The most fascinating fact about Windsor Castle is that it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. First built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been a home to 40 British monarchs for nearly 1,000 years and remains an official residence of the King today.

Surprising Facts About Windsor Castle

From royal burials to a world-famous dolls' house, Windsor Castle is filled with nearly a millennium of secrets and stories. Here are some of the most remarkable facts about this iconic royal fortress.

  1. It's the world's oldest and largest occupied castle. Founded by William the Conqueror around 1070, it has been continuously inhabited for almost a thousand years. The castle grounds cover an area of about 13 acres (5.3 hectares).
  2. The Royal Family's surname comes from the castle. During World War I, King George V felt the family's German surname, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, was inappropriate. In 1917, he adopted the new name of Windsor, inspired by the historic castle.
  3. It served as a wartime refuge. During the bombing campaigns of the Second World War, the royal family, including the young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, took refuge at Windsor Castle. The Crown Jewels were even moved there from the Tower of London for safekeeping.
  4. Eleven monarchs are buried there. St George's Chapel is the final resting place for a significant number of British monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, George V, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II.
  5. The castle has over 1,000 rooms. As a working palace, Windsor Castle is immense, containing more than 1,000 rooms and providing a home and workplace for over 500 people.
  6. A devastating fire destroyed 115 rooms in 1992. On November 20, 1992, a fire caused massive damage to the castle's Upper Ward. The five-year restoration project cost £37 million and was a masterpiece of modern craftsmanship.
  7. It houses the world's most famous dolls' house. Queen Mary's Dolls' House is a 1:12 scale model of an aristocratic home, created in the 1920s. It is a perfect miniature marvel, complete with electricity, running water, and tiny objects made by over 1,500 leading artists and craftsmen of the day.
  8. The Changing of the Guard happens here too. The famous ceremony is not just a Buckingham Palace tradition. The colourful display of British pageantry, where one group of soldiers takes over from another, has been a regular fixture at Windsor since 1660.
  9. George IV's renovations cost a fortune. In the 1820s, King George IV and his architect Jeffry Wyatville undertook a massive remodelling of the castle, creating the grand State Apartments and iconic skyline we see today at colossal expense.
  10. Hitler reportedly wanted it for himself. It is rumoured that Adolf Hitler intended to make Windsor Castle his personal British home after a successful invasion, which is why the area was spared from heavy bombing during the war.

Frequently asked questions

How many people live in Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is not just a historic monument; it's a living community. It is estimated that more than 500 people live and work within the castle today, carrying out the duties required to run a working royal palace.

Which royals are buried at Windsor Castle?

Eleven monarchs are buried in St George's Chapel. They are Edward IV, Henry VI, Henry VIII, Charles I, George III, George IV, William IV, Edward VII, George V, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Can you see the King's private apartments?

No, the private royal apartments are not open to the public. However, visitors can explore the magnificent State Apartments, which are used for official state visits and ceremonies, as well as the Semi-State Rooms which are George IV's lavishly decorated private apartments, open to the public from autumn to spring.

Ready to uncover more of Windsor's secrets? You can explore the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, and more when you book tickets for a visit.