Windsor is all about the castle, the centrepiece of the town and dominating the skyline. It's a very
touristy place, but is well worth a day visit and can be easily reached. Windsor is just outside
of London up the Thames, and across the river is the village of Eton, complete with its world famous
school.
Whilst living in London I went out to Windsor a couple of times, and as well as being a pleasant place
for a wander it also has some nice pubs down by the Thames, and a great curry house across the river
in Eton.
Queen Victoria stands by Windsor Castle, which she made her royal residence, although she much preferred Balmoral.
Balmoral.
As a tourist you enter the castle through the St George's Gate, next to the King Edward III Tower.
The castle contains the 14th century St George's Chapel, the chapel of the Order of the Garter. Becoming
a member of the order is one of the highest distinctions that can be achieved within the British
honours system. Only 26 living people can be members at any one time. the 1000th Knight of the Garter
is Prince William.
The Round Tower is at the centre of the whole complex, and stands on top of a motte, a small hill for
defense. It was built during the reign of Henry II in the 12th century, and remodelled in the 19th
century.
Little royal pond at the bottom of the motte where the Round Tower sits.
The Quadrangle in the Upper Ward of the castle, onto which the State Apartments look. This is a newer
part of the castle, and much of it was rebuilt inside following the devastating fire of 1992.
Guard at Windsor Castle - although they don't wear the big furry hats of the guards at Buckinham Palace,
they're still not to be distracted.
The castle looms above the town of Windsor itself. To my back is the bridge over to Eton.
The Crooked House of Windsor, or Market Cross House as it is officially known, is something of a slanty
shanty. It's around 300 years old.
Windsor Castle as seen shortly after taking off from Heathrow Airport. The Long Walk is visible on
the left, the official approach to the castle.
