The heraldic badge of the Royal House of Windsor
adopted by King George VI in 1941.
Sailing to Windsor on the Thames.
photo by B. Townsend
Winsor Castle is a wonderful sight
to see. Of all the castles one reads about as a child, this beautiful
and very historical Castle represents one's best idea of what
a castle should look like. Its gardens are pristine and the architecture
is perfect and very picturesque. We went to Windsor in 1999, on
a boat. We drove down into the Runnymede
area on the Thames, and boarded our boat at a nearby landing.
The trip was part of a day-trip out of London by Frames-Rickards
Tours. It is an outstanding trip, and I highly recommend it. At
this point, the Thames is not the wide
river that passes through London; it is smaller and fully navigable
through a series of locks. Along the river are beautiful houses
and fields, and it is lovely and peaceful. Elsewhere on the travel
page of my web site, in the "London" area you can view
pictures of "A Boat Trip to Windsor" showing views seen
on this boat trip. This peaceful and quieting voyage down the
Thames
will give you much pleasure. I recommend it most highly.
Windsor Castle is an official residence
of Queen
Elizabeth II and her family.The castle, which has been inhabited
for over 900 years is a working palace and occasionally there
are official engagements at the Castle. William
the Conqueror began building fortifications at Windsor as
early as 1066. The present stone castle was started 100 years
later by Henry II. Edward III established the Order of the Garter in
1348 at the Castle. Queen Victoria had a special
affection for Windsor Castle. She is buried with Prince Albert
at nearby Frogmore Mausoleum. There is a small admission fee.
You normally can see the State Apartments, The Gallery, Queen
Mary's Doll House, St. George's Chapel and the Albert Memorial
Chapel.
The Round Tower at Windsor
Castlebuilt by Edward III in
the 1300's.
photo by B. Townsend
The Royal Apartments, where the
Royal Family stay when at Windsor Castle.
