Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years and was built in the early eleventh century. The castle solidifies its state as being home to monarchs and even presently the Queen calls Windsor one of her three official residences. Accomplishing the feat of being the largest inhabited castle and the oldest in continuous use would not have been possible without preservation of the legacy throughout the centuries.

The fully working castle’s appearance does not look the same as we see it today, for many renovations have taken place since its initial construction. The architecture of the castle since the 14^th century has mirrored contemporary renditions and interpretations of previous traditions, thus aiding in keeping its initial legacy in tact.  Different design choices make up the varying buildings as the present castle is a result of phased building projects. As Gaby and Kaitlyn explained in their guidebook, Windsor Castle was “originally built in wooden form”; however, it was “rebuilt with stone 100 years after its original construction for fortifications”.

The idea of adding to the structure for longevity of the castle, mirrors the idea of adding specific structures in terms of dedication to preserve the longevity of the iconic people associated with the castle. St. George’s Chapel, which was dedicated to England’s patron Saint is a strong example of this. The souvenir guide points out that “The College of St. George was founded by Edward III in 1348 as a self-governing community of priests and laymen dedicated to daily prayer for the Sovereign and all the faithful, and so it remains”.  The legacy of these daily prayers remains on weekdays and Sundays with four services available every day.

Harry W. Blackburne, in his book The Romance of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, writes: “Was it that King Edward IV wanted to build a chapel to the greater glory of God which would be worthy of the Knights of the Garter, or because he, a Yorkist, wished to build even more beautiful than that of Eton, which had been the noble task of the Lancastrian King Henry VI?” (Romance). Binaries, such as the selfish and extravagant, are seen in other aspects of the castle’s history when we question whether or not the castle was a haven for sanctity or conflict.  

Oliver Cromwell capturing the castle in 1642 ultimately caused it to be reformed as a prison. Without research into status of the castle as a prison, I may not have ever known this information. Thus, the legacy has smoothed over this component of the past, which leaves us feeling as though the castle has always been the sacred, well-received place it is considered now. With a past so rich in change, it is not surprising that monarchs and icons have attempted to leave their mark on the castle through renovations and perceived histories. However, it is out job to explore the castle’s past and not just take it for what it is presently.