Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Just after the Norman conquest, William the Conqueror built a fortress at Windsor. The site was on high ground that gave defenders a view of several miles. In 1327, Edward III came to the throne and transformed Windsor Castle into the home of English chivalry creating the Knights of the Garter and hosted jousting tournaments there. Charles I was imprisoned there prior to his execution and Charles II used Windsor Castle to reestablish the monarchy. There is a large collection of Leonardo da Vinci sketches and drawings among the vast collection of art. In 1776, George III decided to move the Royal family to Windsor and spent extensively refurbishing what had become a dilapidated old castle. Lavish decorating continued under George IV who built the Waterloo chamber as a tribute to Wellington and the defeat of Napoleon. Victoria and Albert spent much time there though the Queen shuttered herself in the castle after her husband's death. Queen Mary's doll-house depicts life as it was in the early 1920s. In 1992, fire caused a great deal of damage but the castle has now been fully rebuilt.
—garykmcd