What Is Within Windsor’S Round Tower?

The Round Tower at Windsor Castle is a fascinating and iconic structure that houses the Royal Archives, a unique collection of documents related to the history of the castle. The tower, dating back to Henry II’s reign in the 12th century, has played a crucial role in the defense and administration of the castle. The entrance into the tower is through a square paved court, which features a reservoir of water erected during Charles II’s reign to receive drains from the upper leads. The court is hung round with buckets, which are used to collect water from the upper leads.

The Round Tower is located at the heart of Windsor Castle and dates back to the 1100s when it was made of wood. It was further redesigned in 1991-1993 to provide additional space for the Royal Archives, an additional room being built in the space left by Wyatville’s originally hollow extension. Today, the Round Tower houses the Royal Archives, containing historical documents, personal papers of monarchs, and important state records.

The Round Tower is the central keep of Windsor and has been on the site in one form or another since the 1100s. In the video, it is revealed that the tower is home to the Royal Archives, which are described as “a unique collection of documents relating to…

Fenton made a series of over thirty views of Windsor Castle and its surroundings in the summer of 1860. The 484,000-square-foot castle features over 1,000 rooms, more than 300 fireplaces, and a substantial royal collection of paintings, armor, and other artifacts. Visitors can explore the Royal Archives and learn about the lives of past monarchs and the events that shaped British history.


📹 Round Tower at Windsor Castle

The stunning view West, South, and East of Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England.


What is inside the royal Vault Windsor Castle?

The royal vault, a Gothic-style stone mausoleum, serves as the final resting place for 24 members of the royal family and former monarchs, including King George III, King George IV, and King William IV. Construction of the vault was initiated in 1804 under the orders of King George III.

What is at the top of a Round Tower?

Round Towers were free-standing structures with a stony tube shape and a conical stone roof, typically 30 meters high. They had a single doorway and were built from the early tenth to early thirteenth century. The towers had wooden floors, storeys, and four windows, with step ladders for upper floors. Archaeologists and scholars in the nineteenth century explored the towers’ purpose, suggesting they could have been fire temples, astronomical observatories, or monuments to Priapus. Their silhouettes have a natural elegance due to their gradual reduction in diameter.

Which is bigger, Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle?

Buckingham Palace, with dimensions of 108 meters in length and 24 meters in width, encompasses a considerable area of 828, 821 square feet. In comparison, Windsor Castle, with dimensions of 48 meters in length and 24 meters in width, occupies a relatively smaller area of 48, 440 square feet.

What is the room at the top of a tower called?
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What is the room at the top of a tower called?

A belvedere or belvidere is an architectural structure designed to take advantage of a scenic view. It can be used for rooms in the upper part of a building, roof structures, or separate pavilions in gardens or parks. The structure can be of any form or style, including a turret, cupola, or open gallery. It can also refer to a paved terrace or a place with a good viewpoint but no actual building. The term has also been used as a name for a whole building, such as the Belvedere in Vienna, a huge palace, or Belvedere Castle in Central Park in New York.

In the 16th century, the fashion for the belvedere began with Antonio del Pollaiuolo building a small pavilion named the palazzetto or Belvedere for Pope Innocent VIII. Donato Bramante later linked the Vatican with the Belvedere, a commission from Pope Julius II, by creating the Cortile del Belvedere (“Courtyard of the Belvedere”), which featured the Apollo Belvedere, one of the most famous antique sculptures.

How did monks get into round towers?
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How did monks get into round towers?

The ancient Round Towers in Ireland, believed to have been erected by Irish Christian monks, are widely debated. Some believe they were Bell Towers to call the faithful to prayer, while others suggest they could have served as lookout posts. However, many of these towers were built on unsuitable sites, making the watchtower theory in doubt. Historians from the turbulent times between the 9th and 12th centuries suggest that they were erected as a refuge for monks and precious religious articles from rampaging Viking raids.

The entrance door was high above the ground, allowing monks to enter the towers by a ladder pulled up behind them. The round, reinforced design of the towers made them nearly impenetrable to battering rams and couldn’t be burned down. However, bonfires set at the base would have turned them into brick ovens, discomforting the monks inside.

Round Towers are generally found near churches or monasteries, with the door facing the west doorway of the church, making it possible to determine the site of lost churches without excavation. Most Round Towers in Ireland are located along the coast and near rivers, further supporting the theory that they were protection from Viking raiders.

In modern times, the Irish Round Tower has become a symbol of cultural preservation and pride. Daniel O’Connell’s tomb at Glasnevin Cemetery had a Round Tower built above it as a memorial 22 years after his death in 1847. Another “revival” Round Tower was built in 1997 in the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Belgium as a war memorial to soldiers of Ireland lost or wounded during World War I. Modern Round Towers differ in that the entrance is at ground level and are not limited to Europe or America.

What is inside the Dark Tower?
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What is inside the Dark Tower?

In the final “Coda” section of Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower”, he warns readers not to venture inside the Tower with Roland. Roland, who has been trapped in Ka’s wheel as punishment for his ruthlessness and killing, enters the Tower and encounters various rooms with signs of his past life. He finds a door marked with his name and opens it, realizing he has reached the Tower countless times before.

Following the Battle of Jericho Hill, Roland is transported back in time to the Mohaine desert, where he possesses the Horn of Eld, which he had left lying on the ground. The voice of Gan whispers that if he reaches the Tower again, the result may be different, and there may be rest and redemption if he stands true.

The series ends where it began in the first line of book one, with the man in black fleeing across the desert and the gunslinger following. The novel won the British Fantasy Award in 2005. In 2016, Stephen King tweeted a photo of the Horn of Eld with the caption “Last Time Around”, referring to the end of the final book and revealing that the upcoming 2017 film was a sequel to the book series rather than a direct adaptation.

What is inside the White Tower?

The White Tower is a historic museum that houses the Royal Armouries collections, including the 350-year-old Line of Kings exhibition. It features unique and extraordinary arms and armours, including those of Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II. The top floor features an original 18th-century executioner’s block and axe, possibly dating back to Tudor times, which were mistakenly labelled as the implements used to behead Anne Boleyn. The block and axe were believed to have been used at the last public beheading on Tower Hill in 1747. The basement is believed to be the site of torture and interrogation of prisoners.

What is inside Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle contains in excess of 1, 000 rooms, including 52 royal bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. This exceeds the number of rooms in Buckingham Palace in London. St. George’s Chapel represents the largest space within the castle.

Does anyone live in Windsor Castle?
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Does anyone live in Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is home to various individuals, including the titular head of the community, the Constable and Governor, the Dean of Windsor, Canons, Military Knights of Windsor, the Superintendent of Windsor Castle, the Housekeeper, and soldiers. The Castle is a popular visitor attraction, with many parts open to the public, including the precincts, State Apartments, Queen Mary’s dolls’ house, St George’s Chapel, and Albert Memorial Chapel.

Regular changes in the Guard take place in the Castle Precincts, and the King’s official residence parade provides a colorful spectacle. Over nearly 1, 000 years, Windsor Castle has been inhabited and altered by successive monarchs, with some being great builders and others creating a palatial Royal residence.

What are the 1000 rooms in Windsor Castle used for?
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What are the 1000 rooms in Windsor Castle used for?

Windsor Castle, located 20 miles west of Buckingham Palace, is the largest and longest occupied castle in Europe, housing a significant portion of the Royal Collection, including furniture, paintings, and armor. Built around 1070 by William the Conqueror, the castle was completed 16 years later. Windsor Forest, a favorite hunting ground of the Saxon kings, was strategically important due to its River Thames location. After defeating the last Saxon king, William the Conqueror built a ring of fortifications around London, including the Tower of London and nine castles, all less than 20 miles away from the Tower.

The castle’s first residents and chapels, St George’s Chapel, were built in 1848. Windsor Castle is an ideal escape from the bustling city of London, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of London.

What is in the round tower?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is in the round tower?

The Round Tower, located in the university, features an observatory, a grand library hall, and an exhibition space for art, culture, history, and science. The tower was built with a hollow core, which was discovered by a 12-year-old choir boy in 1880. The boy fell down 25 meters while playing hide and seek, but now visitors can look down the hole by standing on a glass floor 25 meters above the ground. The glass is over 50 mm thick and can carry up to 900 kg per square meter. The choir boy was rescued.


📹 Inside Windsor Castle & Windsor Tour, England – RIP Queen Elizabeth

Marks of respect for Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on Thursday 8th September 2022 Her Majesty The Queen was the first …


What Is Within Windsor'S Round Tower?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

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14 comments

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  • Great article! We just returned to the US after spending the entire Platinum Jubilee week in London. We toured WC on Friday, June 3rd while the Queen was also in residence, and we have a simple, one word theory regarding your question about why no photography/filming is permitted in St. George’s Chapel: Respect. The chapel is, after all, the burial place of no less than 10 of Her Majesty’s monarchial ancestors and predecessors, not least of which is the tomb of her father, mother, and sister (ashes only). Indeed, while we observed wardens walking throughout the chapel, only one was stationed on a specific spot – at the entrance to her parent’s tomb. No chance of sneaky photography at this spot, thank you very much. And it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to appreciate that this royal tomb will eventually be the final resting place for the Queen and Prince Philip, for a careful observer sees there is just enough room for the addition of two more names on George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s black tombstone. So although we were pleased to find that photography is finally permitted inside Westminster Abbey, it’s understandable why the Queen wishes for no images to be made inside her family’s private chapel.

  • Another great tour Tim and such great timing too . You do a really good job Tim taking, us on so many walks all over the country . I’m unable to go to places and walk for hours like I would of in the past due to Osteoarthritis in my back so, my bad back and I Thankyou for doing this . Have a good Jubilee weekend Tim 🇬🇧

  • Hi Tim My brother in law is actually the owner of the cinnamon Cafe which you called into (the one with the ticket hall). The train tracks ran from the current station straight through cafe neto and stopped right outside the cafe. The front was once a bust bus rank and was a main transport link. Its also featured in the film ‘carry on loving’ in its original form. Absolutely loved this article. Windsor is a truly amazing place!

  • Great article! 👏 My wife and I are going to visit Windsor on the 10th April before we head to the Harry Potter studios I’m looking at what to wear but the guidelines is trousers shirts 👔 etc I can see in this article people wearing shorts which says it’s ok if it’s tailored shorts No trainers or flip flops (agree with flip flops lol) I was going to wear smart jeans converse and t shirt with a tidy jacket on but the guidelines as put me off a bit Any advice? Kind regards

  • Hi Tim My husband works in Windsor. We live 7 miles away from Windsor in a village called Iver village in Buckinghamshire. Been to Windsor millions of times it always impresses me . My husband gets bored with it going every day lol 😀. Thankyou for sharing with us love to you as always Tracey 💕 xxxx Ps: peascod Street is pronounced pescot Street. I know it’s weird.

  • Rest in peace Grandma the Queen Elizabeth the second… wish God Allah always bless you… wherever you are now… I will lead the Commonwealth through this castle, to make this kingdom wealthy and prosper ever always to spread the true value of human kind… I’m a dream, the best dreamer ever … 🌐🇬🇧❤️

  • My home town! So, some local bits to add! Peascod Street is pronounced Pezcud, us Brits don’t like to say as its spelt! Monument at the end of the Long Walk is called the Copper Horse and is a statue of King George III. Just to clarify, the station you showed was for Queen Victoria, of the towns 2 stations, that one won the race to be the chosen one! Where the Queen Victoria statue is now, is where hangings and flogging took place back in history!! Glad you enjoyed the visit!

  • Gorgeous castle! I landed at Heathrow on my way to Israel but never got the chance to tour the palaces and churches/cathedrals. I love the architecture and its landscape. My late mother in law is British and she gifted to me an English Garden with a grotto that I can pray to the Virgin Mary. Rest In Peace! to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

  • Great tour Tim, which brings back so much childhood memories since I grew up in London. I love those individual audio guided tours since I can do them at my pace. I also love to linger in some spots of such a place. St. Georges chapel is rather familiar to me due to Prince Philips funeral. As well as the lawn where his empty carriage with horses stood at the corner. And I think that the Queen will not walk through those beautiful gardens due to her mobility issues. Which has me in deep sorrow just like some British people .

  • I flew from Mexico to London Just to go to the Jubilee I took the 702 Bus from Victoria Station right in to Windsor Main St 7 pounds Stayed in the Castle Hotel Then in a Airbib Right opposite the Gates of Wi ndsor. You can feel how won derful it is Steeped in History. Im 85 The Queen died two days ago The 8th Sept2022 Same day as My Mothers Birthday. I watched HRH Prince Charles become King Charles the 3rd This Morning in St James’s Palace 10th September 2022 The Monarchy continues God Save the Queen Long live the King

  • Ahhh it’s Pestcod street not Peas cod street. The quadrangle in the castle was used for jousting. When you look at the round tower it’s in three parts the lower part was the medieval section then the second and third was the King George’s extensions. The house is called the crooked house. Royal Mail had a blue van to go alongside the box to celebrate the first landing of the air mail letter. You missed out the town hall designed by Sir Christopher Wren. I remember when the station was a station. You can see it in some of the carry on films. I used the ticket office to buy train tickets. The large canopy at the station was built for for Queen Victorias diamond jubilee so see could inspect the troops without getting wet. The Copper horse is at the end of the long walk. A statue of George 111. You get a great view of Windsor from there.

  • Great article, my friend did lived across the Theems, and another live in Windsor Castle, down the shopping street, it was always fun visit them. We also saw the room where Charles and Diana married for the law. and now the Queen is past, how they are calling the Queens swans in the Theems… and there are two train stations, but the Windsor Castle station is the best, with his old buildings, the other is near the Theems is just common.

  • No, there’s not ‘over a thousand years of history’ there as you claim at 0:14 and in the text description. That site was chosen by William the Conqueror himself who had obviously just arrived in 1066 CE. Construction began in 1070 and the castle was completed by 1086. 1070 to 2022 means there is 952 years of history on that site. Separately and over 2 miles away was Old Windsor, a royal palace/manor used by English kings from around the 800s CE. Otherwise, a very nice article, thanks for shooting and posting.

  • Hi Tim, Really enjoyed this article, only been to Windsor once in my life and the queen drove past as we sitting on the grass of that long drive, driving a Range/Land Rover I think followed by royal protection officers in similar vehicles, it must have been around 1972, 70 years is a fine achievement, I was born 3 months after her coronation, many years ago now, she has served us very well, my wife watched the article with me and she was enthralled by it, she’s a real royal supporter, me less so, anyway thank you for such a lovely tour, thoroughly enjoyed it

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