Yesterday the world famous round tower at Windsor Castle re-opened it’s doors to the public for the first time in almost 40 years.
Closed in 1975 for construction work including under-pinning to stop subsidence, the tower was then converted into offices for the Royal Archives, and hasn’t open to the public until now.
The 800-year-old landmark in Berkshire will no doubt be a top tourist attraction over the summer months.
The re-opening will also be marked with a new tour ‘Conquer the Tower’. This will include walking up the 200 step to take in views over London and Windsor from 65.5 meters up.
The round tower was build by Henry II in 1170. William the Conqueror then replaced the heath stone with wooden Norman keep.
At the heart of the property sits an artificial mound, called a motte, formed by chalk spoil from the surrounding ditch.
Today the tower looks as it did when George IV remodelled it in the 1820’s. In line with his romantic notion of castle architecture, the tower was heightened by nine metres and given gothic-style battlements.
The 45-minute Conquer the Tower tours will run daily until September 30.
