Windsor Castle | History & Facts (2024)

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Windsor Castle | History & Facts? ›

It's the longest-occupied palace in Europe

Construction started under William the Conqueror, who built it as a fortress, but it has been used as a royal residence since the reign of Henry I. Henry VIII used it as a giant pleasure dome, enjoying shooting, dancing, wrestling, and playing tennis on its grounds.

It's the longest-occupied palace in Europe

Construction started under William the Conqueror, who built it as a fortress, but it has been used as a royal residence since the reign of Henry I. Henry VIII used it as a giant pleasure dome, enjoying shooting, dancing, wrestling, and playing tennis on its grounds.

The castle was established by William the Conqueror (r. 1066-1087) who began building at Windsor around 1070. It took 16 years to complete. It was the official residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II and is still very much a working royal palace today, home to around 150 people.

Around 1070, William the Conqueror began building; 16 years later the castle was completed. It has over 1,000 rooms and more than 300 fireplaces. It houses a substantial portion of the Royal Collection, including furniture, paintings, and armor.

Windsor Castle was originally built in the 11th century, after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. King Charles III inherited Windsor Castle from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Windsor Castle is now under his ownership “in right of the Crown” though he doesn't occupy it.

Size. Buckingham Palace is huge (we're talking 108 meters long by 24 meters wide), while Windsor Castle is a more modest 48 meters by 24 meters. Buckingham Palace is a whopping 828,821 square feet, while Windsor Castle comes in at 484,000 square feet.

Those who live and work within the Castle include the titular head of the Castle community, the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle; the Dean of Windsor, Canons and other staff who run the College of St George; the Military Knights of Windsor; the Superintendent of Windsor Castle and his staff, who are responsible ...

Today, the Duke and duch*ess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, live at the 120-room mega mansion with their children. The Grade II–listed building is estimated to be worth around $38 million, should it be listed on the open market.

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for several months of the year, and even then only a small number of rooms are accessible. If the palace is closed you'll be driven to Windsor Castle, the Queen's weekend residence, located less than an hour away by car (depending on traffic).

It was Edward III, in approximately 1350, who transformed it from a fort into a Gothic palace, a transformation that cost around £50,000, the equivalent of £60.7 million in today's money. The current estimated market value of Windsor Castle is £497.5 million, an increase of 719% between 1350 and 2021.

How many toilets are in Windsor Castle? ›

It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and sits on 5.2 hectares of land. There are around 1000 rooms whereas Buckingham Palace clocks in at 775. Its biggest room is a chapel (pictured here) that seats 800. Unconfirmed reports put the loo count at around 80 - for the royal wee.

The distance between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle is 25 miles. The road distance is 22.1 miles.

Yes, approximately 150 staff members live at Windsor Castle. They ensure the smooth running and protection of the castle.

Elizabeth II inherited the Balmoral estate from her father, and then after her death, ownership passed to her eldest son King Charles III, but the estate is managed by trustees under Deeds of Nomination and Appointment.

There are three sources of funding for The Queen, or officials of the Royal Household acting on His Majesty's behalf, in both a public and private capacity. These are: the Sovereign Grant, the Privy Purse and The King's personal wealth and income.

Occupied Royal Palaces, such as Buckingham Palace, are not the private property of The Queen. They are occupied by the Sovereign and held in trust by Crown Estates for future generations.

Known as “The Automotive Capital of Canada,” Windsor is famous for its connection to the original Ford Motor Company factory.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs. You can sign up to our email updates to hear the latest news about the Castle and events taking place.

Windsor Castle is over 950 years old. Construction on the building began in 1070 and it took sixteen years to build. Windsor Castle is the oldest castle in the world to still be lived in and it has been the home of British monarchs since its completion.

in 1943, Windsor Castle was sunk by a torpedo launched from a German aircraft while in the Mediterranean Sea as part of convoy KMF-11. She was hit at 2:30 am but did not sink until 5:25 pm, going down stern first, 110 miles (180 km) WNW of Algiers, Algeria.