Welcome to Windsor Castle

    Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of the Queen of Britain. Over a period of nearly 1,000 years it has been continuously, and altered and redecorated by monarchs(君主) one after the other. Some were great builders, strengthening the Castle against and rebellion; others, living in more peaceful times, created a grand Royal residence. William the Conqueror chose the site, high above the river Thames and on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. It was a day's march from the Tower of London and intended to guard the western to the capital. The outer walls of today's structure are in the same position as those of the castle built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. The Queen uses the Castle both as a private home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as a Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties. Windsor Castle is used by the Queen to host State Visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. Every year the Queen takes up official residence in Windsor Castle for a month over Easter (March-April).

    The Castle is huge, so people tend to head for the most bits -- the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, the Gallery and the delightful Queen Mary's Dolls House. Works of art, antique furniture, curiosities and impressive architecture reflect the tastes of many different royal generations. The State Apartments are decorated formal rooms still used for state and official functions.

    The magnificent and beautiful St. George's Chapel was started in 1475 by Edward IV and was completed 50 years later by Henry VIII. It among the finest examples of late medieval architecture in the UK.

    The Drawings Gallery the exhibition “The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years”. The exhibition presents portraits of the Queen in brief moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings.