After a breakfast spent gazing out of the hotel window at Windsor Castle opposite, our group had a guided tour of Windsor Castle. Our guide, Amanda, gave us a Tudor-focused tour, giving us an overview of the castle's history and then pointing out the parts built by our very favourite dynasty. She also pointed out parts that we all saw on TV back in May when Prince Harry married Meghan - we walked where George Clooney walked - ha!
We couldn't have asked for a better day as it was lovely and sunny. I think my favourite part was visiting the chapel and saying hello to Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, as well as Charles Brandon, Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Henry VI and a few others, and also seeing the stall plates of some of my favourite Tudor Knights of the Garter. It really is a jaw-droppingly beautiful place.
Another highlight for me was St George's Hall with its ceiling decorated with the arms of all of the Knights of the Garter through the history of the Order. I was able to spot Thomas Boleyn's arms (the three black bulls) and also spot the whitewashed ones of traitors to the crown, such as Thomas Cromwell. Very interesting!
After our tour, we were free to do our own thing. Philippa and I chose to go back to our hotel for a Castle High Tea - sandwiches, cream tea and cakes - before going for a walk by the river and on to Eton College, which was founded by Henry VI. I love seeing the Eton boys walking around the town in their pinstriped trousers, white shirts and black tailcoats!
After a refreshing shower, I headed down for dinner - a lovely three course meal, with some truly delicious veggie options for yours truly. It was then time for me to deliver my talk to the group: Henry VIII: From Renaissance Prince to Tyrant. It was fun exploring the enigma that is Henry, and I will enjoy discussing him with members of the group over the next few days.
Now it's time for me to go to bed so that I'm raring to go for our day out at Hampton Court Palace tomorrow.
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- My view at breakfast – Francis I joined me!
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- My breakfast view
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- The round tower
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- The riund tower
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- The Henry VIII Gateway
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- St George’s Chapel
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- Our lovely group
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- Our hotel from the castle
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- Elizabeth I added a stone gallery and royal library
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- Eton from Windsor Castle
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- Francis I prefers the Cornish style cream tea
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- Afternoon tea
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- Eton College
I see Francis I takes his scones by the Cornish method, just like our own dear queen.
But can it really be true that we have served up cream teas (here in the UK) since the 11th c???
I loved the knights of the garter chairs, their arms and badges emblazoned all over them, on the ceiling and the banners in the chapel. I remember the very large painting done to remember our victory at Waterloo and I remember the Royal Service Lady who was assigned to look after me because I couldn’t use the grand stairs in that main hall at the entrance who took us via a lift up to the state apartments and we also enjoyed the old Doll House which belonged to Queen Mary and the display of original Holbein sketches. I had a book, 500 objects inside Windsor Castle and it was excellent following the items as I went around.
My favourite place was Saint George’s Chapel, visiting the tomb marker of Henry Viii and Jane Seymour in the middle of the Quire dedicated to the garter knights and the tomb of Edward iv and Elizabeth Woodville, Lord William Hastings and the marker of Charles Brandon. It was a very wonderful day out. The guide took us in the lift to some of the hidden parts of the Castle. I also enjoyed the old keep and the Tudor cloisters and seeing the Henry Viii Gate again.
I love your friend, King Francis. He seems to have enjoyed his cornflakes and his cream tea. He certainly appears to be looking after you. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and the views, very beautiful.
Have a very good rest of your holiday.