Windsor Castle: A Thousand Years of a Royal Palace

by Steven Brindle (Editor)

When we envision the British monarchy, one of the first things that comes to mind is Buckingham Palace, with its gilded gates and changing of the guard. But it is Windsor Castle that can claim pride of place as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, dating to the earliest days of the monarchy, a symbol of strength and magnificence over a nearly thousand-year history of sieges and soirées alike. Witness to both great moments in the country’s history and those that threatened to destroy it, the castle has become a symbol of English culture and architecture. Throughout England’s history, Windsor Castle has stood fast and evolved, much like the monarchy that inhabits it to this day.

The magisterial Windsor A Thousand Years of a Royal Palace illuminates the castle’s past using evidence from archaeological investigation and documentary sources, and is illustrated with paintings, drawings, and both historical and specially commissioned contemporary photographs, as well as stunning reconstructions of the castle’s past appearance which bring this essential piece of English history to life. 
 

560 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2018

Reviews

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A majestic, richly illustrated history of Windsor Castle, the oldest continuous inhabited royal residence, from the Norman Conquest to the present day. The book includes the archeological and architectural discoveries from the aftermath of the 1992 fire, which exposed more of the medieval fabric of the castle obscured by subsequent Stuart and Georgian renovations. The chapters about Queen Victoria's daily life and special occasions at the castle over the course of her reign in the 19th century are especially interesting. Less than 20 pages are devoted to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and most of this section focuses on the 1992 fire. I thought this material could have been expanded to discuss the last few decades of official occasions and royal weddings in more detail. The book was published before the castle began its current phase in its long history, as the place of continuous royal residence for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during the covid19 pandemic. Highly recommended for anyone interested in royalty, British history, art and architecture.

[John Berne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a stunningly comprehensive & well researched history of this amazing castle. The organization is excellent to guide you through each historical era& the illustrations are remarkably complex & informative. Kudos to these authors for a work that should become the definitive but highly accessible opus on Windsor Castle.

[Deb W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an astounding body of work necessary for any anglophile, academic, historian, or architect. It's also great for those with a casual interest in the British monarchy and old edifices -- like me. :)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with a wonderful map of the castle which is invaluable. Sometimes the book assumed the reader knew a lot about the castle and british history which could be a hindrance to some thus not a 5* rating.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to Windsor Castle with beautiful photographs of the castle and the extensive art housed within. I toured it a few weeks ago and was eager to learn more of it's history and to see the areas that are not accessible to the general public.