Windsor Castle’s history began around 1070, when William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress to guard the western approach to London. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, having been the home of 40 monarchs over nearly a millennium. Its long history reflects the changing role of the monarchy, evolving from a military stronghold to a grand royal palace.
The Norman Fortress (11th-12th Centuries)
William the Conqueror strategically chose the site for Windsor Castle, high above the River Thames on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. The initial structure was a classic motte-and-bailey castle, built with earth and timber to project Norman dominance. It was part of a defensive ring of castles around London, each about a day's march from the next. In the 1170s, Henry II began the crucial process of replacing the original wooden structure with stone, building the first stone Round Tower and outer walls.
Medieval Expansion and Conflict (13th-14th Centuries)
The castle's strength was tested during the First Barons' War in the early 13th century, when it withstood a prolonged siege. King Henry III invested heavily in the castle in the 1220s, building a luxurious royal palace in the Upper Ward and constructing new defensive towers—the Curfew, Garter, and Salisbury towers—in the Lower Ward. A century later, Edward III, who was born at the castle, transformed it into a Gothic palace. In 1348, he established the Order of the Garter, with its spiritual home at Windsor, and spent a massive £50,000 on rebuilding projects, including St. George's Hall.
Tudors, Stuarts, and Civil War (15th-17th Centuries)
The magnificent St George's Chapel, a supreme example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, was started by Edward IV in 1475 and completed by Henry VIII in 1528. Henry VIII is buried within the chapel's quire, alongside his third wife, Jane Seymour. The castle endured one of its most difficult periods during the English Civil War. In 1642, it was seized by Parliamentary forces and used as a military headquarters and a prison. King Charles I was imprisoned here before his execution in London in 1649 and was later brought back for burial in St George's Chapel.
Restoration and Georgian Grandeur (17th-19th Centuries)
Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Charles II began modernising the castle with extravagant Baroque interiors designed by architect Hugh May. After a period of neglect, George III and George IV undertook a colossal rebuilding project in the early 19th century. Architect Jeffry Wyatville refashioned the castle in a romanticised Gothic style, giving the Upper Ward its dramatic skyline and creating the lavish sequence of State Apartments seen today.
The Modern Era (20th-21st Centuries)
During World War I, King George V changed the royal family's German surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor, inspired by the castle. In World War II, the castle served as a safe refuge for the young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. The Crown Jewels were even moved to the castle for safekeeping. A devastating fire on 20 November 1992 destroyed or damaged over 100 rooms, including St George's Hall. The subsequent restoration was a monumental five-year project, costing £37 million and completed in 1997. Queen Elizabeth II used the castle as her main residence from 2011 until her death in 2022, and she is buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel within St George's Chapel.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Windsor Castle?
William the Conqueror began building Windsor Castle around 1070 as a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress. It was later rebuilt in stone by subsequent monarchs, most notably Henry II and Edward III.
How old is Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is over 950 years old. Construction started around 1070, and it has been continuously inhabited by British monarchs since the time of Henry I (who reigned 1100–1135), making it the longest-occupied palace in Europe.
What happened in the Windsor Castle fire?
On 20 November 1992, a major fire broke out at Windsor Castle, caused by a spotlight igniting a curtain. The fire raged for hours, severely damaging nine principal rooms and over 100 others, representing about one-fifth of the castle's area. The restoration took five years and cost £37 million.
Discover centuries of royal history for yourself when you book tickets to explore this iconic royal residence.