combines the features of a fortification, a palace, and
a small town.The present-day castle was created during a sequence of phased building projects, culminating in the reconstruction work after a fire in 1992. It is in essence a Georgian and Victorian design based on a medieval structure, with Gothic features reinvented in a modern style. Since the 14th century, architecture at the castle has attempted to produce a contemporary reinterpretation of older fashions and traditions, repeatedly imitating outmoded or even antiquated styles. As a result, architect Sir William Whitfield has pointed to Windsor Castle's architecture as having "a certain fictive quality", the Picturesque and Gothic design generating "a sense that a theatrical performance is being put on here", despite late 20th century efforts to expose more of the older structures to increase the sense of authenticity. Although there has been some criticism, the castle's architecture and history lends it a "place amongst the greatest European palaces".
Plan of Windsor Castle.
Key: A: The Round Tower,
B: The Upper Ward, The Quadrangle,
C: The State Apartments,
D: Private Apartments,
E: South Wing,
F: Lower Ward,
G: St George's Chapel,
H: Horseshoe Cloister,
K: King Henry VIII Gate,
L: The Long Walk,
M: Norman Gate,
N: North Terrace,
O: Edward III Tower,
T: The Curfew Tower