewels were kept in a part of the Tower known as Jewel House, where armed guards defended them. They were temporarily taken out of the Tower during World War II, and reportedly were secretly kept in the basement vaults of the Sun Life Insurance company in Montreal, Canada, along with the gold bullion of the Bank of England; however, it has also been said that they were kept in the Round Tower of Windsor Castle, or the Fort Knox Bullion Depository, in the United States.

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5.4 Castle Ghost5.4 Castle Ghost

In 1816, a guard saw what he described afterwards as "a shadowy bear walking up the stairs in the twilight." He lunged at it with his bayonet, which shattered against the wall. The ghostly presence walked on unaffected and the guard, having told his unlikely story to others, died of shock a few days later.

Chapter 6Chapter 6

Leeds Castle

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Leeds Castle in Kent, England, has been called the "loveliest castle in the world". Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a royal palace. It's situation is stunning, set on two islands in a magnificent lake.

6.1 History6.1 History

Built in 1119 by Richard de Crevecoeur to replace the earlier Saxon manor of Esledes, the castle became a royal palace for King Edward I of England and his queen, Eleanor of Castile in 1278. Major improvements were made during his time, including the Barbican, made up of three parts, each with its own entrance, drawbridge, gateway, and portcullis. The medieval keep is called the "Gloriette" in honor of Queen Eleanor. In 1321 King Edward II besieged the castle after his queen was refused admission, and used ballistas, or springalds, to force its defenders to surrender. In 1395, King Richard II received the French chronicler Jean Froissart there, as Froissart described in his Chronicles.Henry VIII transformed the castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and a painting commemorating his meeting with Francis I of France still hangs there. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth I was imprisoned in the castle for a time before her coronation. The castle escaped destruction during the English Civil War because its owners, the Culpeper family, sided with the Parliamentarians. The last private owner of the castle was Lady Baillie, who bought it in 1926. She redecorated the interior, working with the Paris decorator Stéphane Boudin. Baillie established the Leeds Castle Foundation. The castle was opened to the public in 1976. On July 17, 1978, the castle was the site of a meeting between the Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan in preparation for the Camp David Accords.

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Leeds is the home of the black swans. They were a gift given to Winston Churchill after WWII. He sent them to Leeds to live. Their descendants are still there.

6.2 Leeds Castle TodayLeeds Castle Today

The castle you see today is the result of over 900 years of alterations and changes. It has Norman foundations; a mediaeval gatehouse; the Gloriette, built by Edward I and updated in Henry VIII’s times; a Tudor tower; and a 19th century country house - all of which were substantially refurbished in the 20th century. The last private owner of the castle, Olive, Lady Baillie, left an indelible mark on the place. The heiress to an American fortune from her mother’s family and the daughter of an English Lord, she married three times. It was with her second husband, Arthur Wilson Filmer that she bought the castle in 1926, and embarked on a complete refurbishment, using the finest French architects and designers to create an elegant country residence. She filled the castle with art and antiques, collected on her frequent buying trips around Europe, and with glamorous house parties at which she entertained princes, film stars and politicians. Her guests enjoyed the use of the castle’s cinema, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, and marveled at the extraordinary creatures in the grounds; Lady Baillie’s fascinating collection of birds and waterfowl, zebras and llamas as well as the more usual horses and dogs.

6.3 Maiden’s Tower6.3 Maiden’s Tower

Named after an earlier tower which housed a religious recluse, the Maiden’s Tower was built in Tudor times as the castle’s bakery and brew house, to make the “small beer” which would have been drunk at every meal, as a safe alternative to water. In Lady Baillie’s day it was first the

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“bachelor quarters” for houseguests, with a cinema and smoking room downstairs, and later the home of her younger daughter and her family until 2003. It is now used for special exhibitions and functions.

6.4 Tourism6.4 Tourism

This castle and its grounds are now an important leisure destination in the country of Kent. The castle has an aviary, a maze, a grotto, a golf course and what may be the world's only museum of dog collars. It also plays host to an annual hot air balloon display.

ConclusionConclusion

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Castles, even though most of them are ancient, will never lose their interest,they will always represent a mystery for us, a mystery well-hidden inside their walls and no matter the weather, castles will always provide the perfect picture. In the history of each country,castles represent a landmark and they are the ones that keep inside their stone walls the deepest secrets of their surroundings. They carry our imagination through undefined lands,like the land of fairy tales in which beautiful princess are trapped in the highest tower of the castle and they are saved by their prince charming.Therefore, castles,beside their ancient stories about ghost that haunt them, also reveal a more pleasant side and they often make us dream with our eyes opened. To conclude,my research about castles helped me to find out more about the history of Great Britain because every castle represents a little part of it and reveals more than every book or document can.

“Build on, and make thy castles high and fair, Rising and reaching upward to the skies; Listen to voices in the upper air, Nor lose thy simple faith in mysteries.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

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BibliographyBibliography

1.1. Jerome ,Fiona “Tales from the Tower” (2006)Jerome ,Fiona “Tales from the Tower” (2006)2.2. Kenneth,O. Morgan “The Oxford Ilustrated History of Britain”Kenneth,O. Morgan “The Oxford Ilustrated History of Britain”3.3. Nash, Roy.Nash, Roy. Buckingham Palace: The Place and the People Buckingham Palace: The Place and the People4. Nicolescu,Adrian “Istoria Civilizatiei Britanice”,Colectia Sinteze4. Nicolescu,Adrian “Istoria Civilizatiei Britanice”,Colectia Sinteze Volumul I , Institutul European 1999Volumul I , Institutul European 19995.5. Windsor Castle – Pitkin PictorialsWindsor Castle – Pitkin Pictorials6.6. Windsor Castle – The Pitkin GuideWindsor Castle – The Pitkin Guide7.7. The Book of Windsor .Barracuda Books ,p. 35The Book of Windsor .Barracuda Books ,p. 358.8. Tinniswood,Adrian “A History of British Architecture : BuildingsTinniswood,Adrian “A History of British Architecture : Buildings

of The Middle Ages”of The Middle Ages”9.9. http://www.caerphillycastle.com/http://www.caerphillycastle.com/10.10. http://www.leeds-castle.com/goto.phphttp://www.leeds-castle.com/goto.php11.11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmoral_Castle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmoral_Castle12.12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_Castlehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_Castle13.13. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Towersentries.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Towersentries.JPG14.14. http://www.londonpass.com/attTowerOfLondon.asphttp://www.londonpass.com/attTowerOfLondon.asp15.15. www.royal.gov.ukwww.royal.gov.uk16.16. www.castles-of-Britain.comwww.castles-of-Britain.com

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