After William the Conqueror defeated King Harald Godwinson in the battle of Hastings in 1066 he quickly moved  to consolidate his hold over England.

One of the first measures he took was to build a wooden fort at Windsor that guarded a stretch of the Thames.

 

Early in the 12th century Henri I made the fort his royal residence and Windsor Castle has kept that position ever since.

 

Soon the wood was replaced by stone and fortifications were strengthened. That strategy payed off nicely during the siege in the First Baron's War. 

 

Subsequent monarchs spent lots of money to rebuilt, modify, enhance and beautify the castle.

Of particular beauty and costs are the State Apartments in the Upper Ward, created in the 19th century.

 

Presently the castle serves as weekend home for the Queen and is used for official ceremonies.

 

We visited Windsor Castle in June 2010.