| Summary : The castle was originally constructed as a motte and bailey, by William the Conqueror during the 1070s-80s, as part of a chain of defences designed to protect London. It comprises a motte with a large bailey on either side. Henry I used the castle as a royal residence and it became a palace during the reign of Henry II. The collegiate chapel of St Edward the Confessor, which stood East of the Chapel of St George,was collegiate from circa 1130-1348, when it was replaced by St George's Chapel. A hospital and chantry chapel were associated with the secular colleges, but an almshouse provided for in Edward IV's will was probably not created. Henry II was responsible for the first major programme of rebuilding in 1165-71 when parts were rebuilt in stone. Further rebuilding took place during the reign of Henry III when the castle became one of three principle royal palaces. Additions to the castle during the reign of Edward III included the rebuilding in Gothic style of the Lower and Upper Wards. St George's Chapel was built in the reign of Edward IV. A major programmme of rebuilding took place after the Civil War, from 1660 to 1685 which included the construction of the State Apartments and rebuilding of the Upper Ward in baroque style. Further alterations also took place in the 1780s-90s. Alterations between 1823-35 included the raising of the Round Tower by 30 feet, and rebuilding of all external facades of the Upper Ward in Gothic style. Minor alterations to the castle took place thoughout Queen Victorian's reign. Parts of the castle, including St George's Hall, the Private chapel and Brunswick Tower were damaged by fire in 1992. A programme of restoration was completed in 1997. |
More information : Although there is no direct evidence that Windsor Castle was built by William I there seems little doubt that it must have formed part of his defence scheme for controlling the country. Walter fitz Other, father of Gerald de Windsor, the patriarch of the FitzGeralds, Earls of Kildare and Desmond in Ireland, was castellan there shortly after the Conquest. The original castle was an earthwork fortress with wooden palisades consisting of a motte and tower surrounded by a ditch between an upper and lower bailey. The Round Tower and outer walls of the castle were built in stone by Henry II (1154-89). The western wall with its three semicircular internal towers was built in the the reign of Henry III (1216-72). The inner bailey gateway was erected in the reign of Edward III by Wykeham about (1359-60). Edward IV (1471-83) initiated the building of St. Georges Chapel. The present range of State Apartments were built by Hugh May under Charles II (1660-85), the Upper Ward being reconstructed for George IV (1820-30) by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville. (1)
Scheduled. (2)
The published survey of the earthworks 0.S. 1/1250 1955 & 1956, has been revised. (3)
Additional bibliography. (4-8)
SU 971771: Windsor Castle. (9)
The castle was originally constructed as a motte and bailey, by William the Conqueror during the 1070s-80s, as part of a chain of defences designed to protect London. It comprises a motte with a large bailey on either side. Henry I used the castle as royal residence and it became a palace during the reign of Henry II. Henry II was also responsible for the first major programme of rebuilding in 1165-71 when parts were rebuilt in stone. Further rebuilding took place during the reign of Henry III when the castle became one of three principle royal palaces. Additions to the castle during the reign of Edward III included the rebuilding in Gothic style of the Lower and Upper Wards. St George's Chapel was built in the reign of Edward IV. A major programmme of rebuilding took place after the Civil War, from 1660 to 1685 which included the construction of the State Apartments and rebuilding of the Upper Ward in baroque style. Further alterations also took place in the 1780s-90s. Alterations between 1823-35 included the raising of the Round Tower by 30 feet, and rebuilding of all external facades of the Upper Ward in Gothic style. Minor alterations to the castle took place thoughout Queen Victorian's reign. Parts of the castle, including St George's Hall, the Private chapel and Brunswick Tower were damaged by fire in 1992. A programme of restoration was completed in 1997. (10-13)
A hospital for 24 poor or infirm knights was instituted in 1348 at St George's Chapel. By will of Edward IV, a chantry chapel and almshouse for 13 poor people were to be provided in St Georges Chapel. The chaplains were appointed, but it is doubtful that the almshouse was instituted. (14)
Listed by Cathcart King. (15)
Additional reference. (16)
Early history of the castle. (17) |