WINDSOR CASTLE

 

WINDSOR CASTLE

 

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.First established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century,it has been successively redecorated, enlarged and rebuilt by monarchs from Henry II to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen uses the Castle both as a privat home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as a Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties

The traditional State Banquet is held in St George's Hall (55.5m long and 9m wide), with a table seating up to 160 guests.

The State Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the royal Collection in a magnificent display to rival any art gallery in the world. Masterpieces by Rubens, Holbein and Van Dyck hang alongside ornate English and French furniture, including rare examples in silver and lavish services of porcelain

St.George Chapel, within the Castle Precincts, is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England.Ten monarchs are buried here.

Many Royal weddings have been celebrated in St George's Chapel, most recently that of Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones in June 1999. In 2005 a service of dedication and prayer was held in the Chapel following the marriage of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.