St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is a stunning example of late-medieval Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It is not only a castle chapel built under the direct jurisdiction of the monarch but also serves as the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. The chapel was founded in the 14th century by King Edward III and extensively enlarged in the late 15th century. It is located in the Lower Ward of the castle, which has been the principal residence of the British monarch for almost a millennium.
The Chapel's Early History
King Edward III founded St George's Chapel in 1348 as a place of worship for the knights of the Order of the Garter, which he established to honour the patron saint of England, St George. The original chapel was small, with only the choir and the apse, but it was later extended with the addition of the nave and the tower by King Henry VII in the late 15th century. The chapel's elaborate fan-vaulted ceiling is one of the largest and most complex in England.
Royal Services, Weddings, and Burials
The Chapel has been the scene of many royal services, weddings, and burials. In the 19th century, St George's Chapel and the nearby Frogmore Gardens superseded Westminster Abbey as the chosen burial place for the British royal family. Some of the notable burials in the chapel include King Henry VIII, Queen Jane Seymour, and King George VI, father of Queen Elizabeth II.
The chapel has also been the setting for many royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The chapel's ornate interior and magnificent stained-glass windows make it a spectacular location for such events.
The College of Saint George
The running of the chapel is the responsibility of the dean and Canons of Windsor, who make up the College of Saint George. The college is made up of twenty canons, who are senior clergy appointed by the monarch. They are assisted by a clerk, verger, and other staff. The Society of the Friends of St George's and Descendants of the Knights of the Garter, a registered charity, was established in 1931 to assist the college in maintaining the chapel.
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Conclusion
St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the rich history and culture of England. Its intricate fan-vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows, and beautiful stone carvings make it a must-see attraction for visitors to Windsor Castle. The chapel's rich history and royal associations make it a special place and a fitting location for royal services, weddings, and burials.