Weddings & Funerals
In recent times St Georges Chapel has been the centre of attention for weddings and funerals alike. Most notebly the funerals of Prince Phillip on the of 17th of April 2021 and Queen Elizabeth the 2nd on the 19th of September 2022.
Also the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones, Princess Beatrice & Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
A Royal Mausoleum
Windsor Castle began when William the Conqueror originally built a mound with stockade around 1070. The work was continued by Henry II who built a round stone tower and three outer walls. Henry III constructed the western end of the lower ward complete with a chapel on the site of today’s Albert Memorial Chapel. In 1348 the Chapel became central to Edward IV for the ceremony of the Order of the Garter.
Just as Westminster Abbey is a royal mausoleum so is St Georges Chapel. Amongst the most notable buried there are Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, and George V and Queen Mary. St George’s is a working entity, where daily services are held. Although the chapel is closed to general visitors on Sunday, services welcome worshippers
Treasures to Look Out For
One of the most striking features of the chapel is the intricate stonework of the choir screen. This masterpiece was created in the late 15th century and features delicate carvings of flowers, animals, and saints. The choir screen separates the Quire, which is where the choir sits, from the nave, where the congregation sits.
Another highlight of St. George's Chapel is the stunning stained glass windows. The windows date back to the 15th century and depict scenes from the life of Christ, the apostles, and the saints. The windows' intricate designs and vibrant colors are a testament to the skill of the medieval craftsmen who created them.
Visitors can look up above the choir stalls and see the insignia of the Knights of the Garter, helmets, banners and swords. Attached to the rear of the stalls are heraldic plates – a throwback to the heraldry of medieval court. Another notable tourist attraction is the west window containing 15th century stained glass.
English Gothic Architecture
Saint Georges’ Chapel was a classic example of English Gothic architecture with its perpendicular style. By 1483 the choir aisles and roof had been completed. This was followed by a nave in 1496. However, the vaulting took until 1528 to be finished. The chapel undertook restoration work between 1921 and 1930.
The lower ward now includes St George’s Chapel and the Albert Memorial Chapel in which George III, George IV and William IV are buried.
Travel to Windsor
Visiting Windsor Castle by Train, Bus or Car?
Information below. View Opening Times and Closures
Visit by Train
Windsor is accessible from both Waterloo and Paddington stations.
Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station depart half hourly and hourly on Sundays.
Paddington to Windsor Central depart every 10 to 15 minutes changing once at Slough.
Visit By Bus
National Express: Operates direct coach services from London to Windsor. The journey typically takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The Green Line 702 bus service: Runs between London Victoria and Windsor, stopping at various points along the way. This is a convenient and scenic route, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Visit By Car
Windsor is accessible via the M3, M4, M25 and M40 Drive time from London is 40 minutes.
Consider long stay parking as a 20-minute walk saves 30% of normal short stay fees.
Park and Ride services are located at Legoland Windsor (free parking) or Windsor Home Park (pay and display).
