You don't have to be rich to travel well.
~ Eugene Fodor
Windsor Castle - Worth the Wait
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - For many years, I wanted to see England and many of the historical spots throughout the country. Finally making it to England I wanted to see as much as I could. I had limited time in the country, so I found a day tour that went to the important locations of Bath, Windsor, and Stonehenge. I can now check these sights off my bucket list! Windsor, the home of Windsor Castle, was one of the stops on a day tour that I took from London. About 102 miles (164 km) from London, Windsor is located in the country of Berkshire, strategically placed on the River Thames. Upon arrival to the town, the massive, stone fortress overlooking the town it was quite an impressive sight to see. A very popular tourist destination, you can count on a wait to get into the castle. As I walked through the grounds, past the State Apartments, the Queen Mary Doll House, and Saint George Chapel and Albert Memorial Chapel, I imagined what life was like back in the 11th century when William the Conqueror built the castle after an invasion. I imagined the royal carriage entering through the massive castle entry doors with royal guards standing by, knights in armor on horseback amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life inside the impressive stone walls. Saint George Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of Carter, is the place of worship and seats about 800 people. It is Perpendicular Gothic in style, built in the 14th century by King Edward III, shortly after the Norman conquest and was enlarged in the 15th century. It is located in the lower ward the chapel is the location for many royal ceremonies, weddings and the final resting place for several monarchs. During the late medieval period, the chapel was a popular religious destination for many pilgrims.
Windsor Castle is the official residence of the British Royal Family and over the years has been extensively remodeled. The Queen spends most of her time here and this is the location where state visits are hosted.
The castle is build mott and bailey with three wards. Mott means that it was built on an artificial mound of earth. Windsor Castle sits on 13 acres and is surrounded by extensive parkland. The structure is Georgian and Victorian in design. No photos can be taken inside the residence, but I can say that it is beautifully and opulently furnished and you can view the royal art collection throughout. 
After viewing the residence and walking the grounds, I stood at the end of the wall and overlooked the town below thinking of the days of knights on horseback and what the town must have looked like back then. I walked out of the castle grounds through the massive entry door and returned to life as a commoner.
There wasn’t time to explore the town, but I did wander a bit along the closest passage ways with small shops and restaurants. Quaint little area. I would like to return someday to see the rest of the town. As I hopped back on the tour bus, I thought to myself that sometimes we dream of seeing something for years and when we finally get there it can be a bit disappointing, because it was built up to be larger than life in our minds over time. But I must say that Windsor Castle far exceeded every expectation and it was ... well worth the wait. 
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Windsor Castle is the royal residence at Windsor. It is one of three residences of the Queen. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in world.
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