Windsor Castle 1,000 Years of Royal History

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs, including Her Majesty The Queen…

- William

Nestled into a charming small town in the British countryside is Windsor Castle—the oldest continually occupied castle in the world. It is also the largest castle in which people still live and work. Thousands of tourists a day flock to visit the staterooms, chapels, and rolling grounds open to the public. Behind these public scenes, the castle contains extensive private grounds and Royal apartments fit for a Queen.

In fact, Windsor Castle is almost as famous as its inhabitants, Queen Elizabeth II and her now-late husband, Prince Philip. Aside from being the world’s longest-occupied palace it also served as a prison during the Civil War in the mid-17th century, a social center for political figures and nobility, and a fortress during several major wars.

When the Norman noble William the Conqueror swept into England in 1066, he began a process of dominating and uniting the smaller kingdoms he encountered. It was he who first commissioned Windsor Castle in 1070 in a lush spot above the River Thames and on the outskirts of Saxon hunting land.

Windsor Castle originated from a defensive need. The location of the present-day castle was chosen for its proximity to the Thames and to guard the western approach to London. The military fortress was made of wood and constructed in the motte-and-bailey style. In this style, a strong keep (central building) stood upon a central raised mound, surrounded by a walled and barricaded courtyard. The castle also happened to border a forest rich in hunting—considered a kingly sport.