Windsor Castle, 10 November 2014

Sunday night we sat around and thought about what we wanted to do on Sunday.  We came up with several ideas and then decided on Windsor Castle.  We began searching the Internet for their schedule and the best way to get there.  Dad wanted to drive there and so on Monday morning, we were in the car and on the road before 8 a.m.  The traffic got a little thick on the motorway, but with all considered the trip was safe and took about 1 and 1/2 hours.  We arrived at Runnymede where we thought we could park for free and catch a bus on to the castle.  Not so on both accounts.  We got back in the car and continued down the road.  We came to the town of Old Windsor and pulled into a parking area for shopping.  There was no fee to park.  When we got out, we saw that we were right near a bus stop.  We walked over and waited for it to come.  A local woman came along and we had a very nice visit with her as we waited.  When the bus came, we discovered we could use our bus passes and we were happy about that.  It dropped us off half a block from the castle.

The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.  Since the time of Henry I, it has been used by succeeding monarchs and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe.  More than 500 people live and work in Windsor Castle.

Entering the castle walls.

Part of the moat that once was filled with water.  The Military Knights of Windsor live in the apartments.  St. George slaying the dragon.

The College of St. George was founded by Edward III as a self-governing community of priests and laymen dedicated to daily prayer for the Sovereign and all the faithful, and so remains.  The present building was finished in the 1500's.

The chapel is amazing with all the intricate detail in construction.  Many people are buried beneath its floor, including King Henry VIII, whose tomb we stood by.

King Henry VI, founder of Eton College is also entombed in the floor of the chapel.

We arrived in time to get a good position for the changing of the guards.  It was quite the fanfare but not as dramatic as the same event at Buckingham Palace.

The guard and band enter through King Henry VIII's Gate

There were many quiet moments while waiting.  We were not sure what was to be next but just watched.  It appears the head of the old guard and the head of the new guard had some words to exchange.  The band played several numbers in between the silence.  The locked gate is on the wall of the guard room.

Notice the symmetry of the castle wall.  The architecture is beautiful and the upkeep of the walls make the castle shine above all the other ones we have toured.  Each musician was sharp and focused in his duty.

The new guard going in.  "No, you can't come out like that.  Get your uniform on!"

The old guard leaving and a guard we found on the North Terrace.

Cornwall Tower on the North Terrace.  Note the "old" with the "new."  (airplane)  Men's toilet located on the North Terrace.

The North Terrace walls and the Quadrangle.  While on the North Terrace, we toured Queen Mary's Dolls' House, Drawings Gallery, and the State Apartments.  The State Apartments are used by the Queen and Royal Family to entertain guests in some of the finest rooms decorated with outstanding gifts and artifacts that mark the events of history.  One room has a table that seats 48.

We exited the North Terrace via the Norman Gate.  Note the crown atop the light fixture.

We rode the bus back to the car and then realized we could see the castle from where we parked.  Market Cross House was built in 1718 and yes, it is crooked and is known as "The Crooked House of Windsor."

After we finished at the castle, we stopped at a corner cafe and had a sandwich with chips and drink.  I had hot chocolate that warmed me up nicely and Dad had a coke.  It was raining by now and being inside felt great.  Dad stayed there while I went to a shop to see what souvenirs I could find.  I was successful and when Dad showed up I was checking out.