Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is, along with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II stays there on many weekends of the year, as well as during the prestigious Royal Meeting at the nearby Ascot Racecourse. It claims the distinction of being the largest occupied castle in the world, and among the oldest.

The Great Fire of 1992

:see main article: Windsor Castle fire, 1992.

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On 20 November 1992, a significant part of the upper ward of Windsor Castle (including St George's hall) was damaged by fire. The fire started in the Private Chapel, raged for 15 hours, and seriously damaged the northwest side of the building. An investigation found that the fire was ignited after a spotlight came into contact with a curtain over an extended period. Buckingham Palace was opened to the public for two months each summer to help to pay for the restoration of Windsor Castle, and this innovation has become permanent. The restoration work resulted in significant improvements, particularly to the arrangements of the public rooms, and the service quarters.

Related Topics:
20 November - 1992 - Spotlight - Buckingham Palace

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