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Windsor and Eton
By admin | July 17, 2008
Windsor and Eton are twin towns, in Berkshire, in the South East of England, separated by the River Thames and joined together by Windsor Bridge.
Windsor is an ancient town most famous for its castle, construction of which began in 1075, and which is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. The royal standard flies from the keep of the Castle when the Queen is in residence.
Eton is a rather smaller town, largely dominated by Eton College, the ancient public (US English:private) school which educates many of England’s establishment (especially those who go on to become politicians, judges and diplomats).
Windsor Castle
The largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and still an official royal residence. Much of the castle, including the magnificent State Apartments and St Georges Chapel are visitable. The apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the royal collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough.
Guildhall
Built by Sir Christopher Wren, it is famous for its pillars, which were insisted on by the towns burgesses, even though Wren insisted they were unnecessary. To make his point, he built the pillars but ensured a gap was left between them and the roof they apparently support.
Windsor Parish Church
High Street (by the Guildhall). St. John The Baptist, built 1822, replaced earlier Church edifices that stood since 1084 on the site, 80 meters from the Henry VIII gate of Windsor Castle. Peter Scheemakers, famous for his sculptures in Westminster Abbey, created a memorial to Topham Foote or Foot, son of Samuel Foote and Arabella Topham Foote, that greets visitors using the High Street entrance. The memorial includes the young man’s bust and the Foote crest. A second Scheemakers’ memorial honors Topham Foote’s mother and her second husband Thomas Reeve. Most tourists consider The Last Supper by Francis Cleyn a must-view. The painting and the frame were fully restored in 2003 under the leadership of Churchwarden Michael Harding. George III gave the painting and frame to Windsor Parish Church after it hung nearly a century in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle
Eton College
See School Yard and the College Chapel (building started in 1441 and one of the finest examples of fifteenth century Perpendicular Gothic architecture). Walk around their extensive playing fields some of which are adjacent to the River Thames. Opening hours vary depending on time of year and school term; see ‘Visits to Eton’ topic on the Eton College website or see the website above.
Brocas Meadows
Just across Windsor Bridge. These attractive meadows offer a spectacular view across the river of Windsor and the Castle.
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Topics: Berkshire |