WINDSOR CASTLE
Berkshire
Windsor Castle was begun by William the Conqueror in the 11th century to control the River Tames. William built the castle of wood, but the timber was replaced by stone over the following century. Edward III converted Windsor from being primarily a military fortress into more of a defended palace, and so it has remained since. Edward, who was born here in 1312, founded the Order of the Garter with Windsor as its home, and expanded the castle to about its present size. Charles II replaced some of Edward’s buildings with more modern residential rooms, and more were replaced by George IV; these were restored after a fire in 1992. Its lavish private apartments are open to the public when the Queen is not using them. www.rct.uk/visit/windsorcastle