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Friday, May 29, 2015

Windsor Castle and a visit from the Queen Mother

Great day at one of Englands oldest Castles, Windsor Castle.  This castle was built in 1070 by William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy.  During the 1050's Edward the Confessor, King of England had promised the throne to his cousin Guilliam (William) Duke of Normandy.  Upon Edwards death in 1065 the throne was passed to the Earl of Wessex, Harold Godwinson.  Feeling betrayed, William Duke of Normandy with 7000 knights attacked the English at Hastings.  Upon this victory he claimed the crown of England.  Fearing the English might not accept a "French" king, William, now called the Conqueror quickly built 3 castles in London and 9 others in a ring around London for the purpose of intimidating the populace into submission. Of these 9 castles only Windsor Castle remains.

While we were visiting the castle, Queen Elizabeth arrived and had her personal flag hoisted onto the tower.  It was very exciting to be in the same vicinity with such an inspiring individual.  Notice the first picture of the tower has the Union Jack Flag while the final picture has the Queens flag.






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6 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 30, 2015 at 7:46 AM

    Did you get to see the Queen or were u just in the same area as her?

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    1. UnknownMay 31, 2015 at 4:25 PM

      They keep a pretty tight watch on Queen Elizabeth, so she was in another location and the public was not allowed into her living area. Similiar to our secret service protection of our president. We were aware of her presence by the lowering of the British flag and the raising of her personal banner or standard flag.

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  2. UnknownMay 31, 2015 at 3:11 PM

    Wow, 7000 Knights!!! How did he manage to gather up that many knights to join him?
    -Justin Zhu

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  3. UnknownMay 31, 2015 at 4:32 PM

    William the Conqueror, was one of the most powerful men in Europe in 1066 AD. Though he pledged loyalty to the King of France he was in control of more territory. Just as he pledged loyalty to the King of France, he had knights that were under his protection. In response to this protection from Willian, the Duke of Normandy, each pledged loyalty and knights in his service if needed. When William, Duke of Normandy, decided to invade England to claim what was his by blood those knights were bound to help him. They were also encouraged to participate in the invasion by the promise of taking their share of spoils from the English defeat.

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  4. Cade ShorttJuly 23, 2015 at 1:12 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Cade ShorttJuly 23, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    I was taught that William the Conqueror had a huge impact on the English language, as he and his officials spoke French, while the peasants spoke a form of "Old English." Would this castle have been a part of this transition in the language? Is there any error in my knowledge?

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