Our next two days included stops at two royal sights that most visitors to London have probably visited. Our first day, we stopped at Windsor Castle, the Queen's weekend get away. While still in use by the modern royals, Windsor is a very historic sight having originally been built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Various royals have added on and remodeled through the centuries. It really is quite stunning, if overrun with tourists.
The tour takes you into the rooms used during state visits and also by one of the nicest doll houses you'll ever see. Royal china is on display (some even bankrupted the manufacturer it was such an expensive gift) as well as artwork collected through the years.
As with Americans, the Royals wanted to be located in a good school district, so they built one of the finest across the river, Eton Hall. The children could probably even walk to school!
Probably the highlight for most in our tour was a visit to St. Georges' chapel. Edward IV (Richard's brother) made major changes to the chapel during his reign and is buried here along with his Queen. Henry VIII is buried here as is the Queen Mother. When the Queen dies, this will be her resting place. This is also the home to the Order of the Garter, a very exclusive, prestigious order. Started by Edward III in 1344 as a PR move. His popularity was falling and he felt instituting such a group might help. I guess everyone is subject to public opinion, even back then. The chapel is really quite something - a not to be missed.
We took our bus into the heart of London, which was a slow experience since it was Friday afternoon rush hour. We had an early dinner in the hotel, then off to bed.
The tour takes you into the rooms used during state visits and also by one of the nicest doll houses you'll ever see. Royal china is on display (some even bankrupted the manufacturer it was such an expensive gift) as well as artwork collected through the years.
Probably the highlight for most in our tour was a visit to St. Georges' chapel. Edward IV (Richard's brother) made major changes to the chapel during his reign and is buried here along with his Queen. Henry VIII is buried here as is the Queen Mother. When the Queen dies, this will be her resting place. This is also the home to the Order of the Garter, a very exclusive, prestigious order. Started by Edward III in 1344 as a PR move. His popularity was falling and he felt instituting such a group might help. I guess everyone is subject to public opinion, even back then. The chapel is really quite something - a not to be missed.
We took our bus into the heart of London, which was a slow experience since it was Friday afternoon rush hour. We had an early dinner in the hotel, then off to bed.
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