Alisa couldn't wait to see it since the Queen and the Royal Family continue to use the castle regularly, relaxing as best they can, or having state events and guests staying there with them.
I couldn't wait to see it because William the Conquerer built it nearly 1000 years ago, giving him a great vantage point to the Saxon lands and was a days march from his other stronghold, the Tower of London and has remained a crucial part for so many influential historical figures.
Joey and Sammy were excited since it was a castle.
I enjoyed reading this site with a current perspective on the castle as well as its history. Since pictures were not allowed inside (although I did break the rules a few times on that count), they also have virtual room tours. The Crimson Drawing Room is pretty amazing.
http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/WindsorCastle/WindsorCastle.aspx
Although not far geographically, escaping the London traffic continues to be a challenge. There was some fierce pounding rain that swept across us as we were getting to the highway which added a little more time.
We did safely arrive, which is always a plus.
For those traveling to England and planning to rent a car and park, let me offer a travel tip:
Bring tons and tons of change to park your car! Parking can run up to 12-15 pounds for a day and most meters, especially at Windsor, do not take credit cards. They have pay stations that accept coins only or you can sign up online for an account to pay automatically via credit card (which was a bit of a challenge to navigate). As of now, we have a cache of 1 and 2 pound coins to ensure parking is covered.
Why the tip, you ask? Parking at Windsor sucked.
We had found a spot close to the castle. Then we couldn't pay for our parking. Alisa took Joey and Lanna up to see if they could get there in time for changing of the guard (which had been cancelled already due to rain). Sammy and I drove around to find another spot and to ensure parking was covered.
About 30 minutes later, I had created an online parking account while sitting in a spot a half mile away from our first spot and that headache was over.
We were finally reunited as Sammy and I walked up from our parking down by the Thames (which, out there, is a small and quaint river), although Sammy and I were pretty damp from the persistent drizzle.
Joey was eager to show us his crown jewels. There was a family activity area and Joey had been industriously building his crown and scepter. Sammy quickly joined in until we had two royal princes.
From there we walked towards the center area of the Windsor Castle. It's divided into an upper ward (where the State Rooms and royal residence is), the middle ward, and the lower ward.
Here we came to the centerpiece of the castle, the Round Tower. It dominated the entire area.
An expanded view allows you to see the Edward III tower above and to the right. That tower is part of the upper ward of the castle complex, forming the visitor apartments.
You could anticipate hundreds of years ago, the well manicured green grass in the fossa there could have hosted a moat or bristling forest of spears to prevent anyone from advancing upwards towards the Round Tower.
We took advantage of a quick photo op for Prince Joey.
From there, we walked downhill towards the lower ward.
St. George's chapel is located here. Stared in 1475, it too has a rich history. You can find a good recap and some interesting trivia about it here:
http://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/st-georges-chapel-p45153
Pictures could do it some justice, but it's nothing compared to the quiet awe you feel in the airy but solemn atmosphere. And since we couldn't take any photos anyway, it's best just experience it in person.
It felt both imposing but intimate. Since it was built, the English royalty and many notable historical figures have walked these halls. Many are buried here. In fact, there were so many memorial plaques and alcoves for those buried there, it's worrisome they will run out of space soon.
We walked over the polished black stone, Henry VIII's final resting place. That stands out in my mind amidst the many kings, queens, and notable figures laid to rest there.
It was spitting rain as we walked out and we all needed a break. We were able to leave and get some lunch.
On the way down, a car was driving out. I had to get a shot of a red British Mini Cooper in Windsor Castle.
Looking for an authentic British experience, we found it at the Drury House just outside the gates.
It was cozy and warm as the firelight reflected off the gleaming dark wooden walls. It's been around since 1645 (and the creaky, uneven staircase seems to be original).
Should you ever make your way to Windsor Castle, I recommend going to the Drury House (and no, I was not compensated in any way for this promotion).
http://druryhouse.co.uk/default.htm
The warm meal reinvigorated us and we walked back into the blustery, slate gray afternoon with renewed enthusiasm.
We breezed past security and back into the castle. We made a beeline for the Doll House, located in the upper ward of the castle in the State Apartments.
Made in 1921 for Queen Mary. It's 1/12 scale and magnificent. It made me want to be shrunken down by 1/12 so I could drive the many cars out front, eat at the banquet hall, and then relax in a fluffy bed. It was ridiculous.
From there we glanced at the Waterloo Gallery, a special exhibit marking the 200th anniversary of Waterloo.
Then we ascended to the areas where the Queen and her family still frequent in the summertime. To think people still lived in this castle made Alisa and me a bit jealous.
The armory areas were filled with historical weapons and the walls adorned with weapons of all sorts. Pistols created in a circular flower pattern, swords criss-crossed on the walls and mounted horse models.
I took this picture before I was politely told not to take any more photos.
We then went into St. George's Hall. Incredible! This was my favorite room of the entire place. Heraldic crests were literally hanging from the ceiling with gigantic oil paintings of the monarchs lining the walls.
I took another picture very surreptitiously here.
Arthur, Duke of Wellington's crest was noted to be up on the ceiling above where I took this photo.
We walked through so many rooms filled with history and opulence, it numbed the mind.
Upon turning a corner, there was a brilliant green room which I again took an illegal picture.
Next to this room was the Crimson Drawing Room. Alisa wanted to move in. She confidently stated she would be very content living in that room the rest of her life. She also reported she would have a lovely time chatting with the Queen whenever her majesty would visit.
Since Alisa loved this room so much, I endeavored to take another illegal photo. It did not turn out very well, so you can use that virtual tour in a link referenced above.
Just in case there are no further blog entries after this, it's probably because I have been hauled away by the Bobbies or the Royal Guard for taking so many unlawful photos.
That was the last of the illicit shots of Windsor Castle. Ironically, you can find more (and better) pictures of each of these rooms pasted across the internet.
We made our way back into the raw, misty day. It was a relief to take legal pictures again!
This overlooks the Visitor Apartments and Edward III's tower from the other side.
As we walked out, we saw the Guard at the base of the hill. Joey and Sammy were so excited to see him, especially so close! We were about 10 feet away from him.
Joey wanted to do his best to be a guard himself, so he stationed himself at attention.
He knew his responsibilities were to protect the Royal Family and to maintain his stony visage at all costs.
We chatted with him and made some funny faces as well.
And with that, we said farewell to Windsor Castle and made our way back to London.
No comments:
Post a Comment