The Queen’s at home: Windsor Castle
Castles and palaces were once remote places. But today the Queen’s homes are tourist attractions. We had a brilliant time today touring Windsor Castle. The Royal Standard was flying from the Round Tower, showing that the Queen was at home, although she didn’t say hello.
Owen loved the children’s audio commentary – but it did refer to dragons! We were moved by the account of the castle’s restoration after the terrible fire of November 1992. (The Queen’s annus horribilis.) It’s extraordinary to see how a building can flourish after being visited by that most destructive natural force. I just missed witnessing that catastrophe. I was returning from Cheltenham to Teddington for the weekend. I normally went via the M4, past Windsor, but that night went via the M40 as I was giving a friend a lift to Ealing. (But I did witness Hampton Court’s disastrous fire in 1986 as I was staying with a friend in Twickenham.)
Windsor remains one of our most lovely towns. Aside from Europe’s largest inhabited castle, it’s graced by the Thames, wonderful parks and splendid architecture. I’ve enjoyed cycling here from Teddington, Richmond and Chalfont St Giles: it’s a wonderful destination. And the old Great Western railway station is now a fine mix of restaurants, coffee houses and shops – not to mention a replica of a Great Western express engine of 1894 – when my grandmother was three.
I like coming here. I leave with happy memories and a broad smile.
Windsor walk
Diamond Jubilee remembered – unveiled by the Queen five days before
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I agree – I, too love Windsor Castle. I had the privilege to stay there in St George’s House within the castle many years ago as a reperesentative of the Women’s National Commission for a conference on the Future of the Family. After visiting hours, all the public went home. The whole place (which is big!) seemed to take a big breath, and slowed down. We were free to wander around most of the grounds, and it was a beautiful evening. I attended Sung Evensong in St george’s Chapel, and was moved by the atmosphere, the sense of history, the lighting (lots of candles) and the sheer beauty of the words and music.
The rooms we stayed in were at the top of the house, up small staircase. They were small and in need of decoration – but the view!! Bits of Castle, bits of sky and trees.
I loved it – and the conference wasn’t bad, either!
wish i could live in a beautifully made castle,, feels like a princess just by staring at this windsor castle,,,what a wonderful architecture job,,
its a living history, and ongoing history of the great place Britain ,,,God Bless the Queen!!!!!!