WINDSOR CASTLE

Windsor Castle stands on a chalk hill overlooking the Thames. Seen from a distance the Castle is beautiful.
It was founded by William the Conqueror. Nothing remained of his fortress, which was built of wood. Since those early days, Windsor Castle has been inhabited continuously and improved and restored by successive monarchs according to their taste and style. Some were great builders, strengthening the castle against uprising and rebellion. Others living in more peaceful times created a palace within the apartments of their ancestors.
Today, nine centuries after its foundation, the castle continues to perform its prime role as an official residence of The Queen at week-ends. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains magnificent State Apartments (including the Waterloo Chamber, built to commemorate the famous victory over Napoleon in 1815) furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature, the items of which actually work (it contains working lifts, running water and electricity, and took 1500 craftsmen three years to complete). Besides there is a public art museum in the Castle.