Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It is the oldest royal residence and the largest occupied castle in the world.
In its 900-year history the castle has been expanded, modified and rebuilt many times by several monarchs. The most significant constructions/ changes were made by:
Henry II: rebuilding of the large Round Tower in the 1170s
Edward III: construction of the St. George’s Hall (used by the Knights of the Garter)
Edward IV/ Henry VIII: building of the St. George’s Chapel (15th and 16th century)
George IV: adding the Waterloo Chamber in the 1820s (dedicated to the defeat of the French emperor Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815)
Elizabeth II: restoration of nine main rooms and about 100 smaller rooms (castle caught fire in 1992)
Today the Queen uses Windsor Castle as a private home (usually at the weekend) and as a royal residence. State Visits are often held here. The Queen officially takes residence in Windsor twice a year. Between March and April she is staying for a month over Eastern (known as Easter Court) and in June she is attending the service of the Order of the Garter and the Royal Ascot race.
Despite being a working royal palace, the castle is open to the public.
Sources: Wilkinson, Philip. The British Monarchy for Dummies. West Sussex: John Wiley, 2006.
The Official Website of The British Monarchy: http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/WindsorCastle/WindsorCastle.aspx