7 Fascinating Fun Facts About Windsor Castle You Never Knew!
1. Chatty Castle Walls
If walls could talk, Windsor Castle would be the "longest-reigning" chatterbox of the royal family tree: Built almost a thousand years ago by William the Conqueror, the castle has housed generations of monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II. Covering 13 acres, this medieval abode not only serves as a royal residence but also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter - the world's oldest order of chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348. And while we mortals change addresses, Windsor Castle continues to be a bustling abode for around 150 permanent residents.
Source => houseandgarden.co.uk
2. Pimp My Royal Ride
In a picturesque fairytale-reminiscent version of "Pimp My Ride," Queen Victoria just couldn't resist going all out for her beloved Frogmore estate, even commissioning a swanky mausoleum for her and Prince Albert in this royal love nest: Frogmore, an estate located in Home Park, was favored by the royal couple, especially as a scenic spot for Victoria's watercolor escapades. The estate gained modern fame as the venue of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, as well as the location of their UK home before their grand American adventure.
Source => authenticvacations.com
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=> Fun Facts about Buckingham-Palace
3. Garter Swagger
If you thought the British royals only paraded around in fancy costumes at weddings, think again: Windsor Castle hosts the annual Order of the Garter ceremony, a vibrant event established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago that brings together top-tier knights and colorful plumage as part of one of the oldest and most senior Orders of Chivalry in Britain.
Source => dailymail.co.uk
4. Castle Makeovers
Though Windsor Castle has never actually transformed like Optimus Prime in response to architectural trends, it certainly has experienced continuous metamorphoses throughout its rich history: From demolishing and reconstructing medieval towers to adding contemporary lodgings and passageways, the castle has flourished by adopting the evolving preferences of its royal residents while still maintaining its regal charm.
Source => british-history.ac.uk
5. OG Timekeeper
Time flies when you're having monarchs: Edward III, the OG timekeeper, was the first English king to have his exact birth time recorded, with the royal clock ticking at 5:40 am on November 13, 1312, right within Windsor Castle's historic walls.
Source => westminster-abbey.org
6. Palace Party Pad
When renovating your royal crib goes wildly off-budget: Edward III dropped a whopping £50,000 back in the 1350s to transform Windsor Castle into the ultimate gothic palace party pad. Architectural maestro William of Wykeham brought this vision to life, constructing lavish apartments and multifunctional spaces fit for the highest of highnesses.
Source => rct.uk
7. 'Jack's' Mythical Tower
Ahoy, royal historians! Ever heard of the Castle that Jack built? Or rather, the tower he didn't? Spoiler alert: It wasn't Jack and it wasn't a fairy tale character, but his name was Charles, and he was a king: Contrary to popular myth, Windsor Castle's iconic Round Tower was never used as a prison for high-ranking captives in the 17th century, like Charles I. In fact, its history spans from its 12th-century beginnings as a simple keep, to its 19th-century height enhancement, and finally moonlighting as the Royal Archives' home in the 1990s.
Source => en.wikipedia.org