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Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of the Queen of Britain. Over a period of nearly 1,000 years it has been inhabited continuously, and altered and refurbished[1] by successive monarchs. Some were great builders, strengthening the Castle against uprising and rebellion; others, living in more peaceful times, created a palatial[2] Royal residence. William the Conqueror chose the site, high above the river Thames and on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground.[3] It was a day’s march from the Tower of London[4] and intended to guard the western approaches to the capital. The outer walls of today’s structure are in the same position as those of the original castle built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. The Queen uses the Castle both as a private home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as a Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties. Windsor Castle is often used by The Queen to host State Visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. Every year The Queen takes up official residence in Windsor Castle for a month over Easter (March-April). The Castle is huge, so people tend to head for the most spectacular bits—the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, the Gallery and the delightful Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Works of art, antique furniture, curiosities and impressive architecture reflect the tastes of many different royal generations. | 
