Windsor Great Park
The Great Windsor Park is a UK park next to Windsor Castle, 30 km from London, covering an area of 20 km2. The park has been famous since the 13th century and is considered a royal deer hunting reserve. At the moment, almost the entire territory of the park is accessible to visitors. The park is dominated by hilly terrain with huge deer clearings, small groves and century-old oak trees.
Widzo Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and the forests around it became hunting grounds and were used to provide the castle's kitchen with deer, wild boar and other game. In 1240, Henry III increased the size of the royal reserve, and during the Hundred Years' War, knight tournaments were held in the park and war grounds were prepared. Since the 13th century, members of the royal family have lived in the castle. A long alley was laid from the borders of the park to Windsor Park, lined with paired rows of elms, with monuments, ancient Roman ruins, exported from Libya. A significant role in the reconstruction of the park was played by Queen Victoria, who moved into Frogmore House after her husband's death. They immediately built a mausoleum in which she and her husband rest.
During World War II, some of the trees in Windsor Park were cut down, and the deer park was plowed to grow potatoes and wheat. Lake Virginia Water was drained because it could become a landmark for the bombers. During the war, about 200 aerial bombs fell on the park's lands, as well as a couple of V-2 missiles.
The palace complex consists of 3 parts: Upper, Middle, and Lower courtyards, which are surrounded by towers and fortress walls. In order to climb to the observation deck, you need to go through 220 steps. During the visit of the monarchs, the Round Tower Castle is tamed with the royal standard. In the same tower there is a bell tower, the bell of which was taken out of Sevastopol during the Crimean War and it rings only when the monarch dies. The monarch's chambers are located in the Upper Courtyard, access is closed there, but you can enter the State Chambers.
In addition to the castle, you should definitely take a walk in the garden. Near the eastern facade there is an Oriental Garden on a terrace built in the French style, laid out by order of George the Fourth in the 19th century. Windsor gardens are low-key, they are alien to ostentatious luxury and splendor. In the garden there is a stone bandstand, where concerts of the Guard bands take place.
