Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1070. At the time it was a defensive fort designed to guard the western routes to London. Over time it was added to and improved by later kings. Today it is the largest castle still in use in the world. It has been the site of Prince Phillip’s funeral and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Both Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Phillip are buried there in St. George’s chapel. It is also actively used for state dinners such as the one that President Trump recently attended. It is regularly the location for investitures as well.
There are multiple ways of reaching Windsor Castle from London. There are trains that regularly travel there from either Paddington or Waterloo stations. Once reaching Windsor it is a five minute walk to the castle. Another common way of travelling there is through the services of a tour bus that includes the trip and a guide to explain the history and importance of the castle. It is also possible to use Uber to get there. Regardless of the method chosen it will take around thirty minutes to arrive.
We ultimately decided to use Uber because the cost of a tour bus was more than we wished to pay and using the train would involve a great deal more walking than I wanted to do with my bad knees. We reached the castle quickly and with our prepaid tickets were almost instantly allowed inside where we received exceptional audio guides that fully explained everything that we saw.
A few years back while doing searches for my ancestors I learned that I am one of the many people on this earth who has a relational connection with William the Conqueror. There is an irony in this because it is through my grandmother, Minnie Bell, who was an illiterate country girl who lived a long and happy but difficult life of economic want. The contrast between her reality and those of the kings and queens who once walked around Windsor Castle is beyond description and yet in many ways she was as regal as any royal person who ever lived.
The main tower of the castle that was built by William the Conqueror is stunning. Sitting on a hill it is visible from a distance and dominates the area with its powerful aspect. It is easy to see how such a place would have discouraged anyone or any group with thoughts of attacking. It is remarkable that it has lasted almost a thousand years and seen more history than I can iterate in this essay.
It is nestled in a beautiful place with vistas that belie the idea that this was once a fort. There is a gentleness about the land and its flora that is relaxing and uplifting. I found myself imagining royal personages walking along the pathways and enjoying the solace whenever times were not tinged with wars.
We saw most of the rooms and the collections of paintings, furniture, and accouterments all of which were quite lovely. We walked through the great dining hall where leaders of the world have been entertained. We saw the royal apartments and lovely sitting rooms where I wanted to dally for a time. There were weapons, jewels, china, clothing and great works of art on display. It was indeed a treasure trove of history and artistry.
Being someone who is mostly interested in people I got as much fun from listening to the comments from the other visitors as I did from hearing the prepared remarks about the castle. In particular there was a group of pre-school age children who were well behaved and filled with interest and questions that were sometimes profound and sometimes incredibly humorous. They added a delightful aspect to the whole affair commenting with innocent honesty that made me smile again and again. One little girl in particular was unafraid to voice her opinions. I laughed when she asked, “How many rooms does someone actually need?”
St. George’s church was wonderful in particular because I knew that so many recent events had occurred there. It was humbling to see the burial places of Queen Elizabeth II and her parents and husband. It was a somewhat simple place contrasting with the glory of other royal churches and cathedrals from the past. I found myself understanding why it had been a place of peace and refuge for the queen. There was a calmness there that made me want to linger.
We ended the tour watching a royal guard march back and forth with his red coat and bear skin hat. He was entertaining in his adherence to tradition. Somehow he maintained his stance as visitors snapped photos and made comments. He represented a composite of history all in one place.
After a stroll through the town of Windsor and a small lunch we were filled with wonder but ready to return to our home away from home in London. The Uber driver made his way through heavy afternoon traffic while we gawked at all of the sites along the way, learning a bit more about the neighborhoods surrounding the great city. it had been a glorious day and I felt grateful that I had been able to see the remarkable place that held stories and secrets that spanned a thousand years. I laughed at the silly idea that I might feel justified in calling it my ancestral home. After all I am a descendent of William even if that relationship is not particularly close so perhaps a bit of all that splendor really is mine to cherish.
All It Takes Is A Little Love 