Windsor Castle Official Souvenir Guide

by Royal Collection Publications, Royal Collection Publications

Windsor Castle—‘the most romantic castle that is in the world’, according to the 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys—is the one of the oldest royal residences still in use. For over 900 years, from its memorable hill-top site above the Thames Valley, it has been a potent symbol of the monarchy. Built by William the Conqueror within what was a royal hunting forest (now Windsor Great Park) after the Norman Conquest of 1066, Windsor Castle has been successively enlarged, adapted and rebuilt by monarchs from Henry II to Queen Elizabeth II. Their legacy can be seen throughout the Castle, from the late medieval St George’s Chapel to the Tudor houses of the Lower Ward, from Charles II’s baroque remodelling of the state apartments to the exquisite Gothic interiors of the semi-state rooms, rebuilt for George IV. The fire of 1992 gave the Castle a new legacy, including the superb new interior to the historic St George’s Hall, most recently the Jubilee Garden has been added, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen and other members of the Royal Family continue to spend most of their private weekends at Windsor Castle, and it remains an important venue for ceremonial visits from heads of state of other countries. It is also home to some of the greatest paintings and works of art in the Royal Collection, which are displayed throughout the Castle’s splendid interiors.

Genres: Travel, History, Nonfiction, Guidebook

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Babur Khan (The Pukhtoon Bibliophile) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would've been better if I had been there in person before reading this, but it was still a nice little read. The guide book has a lot of historical references which help in creating a complete picture of what, how and why Windsor Castle is one of the most prized possessions of England.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed looking through this guidebook on Windsor Castle. It's definitely something that would have been more useful if I was actually walking around the grounds as much of the text refers to things that are not shown in the photos. Still, it was a fun read for some history, inspiration, and excitement-building. My husband and I go to England in September. It will be my fourth time and his first. Can't wait!

[David Fulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, short guidebook about Windsor Castle. The first half is a history of the castle covering its construction, development, and role in the history of England’s royal families and the second half is a building by building and room by room description of parts of the castle (there’s 295 bedrooms so it just covers the highlights). The book has an excellent mix of pictures, maps, and illustrations that perfectly convey the look and feel and heritage of the place.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this s for supplemental information after touring this beautiful castle. I look forward to finding additional information.

[Barbara Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich in history, rich in art, rich in opulence, Windsor Castle is extraordinary on so many levels. And yet it's a fortress and a home. This guide helps me remember the nooks and crannies I discovered. But it doesn't mention the ice cream. That was a highlight too!

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's kind of silly to review guidebooks, but the collection I began when visiting the UK is something I hold near to my heart. I wanted to have them do when I was really missing traveling, I could read them and be transported back, even briefly.

Windsor Castle is amazing. There's so much history in these sprawling grounds and the photographs included give the read a nice overview. I do wish there had been a little more detail to the history of the castle, particularly starting with William I. I feel like much more attention was paid to more recent monarch from the last 250 years. Perhaps it only felt that way to me because it's not a period of England's history I care for.

Either way, this is a treasures keepsake for two reasons: first, as I mentioned above, it reminds me of a wonderful trip with my mom. Secondly, Windsor had originally not been on the tour itinerary; we were to visit Stonehenge, Bath, and see Magna Carta. Before starting the tour we were informed we'd be visiting Windsor instead, no other explanation - great, except when we got there, the queen was KNIGHTING people that day so we didn't even get to see much of anything besides Mary's Doll House. So, at least the beautiful photographs show us what we missed out on that day!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently returned from a Easter weekend visit to Windsor Castle, and purchased the official guidebook before I traveled there, and found it to be a great preparation resource.

I highly recommend getting a copy of this guide book before you travel to the Castle, as it will allow you to appreciate the interior of the building and the layout of the whole Castle better.

The day I visited, the Queen was in residence, so the semi - state apartments were closed to visitors, and many future visitors may find that parts of the Castle are closed for official use, while touring; so having a copy of the rooms you may miss could be useful to you as well.

This official guide, obviously written for a broad audience, covers the history, public spaces (including St. George's chapel), and objects in the major public rooms succinctly and with clarity. Many official guides of historic sites leave much to be desired, but the Royal Collection guides are really first rate.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guidebook about the history of Windsor Castle is extremely well-done, with information about each of the British monarchs who have lived there and what their contributions were to the construction and remodeling of the castle over the years. The 1992 fire which devastated a large portion of the castle is covered in some detail and there are many photos of the interior and exterior of the castle, grounds, and Windsor Great Park.

I am hoping to visit the UK in the next couple of years so am trying to find informative books on the sights I wish to see. This book was very helpful.

**#43 of 120 books pledged to read/review during 2016**

[Jovy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Windsor is one of the most famous castles in the world. Going there and walking the grounds was amazing. Photos that a tourist is unable to take when going around the castle is provided by this guidebook. It's also satisfying to read this castles history and other information.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this guidebook all the way through until after we came back from our trip to the UK so it was a nice reminder of what we saw as well as a few parts of the Castle that we didn't make it to. Always a good reason to return!

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guidebook on Windsor Castle with very good photos of some of the spectacular interiors.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illustrated guide to Windsor Castle, including photographs of the interior.