---

 

 

Windsor Leasing

Did You Know?

In 2016, an altarpiece designed by Thomas Hardy was discovered in All Saints Church in Windsor. Although Hardy is most famous for his novels such as Tess of the d’Urbervilles, he originally trained as an architect and designed a number of churches.

Windsor’s train station – Windsor and Eton Central – used to mark the end of the District line of the London Underground. Operational between 1883 and 1885, it was possible to travel all the way to central London from here.

Queen Charlotte Street in Windsor has received the official accolade of being the shortest street in Britain. It’s recorded as being 51 feet and 10 inches long – just 15.8 metres.

Windsor Castle – one of the residences of the royal family – is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Occupied since the times of Henry I in the 10th century – that means it has been home to Britain’s kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. Forty monarchs have called the castle ‘home’ to date. It’s a big home at that – the castle’s grounds cover the equivalent area of 269 tennis courts!

As well as royalty, Windsor has been a popular place for the rich and famous to live. Former Windsor residents include actor Michael Caine, explorer Ranulph Fiennes, musician Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, comedian Billy Connolly and singer Natalie Imbruglia.!

Windsor Great Park is a popular place for a walk in open greenery nowadays. You wouldn’t know it today, but in the past, the park has been used to supply Windsor Castle with boar and as a location for medieval jousts. A more recent claim to fame is that a photo of Windsor Great Park was used on the cover of Elton John’s album, A Single Man.

Windsor Castle has an astounding 450 clocks. When the clocks have to be changed before and after British Summer Time twice a year, it takes the Queen’s clockmaker between 16 and 18 hours to adjust the time on all the castle’s clocks!

Windsor Castle is one of the oldest Norman fortifications in the country, dating back to the reign of William the Conqueror himself. The castle formed part of William’s defensive strategy for the city of London – a ring of nine fortresses, built in the Norman motte-and-bailey style – that would protect the city from any unwelcome visitors.

Ever seen an aerial picture of Windsor Castle? If so, you’ll have seen the beautiful, 2.65-mile Long Walk, a tree-lined drive leading straight up to the castle. This long promenade was originally designed by Charles II, inspired by his love of French architecture and gardens.