This ancient and splendid pile is a fitting residence for the
sovereigns of England. It impresses one with the idea of supreme
grandeur and formidable strength, but it has reached its present
magnificence by constant embellishments and additions by successive
sovereigns.
It owes its origin to William the Conqueror, that bold and progressive
Norman, who created here a fortified hunting seat, where he and his
brave barons could enjoy themselves after the "hunting of the deer" in
the wild glades of Windsor forest.
The castle stands upon a hill on the bank of the river Thames,
twenty-three miles from London, with which it is connected by railway.
It is surrounded on all sides, except to the east, by a noble terrace
above two thousand five hundred feet in extent, faced by a strong
rampart of hewn stone, and having, at intervals, easy slopes leading
down to the park.
The terrace is a most delightful walk, commanding charming views of
the extensive domain and the surrounding country. Everywhere are
evidences of royal expenditure, of watchful care and tasteful
ornamentation.
The park abounds in woodland scenery of exquisite beauty, and it does
seem as if the "English sunshine" was nowhere more satisfying or
refreshing than in these delightful avenues. The deer roam at will,
and streamlets trickle and English violets and other wild flowers
blossom, the praises of whose delicate perfumes and beauties have been
sung by Wordsworth and Keats.
There is a stately walk, three miles long, bordered by double rows of
trees, which leads from the lodge to these delightful precincts, and
at the entrance stretch away in gorgeous array, the Queen's gardens,
in which very beautiful and rare productions of floral culture find a
congenial home.
The castle consists of two courts, having a large, round tower between
them, and covers more than twelve acres of land, being defended by
batteries and towers. The upper court is a spacious quadrangle, having
a round tower on the west, the private apartments of the sovereigns on
the south and east, the State apartments and St. George's Hall and the
chapel royal on the north.
The royal apartments are reached by an imposing vestibule. The first
room, the Queen's guard chamber, contains a grand array of warlike
implements, and glittering weapons, and its walls are rich in
paintings.
The Queen's presence chamber contains the rarest furniture and
hangings, with an array of artistic works by the most celebrated
masters.
The ball-room is hung with tapestry, representing the twelve months of
the year, and upon its ceiling is pictured Charles II, giving freedom
to England. There is here an immense table of solid silver.
In the Queen's bed-chamber is the State bed, said to have cost
$70,000, designed for Queen Charlotte. The Queen's dressing-room, hung
with British tapestry, contains the closet in which is deposited the
banner of France. The same closet contains the tea-equipage of Queen
Anne.
An elegant saloon is called the "Room of Beauties," and contains
fourteen portraits of ladies who were "most fair" in the court of
Charles II. Their lovely faces and rich apparel, quaint and oddly
fashioned, make the most delightful and instructive study.
The audience chamber contains the throne and is enriched with
historical paintings of events in the reign of Henry III. Another
guard chamber contains an immense collection of warlike instruments,
fancifully arranged, and also the flag sent by the Duke of Wellington
in commemoration of the battle of Waterloo.
St. George's Hall, which is one hundred and eight feet long, is set
apart for the illustrious "Order of the Garter." It is superbly
decorated with allegorical paintings. The chapel is a fine specimen of
the florid Gothic. The roof is elliptical and is composed of stone;
the whole ceiling is ornamented with emblazoned arms of many
sovereigns and knights of the Garter. The stalls of the sovereigns and
knights exhibit a profusion of rare carving. The chapel is the burial
place of many royal and illustrious persons; Edward IV, Henry IV,
Henry VIII and Charles I having been interred here.