Time indeed to leave London, and after a final breakfast at the St. Giles Hotel we headed for Windsor Castle. This has been on my must-see list for some time. I have long heard this is a beautiful place. After watching the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last year because I couldn’t sleep after returning from our Italy trip, I told Jan it was to be everyone’s must-see.
We had heard from our first London tour guide Jan that Windsor was Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite place, especially during the month of May. As we approached it, we could see the Royal Standard flag flying above the tallest tower so she was indeed there. Alas, no queen or new royal baby sighting. I really didn’t expect it … but it would have been so nice.
We met our tour guide Simon, a decidedly handsome and British young man, who delighted us with tales of the castle and its inhabitants. He teaches for Ithaca College at its London campus, and it showed. What does he teach? Theatrical Performance.
Simon walked us through the outside of the castle, showing us the 3-mile road Prince Harry and Meghan drove as they processed up to the castle and St. George’s Chapel for their wedding. Just beautiful! He pointed out the special additions to the turret on the main tower. The castle was constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century after he won the Battle of Hastings. It covers 13 acres of beautifully manicured and tended areas and 900 rooms. It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The original castle was made of wood, but King Henry II started to replace it with stone. Today it’s all stone and stunning.
What many people don’t know is that this castle and others were not meant as magnificent dwelling spaces for royals but rather for military protection. It’s easy to see why – it overlooks the Thames River and provides a wide vista – including a wonderful view of Eton College – and soldiers could fire arrows and guns at foes from great distances via the parapets around the castle’s many towers and walls.
Our admission tickets included the reception areas and the State Apartments, which had been damaged by fire few years back. The Royal Collection of art and precious tapestries, ceramics, furniture and more is just breathtaking. My favorite was one of the king’s rooms with Rubens artwork. Drawing rooms for both the king and the queen were also meant for withdrawing. Soldiers tended to the king’s toilet and helped him dress and undress in ceremonial fashion each day.
Multimedia guides provide great insight and direct you through each room. One interactive slide showed how badly the rooms were damaged by fire, and another segment explained how brave employees and soldiers managed to save so many of their precious contents.
The story of the Order of the Garter, soldiers and nobles and statesmen named to this special knighthood because of their chivalry, permeates the castle’s rooms. (And it includes women!) Displays of coats or arms, armor, portraits and more are everywhere. This is the highest civil and military honor England bestows, a tradition King Edward III started in 1348. Prince William became No. 1,000 in 2008. One of the names I picked out was Sir Thomas Boleyn, named by King Henry VIII. He had a daughter named Anne …..
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was closed, which was disappointing, but repairs and updates happen all the time. The literature noted that a café is planned and more thematic routes. It already has family activities on Saturdays and other events throughout the year.
We made our way to St. George’s Chapel, the site of that royal wedding and where the first photograph of Archie with his beaming parents was taken the other day. (Their official home is on the grounds … Frogmore Cottage, Simon said, but it’s hardly a small place …..) Simon said it had been closed to visitors, who found out why later.
St. George’s is gorgeous. Beautiful stained windows, the Gothic architecture inside and out, and a special chapel for the Order of the Garter. King Edward III’s huge two-handed sword was something to see, as well as the tombs of the current queen’s mother, father and sister as well as others. Gorgeous artwork, amazing organ and incredible ceiling … just so much to take in. And it is still a working Church of England (or Anglican), closed to visitors touring it during services, although anyone can attend the open services.
We had a great lunch at the Duchess of Cambridge, named for Kate Middleton and recommended by Simon, where we saw the vast majority of our students. Jan and I tried to walk quickly down to the river but instead came across the lawn bowling area. It just seemed so British and a great way to end our visit.
We boarded the bus and headed to Stratford upon Avon, birthplace and home of Shakespeare. We had a great dinner at the Old Thatch Tavern, complete with a celebration of Anna Wolf’s 21st birthday. Several students are starting to feel a bit sick, and we’re hoping that clears up before our walking tour here tomorrow and then journey on to Liverpool.