Windsor Castle Round Tower
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A tour of Windsor Castle was in the Globus tour itinerary as well as the London Tea Tour. Below are some of my 2001 notes:
- Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of the Queen.
- She is officially in residence at Windsor Castle twice a year - April and June, but she and her family spend most of their private weekends there too.
- Windsor Castle is the oldest Royal Residence to remain in continuous use.
- The Castle itself covers an area of about 13 acres, but sits on a 1,800 acre spread.
- It is the largest occupied castle in the world. The vast structure has evolved over many centuries from its origin as a Norman fortress. It was founded by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago.
- It contains about 1,000 rooms and consists of three "wards" - upper, middle and lower.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which was given to her in 1924, is displayed in the castle for tourists to see. Also the China Museum, where cases surround the walls displaying magnificent china services that are still used for royal banquets and other important occasions today. Any one who loves beautiful dishware [which I do!] will appreciate this.
2001 Photos
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Entering the castle at St. George's Gate.
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Looking towards the east and south ranges of the Quadrangle where the Queen's private apartments are located.
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Pictured below is the teacup I bought at the Windsor Castle gift shop in 2001.
It is backstamped: The Royal Collection - Fine Bone China - Made in England. Design inspired by the furniture and decorative details in the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle.
2007 Photos - but no new Windsor teacup on this visit!
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Tomorrow's teacup is from the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Windsor Castle is one of my favorite places in England to visit.
ReplyDeleteLove that teacup! Especially the "swirliness" of the pattern. The pictures of the castle are amazing, I hope to see it in person one of these days.
ReplyDeleteWindsor is such a beautiful palace and such a charming town. We used to source things from a friend with an antique shop in Windsor on our annual antique business buying trips, but they retired 3 years ago. We miss the excuse to go to Windsor when we're in London. Great photos, great memories! Thanks for digging up such great stuff, and I love your teacup!
ReplyDeleteRuth
What a neat tour! I cannot imagine 1000 rooms!
ReplyDeleteA very pretty teacup. What makes it so special though is where it came from. I so enjoy my teacup from the Kensington Palace and so glad I bought it as a souvenir.
ReplyDeleteThe pretty swirls on this teacup are just charming. And I did not get to Windsor Castle on my only trip to England, so it looks like I need to go back!
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