Windsor is a town situated on the River Thames in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire. The town is best known for being home to Windsor Castle, the home of British monarchs, currently the residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1070, William the Conqueror constructed a timber motte and bailey castle here. A town or settlement of some kind most likely existed here prior to this, however early history of Windsor is unknown. William the Conqueror's Castle was not intended as a royal residence however, at that time the royal residence was at nearby Old Windsor, on the border of the two counties of Berkshire and Surrey, in the palace of Edward the Confessor.
The first monarch to use Windsor Castle was Henry I in 1110, after Henry II came to the throne in 1154, he added more to the castle between the years 1165 and 1179. Furthermore, King John also contributed more to Windsor Castle when he went on the throne, mainly improving royal accomodation at the castle, and it was used by King John as a base for negotiations before signing the Magna Carta around five miles away at Runnymede. The castle was under siege a number of times during the 13th century however it was rebuilt.
Over the many centuries, monarchs have rebuilt and redone parts of the castle, and ever since Henry I first used Windsor Castle in 1110, it has been a favourite place for monarchs. Fast forward to the 21st century, the castle is now used for royal weddings, funerals and is the home of Queen Elizabeth II.
Windsor town itself is a historic market town, and was mentioned as Windlesora in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle. The name derives from the Old English Windles-ore - winch by the riverside.
Windsor is visited every year by tourists from all over the world due to it being home to Windsor Castle. The town is just over a two mile drive off the M4, and has two train stations, Windsor and Eton Central, which has a direct connection to Slough with just a six minute journey time, and Windsor and Eton Riverside, which has direct connections to London Waterloo with just under an hour journey time.
0:00 River Thames
0:23 Thames Street
031 Peascod Street
1:17 High Street & Windsor Guildhall
1:49 Queen Victoria Statue
1:56 Windsor Castle
2:12 Church Street
2:19 Windsor Castle
3:22 Goswell Hill
3:38 Windsor Royal Station
4:24 Thames Street
5:11 George V Fountain
5:27 Windsor from Eton Wick
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