Windsor Books

In this book Nicolson charts the years since Windsor Castle was nearly destroyed by fire through to the final rebuilding, including dealing with the fire, the finances of restoring the Castle and the decisions on whether simply to restore or make changes.

Chronologically charts the contributions of different monarchs to the development of Windsor Great Park and Home Park and their gardens and associated buildings. The book presents a topographical survey of the chief features of both parks and the various uses of each.

Local historian Sheila Rooney gives a vivid illustrated account of the distinctive history of Windsor and Eton over the last 1,000 years. Windsor's long, close association with the monarchy and Eton's world-famous school have had a strong influence on the character of the area. Although the town existed to serve the castle, it too has an interesting history. At times the streets swarmed with beggars and prostitutes and, in the 18th century, the town was notorious for its squalid, overcrowded, unsanitary slums. There is a detailed account of the clearance and rebuilding that took place in the 19th century, prompted by the coming of the railway, and the process of restoration and renewal that has formed the Windsor of today. This meticulously researched history, which is illustrated with over 200 pictures and photographs, will prove revealing reading and a fascinating source of reference for Windsor residents, past and present.

Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in existence. It is the home of the Queen, and with its skyline of battlements, turrets and great Round Tower it is instantly recognisable throughout the world. Visitors have been admitted to the Castle since the eighteenth century, and in this flowing and well-researched account John Martin Robinson traces the building's 1,000 years of history. He describes how William the Conqueror's impenetrable fortification became in time a medieval hunting lodge, a private retreat and a magnificent State residence. His final chapter describes the official engagements that form part of the Queen's diary each year, and for this new, expanded edition he also includes a full account of the much-praised restoration work that was carried out after the fire in 1992. New illustrations have also been added to the final chapter, and throughout the book there are excellent reproductions of the priceless works of art that form part of the Royal Collect...