Windsor Castle sits on a sprawling 13 acres (5.2ha) of land in the county of Berkshire, in southeast England. Located between the historic town of Windsor to the west, the prestigious playing fields of the private boarding school Eton College to the north and the vast expanse of Windsor Great Park to the south, the castle’s origins stretch back to the 11th century.

Construction began in 1070, led by William the Conqueror, shortly after the Norman Conquest. Initially surrounded by wooden walls, these were replaced with sturdy stone fortifications during the reign of King Henry II in the 12th century. Over the years, Windsor Castle was transformed from a military stronghold into a royal palace, setting the stage for its future as a favourite residence of monarchs.

Inside Windsor Castle: the history, interiors and secrets of the oldest royal home